Clare Oumou Verbeten

Clare Oumou Verbeten is an American politician currently serving as a member of the Minnesota State Senate, representing the 66th district. Elected in 2022, she is notable for being one of the first openly LGBTQ women and the first Black woman to hold a seat in the Minnesota Senate. Oumou Verbeten is affiliated with the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party and has been actively involved in various political and community initiatives throughout her career.

Early life and career

Clare Oumou Verbeten was born on March 16, 1995, and raised in Roseville, Minnesota. Her upbringing in this suburban area of the Twin Cities has shaped her understanding of the diverse communities she now represents. Oumou Verbeten's mother hails from Senegal, which has contributed to her multicultural perspective and commitment to inclusivity in her political endeavors.

Oumou Verbeten pursued higher education at American University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in law and society in 2016. Her academic background provided her with a solid foundation in legal principles and social justice, which she has applied throughout her career in public service and advocacy.

During her time as a college student, Oumou Verbeten gained valuable experience through various internships. She worked with the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party, where she began to develop her political acumen and understanding of party dynamics. Additionally, she interned with the National Immigrant Women's Advocacy Project, Women Winning, and the Democratic National Committee. These roles allowed her to engage with issues related to immigration, women's rights, and electoral politics.

After completing her education, Oumou Verbeten returned to the Minnesota DFL in 2016, taking on the role of deputy public affairs director. In this capacity, she was involved in shaping the party's communication strategies and public outreach efforts. Her political career continued to advance when she served as the deputy political director for Tim Walz's gubernatorial campaign in 2017 and 2018. This experience further honed her skills in campaign strategy and voter engagement.

Following the gubernatorial campaign, Oumou Verbeten held positions as the deputy political director of the North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters and as a community affairs specialist for Mortenson Construction. These roles allowed her to work closely with labor organizations and the construction industry, focusing on community engagement and workforce development. From 2019 to 2022, she served as an equity and inclusion program manager for the city of Saint Paul, where she worked on initiatives aimed at promoting diversity and equity within city programs and services.

Legislative service

Clare Oumou Verbeten was elected to the Minnesota State Senate in 2022, marking a significant milestone in her political career. As a member of the Senate, she represents the 66th district, which encompasses parts of the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Her election is particularly noteworthy as she is among the first openly LGBTQ women and the first Black women to serve in the Minnesota Senate, reflecting a broader trend toward increased representation of marginalized communities in political office.

During her tenure in the 93rd Minnesota Legislature, Oumou Verbeten has been active in sponsoring and supporting a range of legislation. Her legislative efforts have focused on issues of social justice and public safety. Notable bills she has championed include measures to ban no-knock warrants, which have been a point of contention in discussions about police reform, as well as legislation allowing for free phone calls from prisons, aimed at improving communication for incarcerated individuals and their families. Additionally, she has supported a cap of five years on probation, which seeks to reform the criminal justice system and reduce the burden on individuals who have been involved in the legal system.

In March 2024, Oumou Verbeten was elected as an Assistant Majority Leader, a leadership position that underscores her growing influence within the Senate. As part of her responsibilities, she serves on several key committees, including Education Finance, Higher Education, Judiciary and Public Safety, and Labor. These committee assignments reflect her commitment to addressing critical issues related to education, public safety, and labor rights, which are central to her constituents' concerns.

Policy focus and district

Clare Oumou Verbeten's policy focus is characterized by a commitment to equity, inclusion, and social justice. Her background in law and society informs her approach to legislation, as she seeks to address systemic inequalities and promote the well-being of all residents in her district. Oumou Verbeten's legislative priorities include criminal justice reform, education funding, and labor rights, all of which are crucial to the communities she represents.

As a member of the Minnesota State Senate, Oumou Verbeten is dedicated to advocating for policies that reflect the diverse needs of her constituents in the 66th district. This area, part of the larger Twin Cities metropolitan region, is known for its demographic diversity and vibrant communities. Her work aims to ensure that the voices of underrepresented groups are heard and that their needs are addressed in the legislative process.

Oumou Verbeten's role as an Assistant Majority Leader further amplifies her ability to influence policy discussions and legislative outcomes. By serving on committees that align with her policy interests, she is positioned to contribute to meaningful reforms in education, public safety, and labor relations. Her commitment to these issues is evident in her active participation in discussions and initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for residents in her district.

In summary, Clare Oumou Verbeten's journey from a politically engaged student to a state senator reflects her dedication to public service and advocacy for marginalized communities. Her legislative work and leadership roles within the Minnesota Senate highlight her commitment to fostering a more equitable and inclusive society. Through her efforts, she aims to create positive change for the people of Minnesota, particularly those in her district.