Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn

Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn is an American politician currently serving as a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives, representing District 49B. A member of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL), she has been in office since 2019, following her election that year. Kotyza-Witthuhn's district encompasses parts of the southwestern Twin Cities metropolitan area, including the city of Eden Prairie and other regions within Hennepin County, Minnesota.

Early life and career

Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn was born in the mid-1980s in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Growing up in this city, she developed an interest in community service and public policy from an early age. She pursued higher education at the University of St. Thomas, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in entrepreneurship. This academic background provided her with foundational skills in business and operations, which she later applied in her professional career as an operations analyst. Her work experience in this field has equipped her with insights into the economic and operational challenges faced by businesses, which would later inform her legislative priorities.

Before entering politics, Kotyza-Witthuhn's career was marked by her commitment to community engagement and advocacy. Her experiences as a mother and her involvement in local issues helped shape her understanding of the needs and concerns of families in her district. This personal connection to her community has been a driving force in her political career, motivating her to seek office and represent the interests of her constituents.

Legislative service

Kotyza-Witthuhn was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2018, successfully defeating a five-term Republican incumbent. Her election marked a significant shift in representation for District 49B, as she brought a new perspective and a commitment to addressing the needs of her constituents. Since taking office, she has been reelected every two years, demonstrating her continued support within the community.

In the Minnesota House, Kotyza-Witthuhn has taken on various leadership roles. She has served as the vice chair of the Commerce Finance and Policy Committee since 2021, where she plays a key role in shaping legislation related to commerce and finance in the state. Additionally, she is a member of several other committees, including the Children and Families Finance and Policy Committee, the Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee, and the Human Services Finance Committee. Through her committee work, she has focused on issues that affect families, children, and economic development in Minnesota.

Kotyza-Witthuhn's legislative efforts have included a range of policy initiatives aimed at improving the lives of her constituents. She has been particularly active in advocating for reproductive rights, education, and child care. Her work in the legislature reflects her commitment to addressing the pressing issues facing families and communities in her district.

Policy focus and district

Kotyza-Witthuhn's policy focus is characterized by her advocacy for reproductive rights, education, and child care. She is a pro-choice advocate and has been vocal in her criticism of the overturning of Roe v. Wade. As a founding member of the Reproductive Freedom Caucus, she has worked to protect and expand reproductive rights in Minnesota. In 2023, she authored significant legislation known as the Protect Reproductive Options Act, or PRO Act, which established a fundamental right to continue a pregnancy or obtain an abortion in state law. This legislation also included provisions to protect access to contraception, sterilization, family planning, and counseling services.

In addition to her work on reproductive rights, Kotyza-Witthuhn has prioritized education and child care policies. She has shared her experiences as a mother of young children while serving in the legislature, highlighting the challenges faced by parents in balancing work and family responsibilities. Her advocacy has led to the introduction of legislation aimed at increasing funding for Parent Aware, a program that supports day care and early-learning providers. Furthermore, she has supported initiatives to enhance prenatal and early childhood education, recognizing the importance of early development in a child's life.

Kotyza-Witthuhn's commitment to innovative healthcare policies was acknowledged when she was selected to join the Future Caucus 2025-2026 Prenatal-to-Three Innovation Fellowship cohort. This recognition underscores her dedication to improving health outcomes for families and children in her district.

Beyond her work in education and reproductive rights, Kotyza-Witthuhn has also addressed economic issues. She authored a bill to reinstate the angel tax credit program, which provides tax incentives for investors who support the establishment of new businesses in Minnesota. Additionally, she has introduced legislation aimed at banning nonessential PFAS chemicals in children's products, reflecting her concern for public health and safety.

In her personal life, Kotyza-Witthuhn resides in Eden Prairie with her husband, Rory, and their four children, three of whom were adopted from the foster care system. Their family life informs her legislative priorities, as she seeks to create a supportive environment for all families in her district. The family is active in their community, attending St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Edina.

Through her legislative service, Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn continues to advocate for the needs of her constituents in District 49B, focusing on issues that impact families, children, and the broader community. Her work reflects a commitment to public service and a dedication to improving the quality of life for residents in Minnesota.