Susan Kent (politician)
Susan Kent | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Minority Leader of the Minnesota Senate | |
| In office February 1, 2020 – September 14, 2021 | |
| Preceded by | Tom Bakk |
| Succeeded by | Melisa Franzen |
| Member of the Minnesota Senate from the 53rd district | |
| In office January 8, 2013 – January 3, 2023 | |
| Preceded by | Redistricted |
| Succeeded by | Nicole Mitchell (redistricting) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Susan Lawson November 18, 1963 New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic (DFL) |
| Spouse | Chris |
| Children | 1 |
| Education | University of Texas, Austin (BS) |
Susan Kent (born November 18, 1963) is a Minnesota politician and former minority leader of the Minnesota Senate.[1] A member of the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (DFL), she represented District 53 in the eastern Twin Cities metropolitan area from 2013 to 2023.
Early life, education, and career
[edit]Kent was born in 1963 in New Orleans, Louisiana.[2] She earned her bachelor's degree in communication studies from the University of Texas at Austin.[3]
Minnesota Senate
[edit]Kent was first elected to the Minnesota Senate in 2012.[4]
In late 2019, it was reported that Kent intended to challenge Minority Leader Tom Bakk for his caucus leadership post.[2] On February 1, 2020, after a private meeting that lasted more than six hours, the caucus elected Kent as its new leader.[1] In September 2021 Susan Kent announced that she would not run for re-election, also choosing to step down as Senate Minority Leader.[5]
Personal life
[edit]Kent met her husband, Chris, a Maplewood native and 3M employee, in Austin, Texas. The couple moved to Woodbury, Minnesota in the mid-2000s.[2] They have one child.[4]
References
[edit]- ^ a b Bierschbach, Briana. "Susan Kent ousts Tom Bakk as Senate DFL leader". Star Tribune. Retrieved 2020-02-01.
- ^ a b c Van Oot, Torey. "Leadership challenge shakes up DFL senators". Star Tribune. Retrieved 2020-02-01.
- ^ "Susan Kent, Senate District 53: Candidate Profile". Woodbury Patch. September 1, 2012. Retrieved May 10, 2013.
- ^ a b "Kent, Susan". Legislators Past & Present. Minnesota Legislative Reference Library. Retrieved May 10, 2013.
- ^ "Senator Kent announces retirement, stepping down as DFL Leader | Minnesota Senate DFL". 3 September 2021.
External links
[edit]- Susan Kent at Minnesota Legislators Past & Present
- Senator Susan Kent official Minnesota Senate website
- Senator Susan Kent official campaign website
- 1963 births
- 21st-century American legislators
- 21st-century American women politicians
- Living people
- Democratic Party Minnesota state senators
- People from Woodbury, Minnesota
- University of Texas at Austin alumni
- Women state legislators in Minnesota
- Politicians from New Orleans
- 21st-century Minnesota politicians