Zaynab Mohamed facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Zaynab Mohamed
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Member of the Minnesota Senate from the 63rd district |
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Assumed office January 3, 2023 |
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Preceded by | Patricia Torres Ray |
Personal details | |
Born | Somalia |
May 4, 1997
Political party | Democratic (DFL) |
Education | University of Minnesota (BA) |
Zaynab M. Mohamed (born May 4, 1997) is an American politician. She serves as a member of the Minnesota State Senate since 2023. She is part of the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (DFL). She represents District 63, which covers parts of southeast Minneapolis and Richfield.
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About Zaynab Mohamed
Her Early Life and School
Zaynab Mohamed moved with her family from Somalia to Minneapolis when she was nine years old. She grew up in the Powderhorn neighborhood. In 2019, she finished college at the University of Minnesota. She earned a degree in human resources.
Her Career Journey
Before Becoming a Senator
Before running for office, Zaynab Mohamed worked to help her community. She interned at Ayada Leads, a group that helps Black immigrant women get involved in politics.
She also worked for the Council on American–Islamic Relations in Minnesota. There, she helped make laws about public safety. For example, she worked on rules about "no-knock warrants," which are special police permissions. In 2022, she became a policy aide for a member of the Minneapolis City Council. This means she helped them with their plans and ideas.
Becoming a Minnesota State Senator
In 2022, the senator for District 63, Patricia Torres Ray, decided not to run again. After talking with Senator Torres Ray and other community leaders, Zaynab Mohamed decided to run for the position. Senator Torres Ray supported her.
Zaynab Mohamed's main goals for her campaign were:
- A statewide $15 minimum wage: This means everyone would earn at least $15 per hour.
- Universal health care: This would make sure everyone has access to health care.
- Public safety: This means making communities safer for everyone.
Zaynab Mohamed won the first election, called the primary election. She then won the main election against Shawn Holster.
When Zaynab Mohamed was elected, she made history. She joined Erin Maye Quade and Clare Oumou Verbeten as the first Black women elected to the Minnesota Senate. She is also the youngest woman ever elected to serve in the Minnesota legislature.