Erin Maye Quade

Erin Maye Quade is a prominent American politician representing the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL) in the Minnesota State Senate, where she serves the 56th district. Born on May 12, 1986, she has a diverse background and a history of public service, including previous roles in the Minnesota House of Representatives and as a candidate for lieutenant governor. Maye Quade is recognized for her advocacy on various social issues, particularly in healthcare and gun control, and she has made history as one of the first openly LGBTQ women elected to the Minnesota Senate.

Early life and career

Erin Maye Quade was born into a biracial family, with her mother being white and her father Black. Raised in the Lutheran faith, she grew up in Apple Valley, Minnesota, where she attended Eastview High School, graduating in 2004. Following high school, she pursued higher education at the University of St. Thomas in Saint Paul, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and justice and peace studies in 2008. During her time at university, she became actively involved in campus organizing, focusing on social justice issues that affected marginalized groups, including queer professors and disabled students.

After completing her education, Maye Quade transitioned into community organizing and public service. She worked as a staff member for U.S. Representative Keith Ellison, who played a significant role in encouraging her to pursue a political career. Her early experiences in advocacy and organizing laid a strong foundation for her future endeavors in public office. In 2024, she was selected for the Future Caucus 2025-2026 Innovation Fellowship, joining the Prenatal-to-Three cohort, which recognizes her contributions to healthcare policy as a member of the Minnesota legislature.

Legislative service

Maye Quade's political career began in earnest when she ran for a seat in the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2016, specifically for the District 57A position. Her campaign faced significant challenges, including allegations of harassment against her campaign staff by opposition operatives, which led to the involvement of neighborhood watch committees. Despite these obstacles, she successfully defeated her Republican opponent, Ali Jimenez-Hopper, in the general election, marking a notable shift in the political landscape as her victory was one of only two House seats in Minnesota to change hands from Republican to DFL that year. This achievement made her the third Black woman to serve in the Minnesota House.

During her tenure in the House from 2017 to 2019, Maye Quade became known for her outspoken stance on issues such as sexual harassment and gun control. She publicly accused fellow legislators Dan Schoen and Tony Cornish of sexual harassment, which resulted in their resignations. In response to the tragic Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, she led a 24-hour sit-in at the Minnesota House to demand action on gun control measures, highlighting her commitment to addressing pressing social issues.

In 2018, Maye Quade was selected as the running mate for gubernatorial candidate Erin Murphy. The DFL endorsed the Murphy-Maye Quade ticket, making Maye Quade the first LGBTQ person to be endorsed on a major Minnesota political party's ticket. Although they did not win the primary election, her candidacy was significant in terms of representation and visibility for LGBTQ individuals in politics.

Maye Quade announced her candidacy for the Minnesota Senate in October 2021, seeking to fill the seat held by Greg Clausen. Her campaign took an unexpected turn when she experienced uterine contractions while delivering a speech at the Minnesota DFL convention in April 2022. Although she initially suspended her campaign to give birth to her daughter, Harriet, she reentered the race later that month. Her successful election to the Minnesota Senate in 2022 made her and Clare Oumou Verbeten the first openly LGBTQ women and first Black women to be elected to the Minnesota Senate, marking a historic moment in the state's political history.

Policy focus and district

As a member of the Minnesota State Senate, Erin Maye Quade has focused on a range of policy issues, particularly those related to healthcare, social justice, and gun control. Her background in community organizing and advocacy informs her legislative priorities, and she has been active in introducing and supporting legislation aimed at improving the lives of her constituents and addressing systemic inequalities.

In 2026, she introduced legislation to ban "nudification" websites, reflecting her commitment to protecting individuals from exploitation and harm in the digital age. Her work in the Senate continues to emphasize the importance of healthcare access and social equity, aligning with her earlier advocacy efforts in the Minnesota House.

Maye Quade represents the 56th district, which encompasses a diverse community with varying needs and interests. Her role as a legislator involves engaging with constituents, understanding their concerns, and working collaboratively to develop policies that address those issues. Through her legislative service, she aims to create a more inclusive and equitable Minnesota, drawing on her personal experiences and professional background to inform her approach to governance.

In her personal life, Maye Quade is openly lesbian and is married to Alyse, who serves as the Political Director of the Minnesota DFL Party. Their partnership reflects a shared commitment to public service and advocacy, further enhancing Maye Quade's connection to the community she represents. As she continues her work in the Minnesota Senate, her experiences and perspectives as a biracial, LGBTQ legislator contribute to the ongoing dialogue about representation and equity in American politics.