Ruth Richardson (American politician) explained

Ruth Richardson (born November 27, 1976) is an American politician who served in the Minnesota House of Representatives from 2019 to 2023. A member of the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (DFL), Richardson represented District 52B in the southeastern Twin Cities metropolitan area, which includes the cities of Eagan and Mendota Heights and parts of Dakota County, Minnesota.

Early life, education, and career

Richardson graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Arts in history and sociology and from William Mitchell College of Law with a Juris Doctor.^[1]

Richardson was previously the director of programs and national strategic initiatives for the Minnesota Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome^[2] and was the CEO of Wayside Recovery Center.^[3] Richardson currently is the CEO of Planned Parenthood North Central States.^[4]

Minnesota House of Representatives

Richardson was first elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2018, defeating Republican incumbent Regina Barr and has been reelected every two years since.

In 2020, Representative Richardson, alongside five other state representatives and three state senators, had her election results challenged. These claims were dismissed by a judge for failing to state a claim and a lack of subject-matter jurisdiction.

During the 2021-2022 legislative session, Richardson served as chair of the Education Policy Committee. Currently she serves on the Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee.

Richardson authored legislation to make Juneteenth an official state holiday in Minnesota, which passed the House on a vote of 126-1 and was signed by Governor Walz in February 2023.^{[5] [6] [7]}

On September 1, 2023, Richardson announced her resignation from the House to focus on her role at Planned Parenthood.^[8]

Personal life

Richardson has two children and resides in Mendota Heights, Minnesota.

External links

• Official House of Representatives website
• Official campaign website

Notes and References

1. Web site: Richardson, Ruth . Minnesota Legislative Reference Library . November 10, 2018 . en.
2. News: Burlingame. Hannah. October 22, 2018. Barr, Richardson prioritize health care in House District 52B race. en. Lillie Suburban Newspapers. November 10, 2018.
3. Web site: Leadership Team Wayside Recovery Center St. Louis Park. 2020-07-06. waysiderecovery.org.
4. Web site: Planned Parenthood North Central States . September 7, 2022 . Planned Parenthood North Central States Announces Ruth Richardson as Next CEO . February 4, 2023.
5. Web site: HF 48 Status in the House for the 93rd Legislature (2023 - 2024) . 2023-02-04 . www.revisor.mn.gov.
6. Web site: Juneteenth on way to becoming Minnesota's newest holiday - Session Daily - Minnesota House of Representatives . 2023-02-04 . www.house.mn.gov.
7. Web site: Walz signs bill making Juneteenth a state holiday . 2023-02-04 . www.cbsnews.com . 3 February 2023 . en-US.
8. Web site: Minnesota State Rep. Ruth Richardson resigns to focus on Planned Parenthood role . 2023-09-04 . www.mprnews.org . 2 September 2023 . en-US.