Mohamud Noor

Mohamud Noor is an American politician currently serving as a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives, representing District 60B. A member of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL), Noor has been in office since 2019. His district encompasses parts of Minneapolis in Hennepin County, where he has focused on various social and economic issues affecting his constituents.

Early life and career

Mohamud Noor was born in 1978 in Somalia. His early life was significantly impacted by the civil war that erupted in his home country, prompting his family to seek asylum in Kenya. In 1999, they emigrated to the United States, ultimately settling in Minnesota. This transition marked the beginning of Noor's journey in a new country, where he would later pursue higher education and a career in public service.

Noor attended Metropolitan State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science. Following his graduation, he worked as a system administrator for the Minnesota Department of Human Services. His professional background in technology and public service laid the groundwork for his later political career.

In addition to his technical career, Noor became actively involved in community service. He served as the director of the Confederation of Somali Community in Minnesota, a nonprofit organization based in Minneapolis that focuses on supporting immigrants. In this role, Noor advocated for various programs aimed at improving the lives of Somali youth, enhancing job skills, providing childcare services, and addressing mental health needs. His advocacy work also included vocal criticism of rising anti-Islamic sentiment in the United States, particularly during the 2016 presidential campaign, and he expressed support for initiatives that fostered inclusivity and understanding.

Legislative service

Noor's political career began with local campaigns before he successfully entered the Minnesota House of Representatives. In 2010, he ran for a seat on the Minneapolis Public Schools board but finished in fifth place. However, in December 2013, he was appointed to the school board after the passing of a board member. His tenure on the school board was relatively brief, as he resigned to pursue a run for the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2014.

In 2011, Noor attempted to secure a seat in the Minnesota Senate but lost in a special election primary. He continued to engage in local politics and, in 2017, he challenged the incumbent for the Minneapolis City Council in Ward 6. Despite a well-organized campaign and endorsements from prominent local figures, Noor lost the election and subsequently raised concerns about irregularities during the voting process. He sought a recount and filed a lawsuit to contest the election results, but his efforts were ultimately dismissed by the courts.

Noor's persistence paid off when he was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2018. He had previously run for the House in 2014 and 2016, facing established incumbents without success. In 2018, following the decision of Ilhan Omar to vacate her seat to run for Congress, Noor successfully won both the DFL primary and the general election. Since taking office, he has been reelected every two years.

In the Minnesota House, Noor has taken on significant leadership roles. He has served as the chair of the Human Services Finance Committee since 2023 and is a member of several other committees, including Higher Education Finance and Policy, Human Services Policy, and Ways and Means. His previous roles included chairing the Workforce and Business Development Finance and Policy Committee and serving as vice chair of the Jobs and Economic Development Finance Committee.

Policy focus and district

Noor's legislative agenda reflects a commitment to addressing various social and economic disparities within his district and the state. He has been an advocate for policies aimed at reducing racial disparities in healthcare, education, unemployment, and housing. One of his notable legislative efforts includes supporting the Driver's Licenses for All bill, which allows undocumented immigrants in Minnesota to obtain driver's licenses. Noor has framed this initiative as a moral obligation, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity in state policies.

Throughout his political career, Noor has been vocal in his criticism of anti-immigrant rhetoric, particularly during the Trump administration. He has defended fellow politicians, including Ilhan Omar, against attacks that he views as rooted in prejudice and misinformation. Noor's advocacy extends to various policy areas, including job creation through investments in the green economy, healthcare access, and educational funding. He has called for a reevaluation of the state's reliance on property taxes for school funding and has supported efforts to secure waivers from federal education mandates.

Noor's policy positions also include support for veterans, particularly Hmong veterans of the Vietnam War, as well as backing the Affordable Care Act and advocating for same-sex marriage. His campaign efforts have garnered endorsements from a range of local progressive organizations and political figures, reflecting his alignment with broader progressive movements within Minnesota.

Outside of his legislative duties, Noor is a family man. He is married to Farhiya Del, and together they have four children. The Noor family resides in the Como neighborhood of Minneapolis, where they are active members of the community. Noor's personal experiences as an immigrant and his commitment to public service continue to shape his legislative priorities and community engagement.