Somali Muslim woman Zaynab Mohamed makes history, elected to Minnesota Senate

A Somali Muslim woman, Zaynab Mohamed, has made history as the youngest woman elected to Minnesota Senate

Zaynab Mohamed has become the youngest woman and one of the first Black women elected to the Minnesota Senate Tuesday night.

“My name is Zaynab Mohamed. I’m a renter, organizer, and working-class immigrant running to represent South Minneapolis in the Minnesota Senate. I’d be honored to earn your vote in this election,” Zaynab said when canvassing for votes in her district.

Zaynab, a 25-year-old Minneapolis resident and former policy aide, received 86 percent of the vote with 97 percent of precincts reporting.

She won in Senate District 63, which includes parts of south Minneapolis, Richfield, and Fort Snelling.

“I’m honored that the people of South Minneapolis have placed their trust in me to serve as their next state senator,” Zaynab said Tuesday night.

“I’m incredibly grateful to my friends, family, campaign staff, and volunteers who made this historic night possible and for the unwavering belief they had in me throughout this campaign. There’s important work ahead and I can’t wait to get to work improving the lives of working Minnesotans.”

Her district is notable for always electing Democratic candidates, and has witnessed previous historic wins.

Senator Patricia Torres Ray was the first Latina to serve in the Minnesota Senate after being elected to represent the district. She served five terms in Senate District 63 and did not run for reelection, instead endorsing Zaynab as her replacement.

“Politics of joy, right here: Minnesota’s SD63 Senator-Elect Zaynab Mohamed, surrounded by her supporters, family, and our current Senator and Representative, Patricia Torres Ray and Jim Davnie—a resounding victory pointing to a bright future!” a supporter, Stacey Burns said.

Congratulating her, another supporter Abdi Warsame, wrote, “Great election night for the Somali American community. Many victories in many states.
Congratulations to Represtative Ilhan Omar for her re-election to US Congress.

“Congratulations to Senator elect Zaynab Mohamed for making history as the first woman of color as well as youngest Senator in the history of Minnesota.”

Zaynab was born in Somalia and grew up in south Minneapolis. She graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2019.