Jess Hanson

Jessica Hanson is an American politician currently serving as a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives, representing District 55A. A member of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL), she has been in office since 2021. Her district encompasses parts of the southern Twin Cities metropolitan area, including the cities of Burnsville and Savage, along with portions of Dakota and Scott Counties. Throughout her legislative career, Hanson has focused on various policy issues, including mental health, public transportation, and marijuana legalization.

Early life and career

Born on September 13, 1986, Jessica Hanson grew up in Minnesota, where she developed a strong connection to her community. She pursued higher education at St. Catherine University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in social work. Following her undergraduate studies, she continued her education at Metropolitan State University, where she obtained a Master of Arts in advocacy and political leadership. This academic background laid the foundation for her future work in public service and advocacy.

Before entering the political arena, Hanson worked as a dental network representative for Anthem, a role she has held since 2007. This position provided her with valuable experience in navigating complex systems and understanding the importance of healthcare access. In addition to her professional career, Hanson was actively engaged in advocacy work. She led the Minnesota Campaign for Full Legalization, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the legalization of marijuana in Minnesota. This role allowed her to develop her skills in advocacy and policy development, which would later inform her legislative priorities.

Legislative service

Jessica Hanson was first elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2020, succeeding one-term DFL incumbent Hunter Cantrell, who chose not to seek reelection. In the general election, Hanson faced former Republican state representative Pam Myhra and won by a margin of 3.3 percentage points. Following the election, Myhra challenged the results, but a court dismissed the case due to procedural issues. Since her initial election, Hanson has successfully sought reelection, winning in the newly drawn District 55A by margins of 6.1 points in 2022 and 6.8 points in 2024.

During her time in the legislature, Hanson has taken a proactive approach to addressing various issues affecting her constituents. One of her notable legislative achievements is the authorship of "Travis's Law," which mandates that 911 operators refer emergency calls involving mental health crises to specially trained mental health teams. This legislation was named in memory of Travis Jordan, a man who tragically lost his life during a police encounter while experiencing a mental health crisis. The bill garnered bipartisan support and was signed into law by Governor Tim Walz.

Hanson has also been a vocal advocate for the legalization of marijuana in Minnesota, emphasizing the need for legislative action rather than relying on a constitutional referendum. She argues that regulating marijuana can enhance public health and safety, reflecting her commitment to addressing contemporary social issues.

In addition to her work on mental health and marijuana legislation, Hanson has authored a bill aimed at repealing a gag order on the study of a proposed Dan Patch commuter rail line. This rail line is intended to connect Northfield, Minnesota, to Minneapolis, passing through Savage. Hanson believes that this project could significantly improve public transportation options for residents in her district. In response to rising gas prices, she joined her fellow DFL legislators in advocating for a temporary suspension of the state gas tax, demonstrating her responsiveness to the economic concerns of her constituents.

Hanson's legislative responsibilities extend beyond her authored bills. She serves as the vice chair of the Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee and is a member of several other committees, including the Children and Families Finance and Policy, Higher Education Finance and Policy, and Human Services Policy Committees. Her involvement in these committees allows her to influence a broad range of policy areas, furthering her commitment to serving the needs of her district.

Policy focus and district

As a representative of District 55A, Jessica Hanson has prioritized issues that resonate with the needs and interests of her constituents. Her focus on mental health services reflects a growing recognition of the importance of addressing mental health crises in a compassionate and effective manner. By advocating for policies that connect individuals in crisis with trained professionals, she aims to improve outcomes for those experiencing mental health challenges.

Hanson's support for public transportation initiatives, such as the Dan Patch commuter rail line, underscores her commitment to enhancing mobility and accessibility in her district. Improved public transportation can alleviate traffic congestion, reduce environmental impact, and provide residents with more options for commuting to work, school, and other essential destinations.

The legalization of marijuana is another significant aspect of Hanson's policy focus. By advocating for a regulated approach to marijuana, she seeks to address public health concerns while also recognizing the potential economic benefits of legalization. Her stance reflects a broader trend in many states toward reevaluating marijuana policies and considering the implications for public safety and health.

In her role as a legislator, Hanson has demonstrated a commitment to engaging with her constituents and addressing their needs. She resides in Burnsville, Minnesota, where she is raising two children. Her personal experiences as a parent and community member inform her legislative priorities, as she seeks to create a better future for families in her district.

Overall, Jessica Hanson's legislative service is characterized by her focus on mental health, public transportation, and marijuana legalization, as well as her active engagement in the legislative process. Through her work, she aims to make a positive impact on the lives of her constituents in District 55A and contribute to the broader goals of the Minnesota House of Representatives.