María Isa Pérez-Vega

María Isa Pérez-Vega is an American politician and musician currently serving as a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives, representing District 65B. A member of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL), she has been in office since 2023. Pérez-Vega's district encompasses parts of Saint Paul, West St. Paul, and portions of Dakota and Ramsey Counties, located within the Twin Cities metropolitan area. In addition to her legislative role, she is also known for her contributions to the local music scene as a rapper and singer.

Early life and career

María Isa Pérez-Vega was born on May 1, 1987, in the West Side neighborhood of Saint Paul, Minnesota. She comes from a family of Puerto Rican heritage, which has influenced her cultural identity and community engagement. Her mother made history by being appointed as the first Latina to direct the office of equal opportunity in Minnesota by Governor Rudy Perpich. This early exposure to public service and advocacy likely shaped Pérez-Vega's future endeavors in both politics and community work.

Pérez-Vega pursued her education at Columbia College Chicago, where she earned a degree in cultural studies. This academic background provided her with a foundation in understanding cultural dynamics, which she would later apply in her political and artistic careers. In 2018, she traveled to Puerto Rico to assist in recovery efforts following Hurricane Maria, where she played a significant role in raising over $270,000 for relief efforts through the St. Paul Foundation. Her commitment to humanitarian causes continued as she helped raise awareness and funds for recovery efforts following the earthquakes in Puerto Rico in 2020 and Hurricane Fiona in 2022.

In the political realm, Pérez-Vega became involved in the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party, actively supporting Bernie Sanders during the 2020 presidential primaries. She was also engaged with the DFL Latino Caucus, which was revitalized under the name "Movimiento." Her advocacy work and political involvement were further galvanized by personal connections, including her friendship with George Floyd, whose death in May 2020 sparked widespread protests and discussions about racial justice and police reform.

Legislative service

Pérez-Vega was first elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2022, entering the political arena following a period of legislative redistricting and the retirement of long-serving DFL incumbent Carlos Mariani. Her election marked a significant moment in the representation of her district, as she brought a fresh perspective to the Minnesota legislature.

Since taking office, Pérez-Vega has been actively involved in various legislative committees, including the Children and Families Finance and Policy, Education Finance, and Housing Finance and Policy Committees. Her work on these committees reflects her commitment to addressing critical issues affecting families, education, and housing in her district and the state at large. In 2023, she was appointed by Governor Tim Walz to the Capitol Area Community Vitality Task Force, further expanding her role in shaping community-focused policies.

Pérez-Vega has been involved in significant legislative initiatives, most notably co-leading the "Driver's Licenses For All" legislation alongside fellow legislator Aisha Gomez. This legislation, which passed both chambers and was signed into law by Governor Walz on March 7, 2023, allows undocumented immigrants in Minnesota to obtain driver's licenses. This change reversed a previous policy enacted in 2003 by then-Governor Tim Pawlenty, which had significant implications for the immigrant community. Pérez-Vega's personal experiences and background informed her advocacy for this legislation, as she has spoken about its positive impacts on individuals and families within the immigrant community.

In addition to her legislative accomplishments, Pérez-Vega has demonstrated a commitment to community solidarity. Following a suspected arson incident at a mosque in Saint Paul, she joined Muslim legislators and community leaders to denounce the act, labeling it as terrorism against the Muslim community. This response highlights her dedication to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all constituents in her district.

Policy focus and district

As a representative of District 65B, Pérez-Vega's policy focus encompasses a range of issues that are critical to her constituents. Her work on the Children and Families Finance and Policy Committee indicates a commitment to improving the welfare of families and children in Minnesota. This includes advocating for policies that support education, healthcare, and social services aimed at enhancing the quality of life for families in her district.

Pérez-Vega's involvement in housing finance and policy reflects her awareness of the challenges faced by residents in the Twin Cities metropolitan area, particularly in terms of affordable housing and homelessness. Her legislative efforts aim to address these pressing issues, ensuring that all residents have access to safe and affordable living conditions.

In addition to her legislative work, Pérez-Vega's background as a musician plays a significant role in her public persona. She has been an active participant in the Twin Cities hip-hop scene since her teenage years and owns a record label named SotaRico, which pays homage to her roots in Minnesota and Puerto Rico. On the day she was sworn into office, she released a new music project titled "Capitolio," emphasizing her commitment to maintaining her identity as an artist while serving in the legislature. This dual role as a musician and politician allows her to connect with a diverse audience and engage with her community on multiple levels.

Pérez-Vega resides in the West Side of Saint Paul and is a mother to one child. Her personal experiences as a parent and member of a culturally rich community inform her legislative priorities and advocacy efforts. As she continues her service in the Minnesota House of Representatives, she remains focused on addressing the needs and concerns of her constituents while also pursuing her passion for music and community engagement. In 2026, she plans to run for the Ramsey County Commission, indicating her ongoing commitment to public service and community leadership.