State Representative Leigh Finke

07/30/2026

Instead of moving toward meaningful solutions, we have become evermore efficient at disrupting the lives of our unhoused neighbors and moving people from location to location.

This year Minnesota showed the nation what it means to protect our neighbors in their time of need. Let’s offer that same love and hospitality and care for our unhoused neighbors.

"Even when traditional shelter space becomes available, many people will decline. Not because they prefer tents, but because existing options very often cannot safely accommodate their needs," state Rep. Leigh Finke writes.

07/07/2026

This week marks 10 years since our neighbor Philando Castile was murdered by police after being pulled over for a burned out taillight on Larpenteur Avenue.

As this awful anniversary arrives, many are reflecting on the legacy Philando left behind and what has changed in the past 10 years. I’ve also been thinking a lot about Philando’s partner and her 4-year-old daughter who witnessed his murder. That little girl is 14 now. What kind of world have we built for her over the past decade?

Sure, fewer traffic stops are being made for non-moving violations. We made legislative changes around use of deadly force. Every inch of progress saves a life – but we’ve still got miles to go.

I encourage everyone to visit the Philando Castile Peace Garden. May we all find a similar moment in peace to reflect on where we’ve been, where we are, and most importantly, where we’re going.

06/30/2026

With the Supreme Court ruling on West Virginia v. B.P.J., the court has given states express permission to discriminate against and exclude kids from a major part of childhood. My heart is breaking for the kids who just want to feel safe while they play softball with their friends or learn a new skill in track and field. They deserve to participate the same as the rest of their classmates.

Thanks to our proactive commitment at the State Capitol to protect and uplift our kids, this ruling does not change anything in Minnesota. In fact, last year, DFLers blocked Republican attempts to take Minnesota backward the same way the Supreme Court just regressed the country.

Here in Minnesota, we are inclusive of all, and SCOTUS can't take that away from us.

06/28/2026

See you at the parade today! Don’t forget to stay hydrated, there are free water refill stations all over Loring Park.

Drink water, stay safe, Happy Pride!

06/25/2026

We love trees in St. Paul! 🌳💚

The potential loss of trees for the Summit Avenue bike trail led residents to speak out, and then get involved.

06/10/2026

I was proud to vote for the passage of the Anonymous Threat Reporting System bill, which will undoubtedly save lives. DFLers remain committed to providing our school systems and local law enforcement with proven critical tools to protect students and staff from violence and harm.

"This is significant that they achieved that win, especially in the first session,” Hockley said. “That has not been my experience with Sandy Hook Promise and in other states. Sometimes it can take multiple sessions to get there, so they should be very, very proud of themselves and their impact.”

Article: https://www.mprnews.org/story/2026/06/08/annunciation-parents-celebrate-major-victory-despite-no-major-gun-law-passing?utm_campaign=Capitol_View_Newsletter20260608&utm_medium=email&utm_source=sfmc_&utm_content&utm_id=97757_v0_s00_e0_tv2_a1demo0gas0cy1&fbclid=IwY2xjawSWlcRleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEet7cxJIVsNAygtguuBbTI5GcCHNUiTXfH8HNIHZ_l2AWhwnBJNVnGV653CUA_aem_x-Dl7X5tdwcs_RAZeIKLbA

Four parents impacted by gun violence reflected on the first legislative session since the Aug. 27 mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church and School.

06/05/2026

This was a special conversation, and one so needed to have during Pride Month.

Religion and q***r identity have always been a part of me. It wasn't always easy to talk about but in this space, I felt right. I had the opportunity to speak openly about my experience and relationship with religion—and how it has been challenged many times as a proud trans woman elected to serve in public office.

Listen to my podcast interview with the Progressive Christians here:

HAPPY PRIDE! We have another special guest this week: Representativ...

06/01/2026

This month and every month- know that you are sacred and you belong EVERWHERE. In all the forms of q***r, you matter, YOU belong. No politician or legislation will EVER determine our value or worth. Our dignity is intrinsic; it is not granted, and it cannot be taken away.

We will always fight to protect our trans and two-spirit siblings and build a world where trans kids can become trans elders.

Forever here, forever q***r. Stay safe. We love you all! ❤️🩷🧡💛💚💙🩵💜🖤🤍🤎

05/29/2026

The 2026 legislative session has officially wrapped up! Check out our latest newsletter to see what we've accomplished together for our state and local community.

Link:

The 2026 legislature adjourned on May 18, and I’m still reflecting on the whirlwind session. From the start, DFLers were loud and clear about our top priorities: addressing fraud prevention, advancing affordability initiatives, preventing gun violence, and holding ICE and federal immigration agent...

05/26/2026

I still have big feelings about the 2026 legislative session, but we should be proud of the important work we accomplished for Minnesotans in a tied House. Together, we are taking care of our communities and building a better life for us all.

There is still work to be done, and I look forward to connecting during this interim to hear your thoughts and priorities for future legislative sessions.