1st Latina woman to serve in Minnesota Senate, Sen. Torres Ray, won’t seek reelection

Sen. Patricia Torres Ray, the first Latina woman to serve in the Minnesota Senate, won’t seek reelection next year.

Torres Ray (DFL-Minneapolis) announced the news Tuesday.

She was first elected to the Senate in 2006 and currently serves as the Minority Lead for the Environment and Natural Resources Finance Committee and the Chairperson of the People of Color and Indigenous Caucus, along with several other committee assignments.

The senator released the following statement with her announcement on Tuesday:

"Dear Community, with a deep sense of appreciation and gratitude I want to share with you that I have decided not to run for re-election. Serving our district and the State of Minnesota is the greatest honor I will ever hold. For 15 years I have received kindness, support and encouragement from many of you, and making the decision not to run for another term was not easy.

"During my last year in the Senate I will continue to open the doors for people to enter and participate in the political process and will encourage and equip people to use their own voice and power to influence the Legislature. In turn, I will ask that you open doors to others, especially those who have been marginalized and excluded.

"Thank you for giving me the privilege to serve and represent this great community!"