## Senator Kari Dziedzic (1961-2024): A Legacy of Leadership and Compassion
Senator Kari Dziedzic, a pivotal figure in Minnesota’s Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) party and a driving force behind its historic 2023 legislative session, passed away on December 27th, 2024, at the age of 62, after a battle with ovarian cancer. Her passing leaves a significant void in Minnesota’s political landscape.
For twelve years, Senator Dziedzic represented northeast Minneapolis, her birthplace and home, in the state Senate. As Majority Leader, she skillfully navigated the chamber’s narrow one-seat DFL majority, shepherding numerous key policy initiatives to passage – a remarkable feat achieved while working remotely and courageously confronting her illness. These legislative successes, long stalled by previous divided governments, included landmark achievements such as codifying the right to abortion, implementing free school lunches for all students, enacting significant climate regulations, granting driver’s licenses to undocumented residents, and securing billions in funding for crucial infrastructure and housing projects. Her impact will be felt by nearly every Minnesotan.
Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum, highlighting her unwavering dedication and the respect she earned from colleagues on both sides of the aisle. Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy described Dziedzic as “an uncommon leader” whose “kindness, humor, and selflessness made us all better people.” Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson echoed this sentiment, praising her “passion, integrity, and compassion for Minnesotans,” noting her continued service even amidst her health struggles.
Dziedzic’s career extended beyond the Senate. The daughter of longtime Minneapolis City Council and Park Board member Walt Dziedzic, she followed in her father’s footsteps, dedicating much of her professional life to public service. She held positions with the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board and the Hennepin County Board before serving as Executive Assistant to U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone. Her experience also included a brief, yet impactful, period with the North Stars hockey team, where she courageously filed a lawsuit alleging harassment by then-owner Norm Green.
Even after stepping down as Majority Leader in February 2024 due to a recurrence of her cancer, Senator Dziedzic remained a respected voice, consistently prioritizing the work ahead of personal accolades. Her legacy extends beyond her policy achievements to encompass her unwavering advocacy for victims of sexual harassment and assault, including updating the Senate’s nondiscrimination and anti-harassment policy and sponsoring legislation to simplify the process for victims to file workplace harassment lawsuits.
Senator Dziedzic is survived by her mother, Pat Dziedzic, her five siblings and their spouses, and numerous nieces and nephews. Her profound impact on Minnesota’s political landscape and the lives of its citizens will be long remembered. Her vacant seat, leaving the Senate tied 33-33, will be filled via a special election called by the Governor.
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*By Madison McVan, Minnesota Reformer, December 28, 2024*
*(Information about Minnesota Reformer’s non-profit status, republishing guidelines, and author bio would be included here.)*