Erin Murphy (politician)

Erin Murphy (politician)
Name	Erin Murphy
State house	Minnesota
District	64A
Term start	2007
Term end	2019
Predecessor	Matt Entenza
Successor	Kaohly Vang Her
Party	Democratic–Farmer–Labor
Birth place	Janesville, Wisconsin
Alma mater	University of Wisconsin–Madison
Occupation	Nurse, political organizer

Erin Murphy (politician). Erin Murphy is an American politician and registered nurse from Minnesota. A member of the Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (DFL), she served six terms in the Minnesota House of Representatives from 2007 to 2019, representing Saint Paul's District 64A. Murphy was the House Majority Leader from 2013 to 2015 and was the DFL-endorsed candidate for Governor of Minnesota in 2018, later running for the same office again in 2022.

Early life and education

Erin Murphy was born in Janesville, Wisconsin, and grew up in a family with a strong tradition of Catholicism and public service. She attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. Her educational background in nursing fundamentally shaped her subsequent career in healthcare advocacy and policy, providing a clinical perspective she would later bring to the Minnesota Legislature.

Early career

Before entering electoral politics, Murphy built a career as a registered nurse and a prominent labor organizer. She worked at United Hospital in Saint Paul and became deeply involved with the Minnesota Nurses Association, serving as its executive director. In this role, she advocated for nursing staff and healthcare standards, gaining significant experience in legislative advocacy and coalition building within the AFL–CIO and the broader labor movement in Minnesota.

Minnesota House of Representatives

Murphy was first elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2006, succeeding Matt Entenza in District 64A. She quickly rose to leadership, being elected by her caucus as Majority Leader in 2013 under Speaker Paul Thissen. During her tenure, she was a chief author of the Affordable Care Act-aligned MNsure legislation and championed numerous health and education bills. She served as chair of the Health and Human Services Finance Committee and was a key figure in the 2014 passage of the Minnesota Women's Economic Security Act.

Political campaigns

Murphy sought the DFL endorsement for Governor of Minnesota in 2018, securing the party's endorsement at the state convention over candidates like Tim Walz and Rebecca Otto. She was defeated by Walz in the primary election. In 2022, she entered the gubernatorial race again, this time as a candidate for Lieutenant Governor on a ticket with DFL gubernatorial candidate Becky Lourey; they withdrew before the primary. Murphy has also served as the executive director of the DFL-aligned Win Minnesota political action committee.

Political positions

Throughout her career, Murphy has been a progressive voice on healthcare, advocating for a single-payer system and expanded access. She has been a staunch supporter of LGBT rights, voting for the 2013 law legalizing same-sex marriage. On economic issues, she supports strengthening unions, raising the minimum wage, and implementing paid family leave. Her environmental platform aligns with renewable energy goals and combating climate change.

Personal life

Murphy resides in Saint Paul with her family. She is married and has two adult daughters. Her personal experience as a nurse and a caregiver for her parents has frequently informed her policy focus on healthcare and aging. Murphy remains active in her community and in DFL party organizing efforts across the state.

Category:21st-century American politicians Category:Minnesota Democrats