Alice Mann

Alice Mann is a physician and politician currently serving as a member of the Minnesota State Senate, representing District 50. A member of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party, she has been in office since 2023. Prior to her tenure in the Senate, Mann served in the Minnesota House of Representatives, where she represented District 56B from 2019 to 2021. Her background in medicine and public health informs her legislative priorities, particularly in healthcare policy.

Early life and career

Alice Mann was born in April 1980 in Porto Alegre, Brazil. At the age of eight, she and her family emigrated to the United States, settling in Richfield, Minnesota. This transition marked the beginning of her journey in a new country, where she would later pursue her education and career. Mann's academic path led her to Johns Hopkins University, where she earned a Master of Public Health. This degree provided her with a solid foundation in public health principles, which would later influence her work as a legislator.

Following her time at Johns Hopkins, Mann attended Meharry Medical College, where she obtained her Doctor of Medicine degree. Her education in medicine equipped her with the skills necessary to practice as a physician, and she subsequently completed her residency at the Mayo Clinic Health System in La Crosse, Wisconsin. This residency experience allowed her to gain practical knowledge and expertise in family medicine and emergency medicine, fields in which she continues to practice.

Mann's medical career has been characterized by her commitment to community health and patient care. As a practicing physician, she has been directly involved in addressing health issues at the individual level, which has informed her understanding of broader healthcare challenges. In December 2024, she was selected to join the 2025-2026 Prenatal-to-Three Innovation Fellowship cohort, hosted by Future Caucus. This recognition highlights her focus on healthcare policy and her dedication to improving health outcomes for families and children.

Legislative service

Alice Mann's political career began when she was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2018. In this role, she represented District 56B, where she succeeded Republican incumbent Roz Peterson. Mann's election marked a significant moment in her political journey, as she transitioned from the medical field to public service. During her time in the House, she focused on various legislative issues, although she chose not to run for re-election in 2020. Her decision to step back from the House led to the election of her successor, Kaela Berg.

In 2022, Mann sought a new opportunity in the Minnesota Senate, running for the newly redrawn District 50. This district encompasses Edina and other southwest suburbs of the Twin Cities, areas that had previously been represented by retiring senator Melisa López Franzen in District 49. Mann's campaign was successful, and she won the seat with a significant majority, securing 63.42% of the vote against Republican candidate Doug Fulton. This victory enabled her to continue her legislative work at a higher level, where she could advocate for policies that align with her expertise in healthcare and public health.

Since taking office in the Senate, Mann has taken on key legislative responsibilities. In 2023, she served as the chief Senate author on a bill that authorized paid family and medical leave, collaborating with Representative Ruth Richardson on this important piece of legislation. This initiative reflects her commitment to supporting families and ensuring that workers have access to necessary leave for health and caregiving needs. In the following legislative session in 2024, Mann co-authored a law aimed at banning shadow noncompete clauses, working alongside Representative Emma Greenman. This law seeks to protect employees from restrictive agreements that limit their employment opportunities after leaving a job.

Mann's legislative service is characterized by her focus on healthcare and family-related issues, drawing from her background as a physician. Her experiences in the medical field provide her with a unique perspective on the challenges faced by families and individuals in accessing healthcare services. As a member of the Senate, she continues to advocate for policies that promote health equity and improve the overall well-being of her constituents.

Policy focus and district

As a member of the Minnesota State Senate, Alice Mann represents District 50, which includes Edina and surrounding communities in the southwest suburbs of the Twin Cities. This district is known for its diverse population and vibrant community life, and Mann's role as a legislator involves addressing the specific needs and concerns of her constituents. Her background in medicine and public health informs her policy focus, particularly in areas related to healthcare access, family support, and community well-being.

Mann's commitment to healthcare policy is evident in her legislative initiatives, particularly her work on paid family and medical leave. This policy aims to provide workers with the necessary support to care for themselves and their families during times of medical need. By advocating for such measures, Mann seeks to enhance the quality of life for families in her district, recognizing the importance of balancing work and family responsibilities.

In addition to healthcare, Mann's legislative efforts also encompass issues related to employment and labor rights. Her co-authorship of the law banning shadow noncompete clauses demonstrates her dedication to protecting workers' rights and ensuring fair employment practices. This legislation aims to create a more equitable job market, allowing individuals greater freedom to pursue new opportunities without facing undue restrictions.

Mann's approach to policy-making is rooted in her understanding of the complexities of healthcare and family dynamics. She draws on her experiences as a physician to inform her decisions and advocate for evidence-based solutions that address the needs of her constituents. As she continues her service in the Minnesota Senate, Mann remains focused on creating a positive impact in her district through thoughtful legislation that prioritizes health and well-being.

In her personal life, Mann resides in Edina, Minnesota, with her husband, Elliot, and their three children. Her family life further informs her understanding of the challenges faced by families in her district, reinforcing her commitment to advocating for policies that support working parents and promote the health of children and families. Through her legislative work, Mann aims to create a healthier and more equitable Minnesota for all residents.