Samantha Vang, Ginny Klevorn Among New Faces at Capitol

Rep. Samantha Vang, DFL-Brooklyn Center, became the first minority woman to represent her district and helped create the Minnesota Asian Pacific Caucus.

“This is history in the making and it’s also a time to celebrate,” says Vang. “These communities have been here for more than 10 years yet they have not been recognized ir acknowledged like they should have been. I think this past election and this moment in our Minnesota history is a time to show that we should celebrate these people and these communities. Let them know that they matter to us.”

Vang became the first woman of color to represent Brooklyn Center, which is a very diverse community. Vang is the daughter of Hmong refugees and was raised in Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park. She says she’s honored to be a part of Minnesota history.

Rep Ginny Klevorn, DFL-Plymouth, is hoping energy from the suburbs and the legislators representing them can help unite the state. She defeated Rep. Sarah Anderson, R-Plymouth to win the district and a place at the capitol.

“This year is exciting because we have several new suburban legislators,” said Klevorn. “We often hear much about great division, but the truth is the suburbs unite us. I am hoping to take that energy from the suburbs bring it in to the capitol and say look it’s not you or them, it’s us. Let’s work together to make good things happen.”

Both representatives say healthcare and education are the two issues they hope to move forward.

Brooklyn Center | Plymouth