Peggy Flanagan

Peggy Flanagan
Name	Peggy Flanagan
Office	49th Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota
Governor	Tim Walz
Term start	January 7, 2019
Predecessor	Michelle Fischbach
Office1	Member of the Minnesota House of Representatives
Constituency1	46A
Term start1	January 8, 2013
Term end1	January 7, 2019
Predecessor1	Ryan Winkler
Successor1	Ryan Winkler
Birth date	27 August 1979
Birth place	Saint Louis Park, Minnesota, U.S.
Party	Democratic–Farmer–Labor
Spouse	Tom Weber
Alma mater	University of Minnesota

Peggy Flanagan is an American politician serving as the 49th Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota since 2019, alongside Governor Tim Walz. A member of the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (DFL), she is the first enrolled member of a Native American tribe to be elected to statewide executive office in Minnesota and the second in the United States. Prior to her election, she served in the Minnesota House of Representatives and worked extensively in advocacy for children and Indigenous communities.

Early life and education

Peggy Flanagan was born in Saint Louis Park, Minnesota, and is an enrolled member of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe. She attended The Blake School before pursuing higher education at the University of Minnesota, where she earned a degree in American Indian studies and child psychology. Her early life was shaped by her family's involvement in community activism and the teachings of her Ojibwe heritage, which deeply influenced her future career path in public service and advocacy.

Early career

Before entering electoral politics, Flanagan built a career in nonprofit advocacy and community organizing. She served as the Executive Director of the Children's Defense Fund in Minnesota, focusing on policies to reduce child poverty. She also worked with the Wellstone Action organization, training future progressive candidates and organizers. Her advocacy extended to roles with the Minnesota Indian Women's Resource Center and as a national campaign director for the National Indian Child Welfare Association, where she worked on issues affecting Native American families and children.

Minnesota political career

Flanagan was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2012, representing District 46A, which includes parts of St. Louis Park and Golden Valley. During her three terms, she served as the DFL Lead on the House Education Finance Committee and was a member of the Health and Human Services Finance Committee. She authored and championed significant legislation, including the Minnesota Indian Family Preservation Act and measures to increase funding for early childhood education and expand access to mental health services in schools.

Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota

Elected on the ticket with Tim Walz in the 2018 gubernatorial election, Flanagan was sworn in as Lieutenant Governor in January 2019. In this role, she has chaired the Children's Cabinet and the Council on the Minnesota Initiative Foundations. She played a key leadership role in the state's response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Minnesota, particularly in coordinating support for child care providers and addressing disparities in Native American communities. She was re-elected with Walz in the 2022 Minnesota gubernatorial election.

Political positions and public image

Flanagan is known as a progressive advocate for education equity, economic justice, and environmental protection. She has been a vocal supporter of increasing the state's investment in public schools, implementing clean energy standards, and protecting reproductive rights. Her identity as a Native American woman and her focus on issues affecting children and families have shaped her public image, earning her recognition from groups like the National Women's Political Caucus and establishing her as a prominent figure in DFL politics.

Personal life

Flanagan is married to Tom Weber, a former radio host and communications professional. They have one daughter and reside in St. Louis Park. She has been open about personal challenges, including the loss of her brother and her own experiences with infertility, which she has discussed to advocate for better health care policies. Flanagan remains actively connected to her White Earth Nation community and participates in cultural traditions.

Category:1979 births Category:Lieutenant Governors of Minnesota Category:Minnesota Democrats Category:White Earth Band of Ojibwe Category:University of Minnesota alumni Category:Living people