success at the legislature

Last year, the DFL Trifecta passed the most significant slate of people-focused legislation that Minnesota has seen in decades.

BODILY AUTONOMY

I supported the PRO Act, the Reproductive Freedom Defense Act, and the expansion of abortion access through the repeal of outdated harmful laws.

TREE PLANTING / EAB

I’m leading a complex effort to combat the emerald ash borer statewide, as well as the replanting of our urban forests across the metro area.

2SLGBTQIA+ RIGHTS

I authored the Trans Refuge Law, increased HIV prevention and treatment funding, and carried a bill to expand the Human Rights Act for trans Minnesotans.

DISABILITY RIGHTS

I authored and passed legislation expanding housing options for our neighbors with disabilities, and supported efforts to expand access to work, services, and independence.

CLIMATE and ENVIRONMENT

I passed legislation to protect our wild spaces from pesticides, now and in the future, supported environment equity, clean water, and comprehensive climate policy.

ARTS

My work in arts funding brought Film North and the Playwright Center in to district 66a. In Legacy committee, I supported funds going to Black, Hmong, Indigenous, and Queer arts initiatives across the state.

Last year we accomplished so much for the people of Minnesota.

In 2024, I promise to bring the same passion to the House.

what Leigh stands for

  • Every issue listed below is an issue of racial justice. Racism is built into the very foundation of American culture and politics; everywhere we look we see its effect.

    We must embrace anti-racist values in every policy and plan we make for the future. No one can thrive, until everyone can thrive.

  • Protecting access to legal, safe abortion is absolutely necessary. We need to protect the providers we have, and increase the number for the future. Minnesota will be the abortion providing state for the upper Midwest. It’s a privilege to uphold this right that so many women and queer people depend on.

  • Life is be different after COVID, and nowhere is that more obvious than for our children and their education. Learning loss is real. The negative effects of social isolation are real. We need to address this by looking forward to see what we’ve learned about education during COVID, and build a better system for the future.

  • Our kids are suffering epidemic levels of stress and anxiety. And so are their parents. Millennials are panicking over a future of economic uncertainty, handling anxiety and depression along the way. Youth are facing climate despair. Children are growing up running active-shooter drills in schools that have them waiting for inevitable violence. And on top of that, COVID isolation and loss have compounded every single problem we face.

leigh for mn

leigh for mn

Mother of two and a Minnesota OG - born & raised in MN - with a history of community activism, artistry, communications, passion, and educational support.

In the news

“Growing up in the western suburbs of Minneapolis, Finke was always interested in politics but never planned to be a political candidate herself. In November after her first bid for public office, Finke became the first transgender legislator appointed to the Minnesota House of Representatives after winning 81% of the vote in her district.”

St. Cloud Times

“She’s unapologetically herself in every way: She sports colorful hair, skateboards during work breaks at the State Capitol and is not afraid to admit St. Paul is better than Minneapolis.”

MPR News

“She never planned to be a politician. Now she’s the first transgender legislator in the state’s House of Representatives, fighting to build a better future for trans youth.”

USA TODAY