Brion Curran

Brion Curran is an American politician currently serving as a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives, representing District 36B. A member of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL), Curran has been in office since 2023. Their district encompasses parts of the north Twin Cities metropolitan area, including the cities of White Bear Lake and Vadnais Heights, as well as portions of Ramsey and Washington Counties. Curran's legislative focus includes issues related to mental health, public safety, and LGBTQ+ rights.

Early life and career

Brion Curran was born on May 27, 1985. They grew up in Minnesota, where they completed their secondary education at Centennial High School located in Circle Pines. Following high school, Curran pursued higher education, earning an associate degree in applied sciences with a focus on law enforcement from Century College. They furthered their academic journey by obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice from Concordia University in St. Paul. This educational background laid the foundation for Curran's career in public service and law enforcement.

Curran has dedicated two decades of their professional life to working in disability services, a field that emphasizes support and advocacy for individuals with disabilities. Their commitment to public service is also reflected in their involvement with law enforcement. Curran joined the White Bear Lake Police Department, where they served as a volunteer police sergeant and worked as a 911 dispatcher from 2015 to 2018. This experience provided them with a unique perspective on public safety and community engagement.

In 2018, Curran took on the role of deputy sheriff at the Chisago County Sheriff's Office. However, their tenure in this position was cut short due to a traumatic incident that led to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This experience has significantly influenced Curran's advocacy work, particularly in the area of mental health support for law enforcement personnel.

Legislative service

Brion Curran was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2022, succeeding two-term DFL incumbent Ami Wazlawik, who chose not to seek reelection. Curran's election marked a new chapter in their career, allowing them to transition from public service in law enforcement to legislative service. Since taking office, Curran has actively participated in various committees, including the Human Services Policy Committee, the Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee, and the Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee. Their involvement in these committees reflects their commitment to addressing critical issues related to health, justice, and public safety.

In addition to their committee roles, Curran served as the vice chair of the Sustainable Infrastructure Policy Committee during the 2023-2024 legislative session. This position allowed them to contribute to discussions on sustainable practices and policies that impact infrastructure development in Minnesota. Furthermore, Curran is the vice chair of the Queer Caucus, a group of LGBTQ+ legislators that was established during the 2023 legislative session. This caucus aims to advocate for the rights and needs of LGBTQ+ individuals within the legislative framework.

In the upcoming 2025-2026 legislative session, Curran is set to take on the role of assistant DFL floor leader, which will further enhance their leadership responsibilities within the House. This position will provide Curran with the opportunity to influence legislative priorities and collaborate with colleagues on key issues affecting their constituents.

Policy focus and district

Curran's legislative priorities are shaped by their personal experiences and professional background. They have been a vocal advocate for mental health support, particularly for law enforcement officers. Drawing from their own experiences with PTSD, Curran has emphasized the need for increased funding for mental health resources to support officers facing similar challenges. Their advocacy in this area aims to address the mental health crisis within law enforcement and promote a healthier work environment for officers.

One of Curran's significant legislative achievements includes supporting a bill to ban the use of conversion therapy for minors and vulnerable adults in Minnesota. This legislation, which passed the House in 2023, reflects Curran's commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals. They have described conversion therapy as "abusive brainwashing" and have shared their personal experiences related to the practice, highlighting its detrimental effects on mental health.

In addition to their work on mental health and LGBTQ+ rights, Curran has authored legislation aimed at enhancing public safety. They proposed a bill that would prohibit courts from issuing or approving no-knock search warrants, citing concerns about the risks posed to both citizens and law enforcement. This legislation emerged in response to tragic incidents involving no-knock warrants, including the case of Amir Locke, who was killed during a no-knock warrant search. Curran's proposal seeks to uphold the Fourth Amendment protections against unlawful searches and seizures while ensuring the safety of all parties involved.

Curran has also focused on environmental and public health issues, particularly concerning drinking water services in the Twin Cities East Metro area. They authored legislation that established a working group led by the Metropolitan Council to collaborate with municipalities facing challenges in managing drinking water services around White Bear Lake. This initiative reflects Curran's commitment to addressing environmental concerns and ensuring access to clean and safe drinking water for residents in their district.

Personal life

Brion Curran resides in Vadnais Heights, Minnesota. They identify as queer and nonbinary, which informs their advocacy work and representation within the legislature. In 2023, Curran and their wife, Brandi, divorced, a personal development that has been noted in public records.

In October 2023, Curran faced legal issues when they were arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated (DWI) in Chisago County. They later pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of fourth-degree DWI, resulting in a two-day jail sentence served in early 2024. This incident has drawn attention to Curran's personal challenges, but they continue to serve in their legislative role, focusing on the issues that matter to their constituents and the state of Minnesota.