Athena Hollins

Athena Hollins is an American politician currently serving as a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives, representing District 66B. A member of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL), she has been in office since 2021. Hollins has held various leadership roles within the House, including serving as the majority whip for the House DFL caucus from 2023 to 2025. Her legislative work focuses on issues such as public safety, civil rights, and environmental policy, reflecting her commitment to her constituents in parts of Saint Paul, Minnesota.

Early life and career

Athena Hollins was born on October 18, 1983, in Hawaii. She pursued higher education at Reed College, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology. Following her undergraduate studies, Hollins attended the University of Saint Thomas, where she obtained her Juris Doctor degree in 2011. After completing her education, she began her professional career in law, specializing in family law and estate planning.

In addition to her legal practice, Hollins has been actively involved in her community. She served as the president of the Payne-Phalen Community Council, an organization focused on community development and engagement in her neighborhood. Her professional background also includes work in community relations, with a particular emphasis on diversity and inclusion. Hollins has held the position of senior director of diversity and foundations, where she has worked to promote equitable practices within organizations.

Legislative service

Hollins entered the political arena when she was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2020. Her path to office included a significant primary challenge against nine-term incumbent John Lesch, which she won after initially losing the DFL endorsement. Since taking office, Hollins has been re-elected, demonstrating her continued support among constituents.

As a legislator, Hollins has taken on several leadership roles. She serves as the majority whip for the House DFL caucus and is the vice chair of the Rules and Legislative Administration Committee. Additionally, she is a member of several committees, including the Climate and Energy Finance and Policy Committee, the Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee, and the Property Tax Division of the Taxes Committee. Her involvement in these committees reflects her commitment to addressing a wide range of issues affecting her district and the state.

Hollins has been an advocate for various legislative initiatives. She authored a bill aimed at banning conversion therapy for minors and vulnerable adults, which successfully passed the House in both 2021 and 2023. Furthermore, she introduced legislation to eliminate the "gay panic defense," a legal strategy used in murder cases involving LGBTQ victims. Hollins has also sponsored legislation to remove the statute of limitations on reporting sexual assault, highlighting her focus on issues related to public safety and civil rights.

In response to concerns about policing practices, Hollins introduced legislation to ban no-knock warrants in Minnesota. Following the police killing of Amir Locke, she proposed further restrictions on such warrants, which gained support from Governor Walz. Although her initial proposal faced opposition from Senate Republicans, it passed the House as part of a broader public safety bill. Hollins has been vocal in her criticism of the Minnesota Police and Peace Officer's Association, advocating for reforms in law enforcement practices.

In addition to her work on public safety, Hollins has addressed environmental issues. She signed a letter urging the Biden administration to halt the Line 3 tar sands pipeline project, which was proposed to run through Minnesota tribal lands. She has also authored legislation requiring manufacturers to disclose the presence of PFAS chemicals in their products and has worked on initiatives to promote the battery industry for renewable energy storage. Hollins supports the legalization of marijuana and the expungement of prior convictions related to marijuana offenses, aligning her legislative priorities with broader social justice goals.

Policy focus and district

Hollins represents District 66B, which encompasses parts of Saint Paul in Ramsey County, Minnesota. Her legislative agenda reflects the diverse needs and interests of her constituents. As a member of the House People of Color & Indigenous Caucus, the Black Maternal Health Caucus, and the Queer Caucus, Hollins advocates for policies that promote equity and inclusion across various demographics.

Her focus on public safety is evident in her legislative efforts to reform policing practices and protect vulnerable communities. By addressing issues such as conversion therapy, sexual assault reporting, and no-knock warrants, Hollins aims to create a safer environment for all residents of her district. Additionally, her environmental initiatives demonstrate a commitment to sustainable practices and the protection of natural resources, particularly in relation to indigenous lands.

Hollins's work has not gone unnoticed, as she received the Joan and Walter Mondale Award for Public Service at the 2025 Humphrey-Mondale Awards, recognizing her contributions to public service and her community.

In her personal life, Hollins resides in the Payne-Phalen neighborhood of Saint Paul with her spouse. Her experiences as a resident of the area inform her understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing her constituents, further shaping her legislative priorities and community engagement efforts. Through her ongoing service in the Minnesota House of Representatives, Hollins continues to advocate for policies that reflect the values and needs of her district.