MINNEAPOLIS — Former Minnesota Senate Majority Leader Kari Dziedzic died midway through her current and fourth term in the Senate. Dziedzic, age 62, had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer two years ago but maintained her momentum as a Senate leader. In her last year she shepherded major public policy reforms through early stages of yhe the legislative process. These reforms included funding universal school meal, paid family and medical leave, legal protections for abortion and gender-affirming care, and legalized cannabis for recreational use. She stepped down from Senate leadership in February after the cancer recurred. Dziedzic held a degree in engineering but also had public service in her blood. Her father Walt was a Minneapolis City Council member and later served on the city parks board. She began her political career as a campaign volunteer and became a scheduling aide for U.S. Senator. Paul Wellstone. She first ran for the state Senate seat from District 60 in 2012.
Dziedzic.1962-2024.
Tributes
Tim Walz, governor: “A one-of-a-kind leader. Her legacy should inspire all of us in elected office to be better public servants.”
Ken Martin, state Democratic chair: “She devoted her life to making her fellow Minnesotans’ lives better, and she refused to allow cancer to get in her way. Her extraordinary legacy will outlast us all.”
Mark Johnson, R-East Grand Forks, Senate minority Leader: “A passionate legislator, a respected leader, and a trusted colleague and friend. She will be remembered for her integrity and her compassion for Minnesotans, something that we all saw as she continued to serve even as she battled cancer.’
Erin Murphy, D-St. Paul, Senate majority leader: “As a consequential and thoughtful leader, she made us all better legislators, and her examples of kindness humor, and selflessness made us all better people.”
Melissa Hortman, D-Brooklyn Park, House speaker: “One of the most skilled diplomats ever to serve in elected office.”