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 |
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| Born | May 4, 1997 Somalia |
| Political party | Democratic (DFL) |
| Relatives | Omar Fateh (brother-in-law) |
| Education | University of Minnesota (BA) |
Zaynab M. Mohamed (born May 4, 1997) is an American politician. She has been a member of the Minnesota State Senate since 2023. She belongs to the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (DFL). Zaynab Mohamed represents District 63, which includes parts of southeast Minneapolis and Richfield.
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Early Life and Education
Zaynab Mohamed moved to Minneapolis from Somalia with her family when she was nine years old. She grew up in the Powderhorn neighborhood of Minneapolis.
In 2019, she graduated from the University of Minnesota. She earned a degree in human resources.
Her Work Before Becoming a Senator
Before becoming a senator, Zaynab Mohamed was involved in community work. 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. In this role, she supported new laws about public safety. She spoke out against certain types of search warrants.
Mohamed also volunteered for Omar Fateh's campaign for the Minnesota State Senate in 2020. Fateh is her brother-in-law. In early 2022, she started working for Jason Chavez, a member of the Minneapolis City Council.
Becoming a Minnesota State Senator
In 2022, the senator for District 63, Patricia Torres Ray, decided not to run again. After talking with Torres Ray and other community leaders, Zaynab Mohamed decided to run for the seat. Torres Ray supported her campaign.
Mohamed's campaign focused on important issues for families. She supported a statewide $15 minimum wage. She also wanted to make sure everyone had access to health care. Another key issue was improving public safety.
She won the primary election against Todd Scott. Then, she won the general election against Shawn Holster.
Zaynab Mohamed made history when she was elected. 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.
Personal Life
Zaynab Mohamed has lived in south Minneapolis for most of her life. Her brother-in-law, Omar Fateh, is also a Minnesota State Senator.
