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 |
| 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 on 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). This party works to make life better for people in Minnesota. Mary Kunesh represents District 39. This district covers parts of Ramsey, Hennepin, and Anoka counties. It includes cities like Fridley, New Brighton, and St. Anthony.
Contents
Mary Kunesh's 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 and later a county attorney. Her sister, Patrice Kunesh, works for the Administration for Native Americans.
Mary Kunesh went to Cathedral High School. She then studied at St. Catherine University. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education in 1995. Later, she went to St. Cloud State University. There, she earned a Master of Arts degree in information media in 2010.
Mary Kunesh's Career Journey
Before becoming a state senator, Mary 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.
Mary Kunesh worked as a library media specialist. She helped students at Robbinsdale Middle School. This role is like a librarian who also teaches students how to use information.
Serving in the Minnesota House of Representatives
Mary Kunesh was first elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2016. She took over the seat from Carolyn Laine. In 2017, she was one of four Native American members in the Minnesota Legislature. She is a descendant of the Standing Rock Lakota tribe. After Carolyn Laine retired from the Senate in 2020, Mary Kunesh decided to run for a Senate seat.
Becoming a Minnesota State Senator
In 2020, Mary Kunesh was elected to the Minnesota State Senate. She won the election with more than 66% of the votes. In 2023, her fellow senators chose her for an important role. She became the Assistant Majority Leader of the state senate.
Currently, Senator Kunesh serves on several important committees:
- Agriculture, Broadband, & Rural Development
- Education Finance (she is the chair of this committee)
- Education Policy
- Environment, Climate, & Legacy
Mary Kunesh's Personal Life
Mary Kunesh lives in New Brighton, Minnesota. She is a mother to three children.
