Mary Kunesh facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mary Kelly Kunesh
|
|
|---|---|
.jpg)
Kunesh in 2024
|
|
| Member of the Minnesota Senate from the 39th district |
|
| Assumed office January 5, 2021 |
|
| Preceded by | Carolyn Laine |
| Member of the Minnesota House of Representatives from the 41B district |
|
| In office January 3, 2017 – January 5, 2021 |
|
| Preceded by | Carolyn Laine |
| Succeeded by | Sandra Feist |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 20, 1960 Saint Paul, Minnesota, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic (DFL) |
| Spouse | Timothy Podein (divorced) |
| Relations | Patrice Kunesh (sister) |
| Children | 3 |
| Residence | New Brighton, Minnesota |
| Alma mater | St. Catherine's University St. Cloud State University |
| Occupation | Politician Library media specialist |
Mary Kelly Kunesh (born November 20, 1960) is an American politician. She is a member of the Minnesota State Senate. She belongs to the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (DFL). She represents District 39. This district includes parts of Ramsey, Hennepin, and Anoka counties. It also covers cities like Fridley, Spring Lake Park, Columbia Heights, and New Brighton.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Mary Kunesh was born in Saint Paul. She was the 7th of 13 children. She grew up in Sartell, Minnesota. Her grandfather and mother were part of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. Her father was a city attorney. Her sister, Patrice Kunesh, works for Native American programs.
Kunesh went to Cathedral High School. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education in 1995. This was from St. Catherine University. Later, she received a Master of Arts degree in information media in 2010. This degree was from St. Cloud State University.
Career Before Politics
Before becoming a state senator, Kunesh was active in her community. She was a member and leader of the New Brighton Parks, Recreation and Environmental Commission. She also ran for the New Brighton City Council in 2013. Kunesh works as a library media specialist. She helps students at Robbinsdale Middle School.
Serving in the Minnesota House of Representatives
Mary Kunesh was first elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2016. This is one part of Minnesota's state government. In 2017, she was one of four Native American members in the Minnesota Legislature. She is a descendant of the Standing Rock Lakota tribe. She served in the House until 2021.
Becoming a Minnesota State Senator
In 2020, Kunesh was elected to the Minnesota State Senate. This is the other part of Minnesota's state government. She won the election with more than 66% of the votes. In 2023, she was chosen as the Assistant Majority Leader of the state senate. This means she helps lead the main political party in the Senate.
She is currently part of several important committees:
- Agriculture, Broadband, & Rural Development
- Education Finance - she is the chair (leader) of this committee
- Education Policy
- Environment, Climate, & Legacy
These committees work on different topics. They help create new laws for Minnesota.
Personal Life
Mary Kunesh lives in New Brighton, Minnesota. She has three children.
