Leigh Finke

Leigh Finke is an American politician serving as a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives, representing District 66A. A member of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL), Finke is notable for being the first openly transgender legislator in the Minnesota Legislature. She has been in office since 2023 and is actively involved in various legislative committees, focusing on issues related to LGBTQ+ rights, healthcare, and education.

Early life and career

Leigh Finke was born in Minnesota and spent her formative years in the western suburbs of the Twin Cities. She graduated from Maple Grove Senior High School, located in Maple Grove, Minnesota. Following her high school education, Finke pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in English literature from Bethel College in 2003. Her academic journey continued at DePaul University, where she obtained a Master of Arts degree specializing in Shakespeare.

During her time at Bethel College, Finke became engaged in political activism, particularly in opposition to the Iraq War. This early involvement in politics laid the foundation for her future career in public service. From 2018 to 2021, she worked as a senior producer at 1517 Media, where she was responsible for writing and producing two documentary films that addressed significant social issues: "Ending the Silence: Confronting Sexual Shame in the Church" and "White Savior: Racism in the American Church." Additionally, she contributed to the editing of two nonfiction books for Beaming Books, focusing on themes of inclusivity and affirmation within the LGBTQ+ community.

In 2021 and 2022, Finke served as a Multimedia Storyteller for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Minnesota, where she continued to advocate for civil rights and social justice. Her political engagement became more pronounced in late 2022 when she publicly criticized a Republican gubernatorial candidate for promoting a transphobic narrative related to schools. In March 2023, she founded the Queer Equity Institute, a nonprofit organization aimed at supporting and encouraging queer individuals in politics.

Legislative service

Finke was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2022, following a period of legislative redistricting and the retirement of a long-serving DFL incumbent. Her election marked a significant milestone, as she became the first openly transgender legislator in Minnesota's history. Finke's decision to run for office was largely motivated by her concerns over anti-trans legislation introduced by state Republicans in 2021, which sought to restrict transgender girls' participation in girls' sports.

In the House, Finke has taken on a leadership role as a founding member and chair of the Queer Caucus, a group of LGBTQ+ legislators that was established prior to the 2023 legislative session. She serves on several committees, including the Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee, Human Services Policy Committee, Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee, and Legacy Finance Committee. Through her committee work, Finke has been involved in shaping legislation on a variety of issues, including environmental policy, healthcare, and social justice.

Policy focus and district

Finke's legislative agenda is heavily focused on LGBTQ+ rights and healthcare access. She has been a vocal advocate for banning conversion therapy for minors and vulnerable adults, emphasizing the importance of supporting and affirming the identities of young people. Finke has also sponsored legislation aimed at removing harmful language from state law that associates sexual orientation with pedophilia, as well as efforts to add gender identity as a protected class in Minnesota's human rights statute. These initiatives have faced opposition from some Republican representatives, leading to significant public discourse and, unfortunately, personal threats against Finke.

In addition to her work on LGBTQ+ rights, Finke has been active in advocating for gender-affirming healthcare. She authored legislation designed to protect access to gender-affirming care for both residents and those traveling to Minnesota for such services. This legislative effort culminated in the passage of the "Trans Refuge Bill," which was signed into law by Governor Tim Walz. Finke has consistently opposed Republican attempts to restrict transgender healthcare, arguing for the necessity of removing barriers to access and increasing health insurance coverage for these services.

Finke's policy focus extends beyond LGBTQ+ issues. She is pro-choice and advocates for the removal of limitations on abortion access in Minnesota. Additionally, she supports increasing funding for education, including enhancements to teacher salaries and mental health resources for students. In a notable initiative, Finke proposed legislation requiring free water at large ticketed events to prevent heat-related injuries, highlighting her commitment to public health and safety.

Finke's contributions to public service have been recognized through various awards and honors. In 2023, she was named one of USA Today's Women of the Year, acknowledging her impact on social issues at both the state and national levels. She was also featured in Minnesota Public Radio's "Changemakers" series, which highlights individuals making significant contributions to the state. Furthermore, she received the Children's Health Hero Award from Children's Minnesota for her advocacy on the trans refuge bill.

In her personal life, Finke resides in the Midway neighborhood of St. Paul and is a parent to two children. In August 2025, she married Deborah Marie Fox in a ceremony held at the State Capitol Rotunda, marking another personal milestone in her life.

Finke's journey as a legislator and advocate reflects her commitment to social justice and equality, particularly for marginalized communities. As she continues her service in the Minnesota House of Representatives, her work remains focused on creating a more inclusive and equitable society for all Minnesotans.