In a significant step for representation in state politics, Senator Clare Oumou Verbeten has been elected by her peers to join the ranks of the Senate DFL Caucus leadership. Majority Leader Erin Murphy (DFL- St. Paul) announced that Verbeten will serve as an Assistant Leader of the caucus.
"Senator Oumou Verbeten is a talented and valuable member of the DFL Caucus and I’m excited that she is bringing her gifts to our leadership team,” Murphy expressed in a statement obtained by Minnesota Senate DFL. Oumou Verbeten, who made history in 2022 as one of the first Black women elected to the Senate, breaks yet another barrier with her latest appointment. In a testament to her groundbreaking journey, she recognized the weight of this achievement. "In 2022, I was elected as one of the first Black women to serve in the Senate, and in 2024, I am the first Black woman to serve as an Assistant Leader in this body," Oumou Verbeten declared.
Senator Oumou Verbeten's tenure as an Assistant Leader is expected to be marked by her commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable Minnesota. “In this role, I will continue to fight to make Minnesota a more inclusive and equitable place for all,” she told Senate DFL. Oumou Verbeten collaborates with other Assistant Leaders, including Senators Liz Boldon, Nick Frentz, Foung Hawj, Mary Kunesh, and Kelly Morrison, aiming to manifest this vision through their collective efforts, as per the Minnesota Senate DFL.
Currently serving her first term, Oumou Verbeten holds several committee roles, actively participating in shaping policies that touch on education, public safety, and labor. Her responsibilities include serving as Vice Chair of the Judiciary and Public Safety Committee, alongside her memberships in the Education Finance Committee, the Higher Education Committee, and the Labor Committee. This new leadership role allows her to influence decisions directly affecting the state's legislative agenda, reinforcing her influence on Minnesota's political landscape, as reported by the Minnesota Senate DFL.
