Senator Sandy Pappas (DFL-St. Paul), a former Senate President and longstanding member, ranking member and chair of the Capital Investment Committee, announced today that she will retire at the end of the 2026 session, marking 42 years in the Legislature.
“The Legislature has been so much a part of my life that leaving is like saying farewell to my family,” said Senator Pappas. “I have worked alongside Minnesotans on issues from reproductive rights to pension policy; traveled from the Northwest Angle to our Iowa border on countless bonding tours; and collaborated with hundreds of colleagues to improve Minnesotans’ lives. I am proud of the work I have accomplished to help Minnesotans of all ages, backgrounds, and beliefs live healthier, safer and more fulfilling lives. To the people of St. Paul, thank you. It has been the privilege of a lifetime to advocate for each of you, and I look forward to passing the baton to the next person who represents our district.”
“Sandy Pappas has been tremendous asset to her city and state these past four decades, and her wisdom will be missed by all of us,” said Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy. “I have learned and shared so much with Senator Pappas as her seatmate on the chamber floor, and as a caucus member came to value her work ethic and skillful negotiating. Her leadership as chair of the Capital Investment Committee will benefit communities across the state for generations. The Women’s Economic Security Act is a landmark employment law that makes successful, equitable careers a possibility for women, and the Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board will do the same for the communities that care for our seniors. Beyond her accomplishments, we have all gained from Senator Pappas’ compassionate, thoughtful perspective as a global citizen in our increasingly connected world.”
Senator Pappas was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 1984 and served there until her election to the Minnesota Senate in 1990. She has been a steadfast ally to workers and unions; and an advocate for social and economic equality for women and people of color. During her years in office, Senator Pappas served as Senate President (2013-2016) and chaired numerous committees.
Some of Senator Pappas’s legislative accomplishments include Statewide Earned Sick and Safe Time, establishing the Children in Need of Protection and Services (CHIPS) program, Statewide Secure Choice Retirement Program, chief author of the largest bonding and jobs package in state history, 2023’s $2.6 billion general obligation and cash bills, establishment of the Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board, the Women’s Economic Security Act, the Minnesota DREAM Act, removal statute of limitations from sexual assault and a state ban on child marriage.
Senator Pappas is the former executive director of Forward Global Women, taught public policy at Metropolitan State for 20 years and lives in St. Paul with her husband, Neal Gosman.
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