Building on historic achievements and continuing work on housing, jobs, public safety, and education
Senator Bobby Joe Champion announced today that he will seek re-election in Senate District 59, citing his desire to continue building on a strong record of improving the lives of children, families, and business owners in his district.
Champion, the first African American to be elected President of the Minnesota Senate, has leveraged his leadership roles to advance legislation on housing, jobs, public safety, education, and equity. In addition to serving as Senate President, he is Chair of the Senate Jobs and Economic Development Committee and sits on both the Finance Committee and the Rules and Administration Committee.
Speaking at Sammy Avenue Eatery in North Minneapolis, Champion reflected on why he decided to run again. “Looking back at 2023, we accomplished a lot, but there is still more work to do,” he said. “Whenever you do anything, you always want to build on it, and that’s what’s important, making sure families have affordable housing, our communities are safe, our children have strong schools, and that Minnesotans have livable wage jobs.”
Housing and wealth building
Champion emphasized housing as a central focus for his next term. He pointed to programs designed to provide emergency shelter for the unhoused, ensure affordable housing for working families, and help first-time buyers enter the housing market. “Housing stability creates stronger families, better educational outcomes, and opportunities to build wealth,” he said. “We’ve already made progress, like the $9 million intentional housing strategy to increase homeownership among African Americans, but the work continues.”
Economic development and workforce preparedness
Champion also highlighted his work to boost Minnesota’s economy. As Chair of Jobs and Economic Development, he says he has directed millions in resources to small businesses and entrepreneurs, ensuring that funds are intentionally allocated to areas like North Minneapolis, South Minneapolis, St. Paul, and rural communities. “Small businesses are the backbone of our economy,” he said. “We need to make sure every community has access to the capital and tools they need to thrive.”
He also stressed preparing Minnesota’s workforce for the future, including navigating challenges posed by artificial intelligence. Champion recently held a town hall to discuss AI’s impact, encouraging students and workers to build skills that allow them to coexist with new technology rather than be replaced by it.
Public safety and community trust
Public safety is another top priority. Champion advocates for strategies that protect residents, support businesses, and address underlying social needs such as mental health and substance use. “Everybody should feel safe, no matter where they live,” he said. “That means building intentional relationships between police and communities while holding law enforcement accountable.”
Champion also supports raising the minimum wage to a livable wage, ensuring that people are fairly compensated and reducing financial pressures that can lead to instability. “A livable wage creates stability for families and strengthens our communities,” he said.
Education and equity
Education remains a critical focus for Champion, from K–12 to higher education. He is working to improve reading and math outcomes and ensure students have access to college or technical training. He highlighted policies that provide free college tuition for students from lower-income families, reinforcing the connection between educational attainment and economic opportunity.
Champion also emphasized cultural equity in education. He was a chief author of the CROWN Act, which protects the right to wear natural hair without discrimination, and amended the law to ensure cosmetology programs teach students how to care for all hair textures. “It’s about respecting humanity and culture,” he said.
He also played a key role in passing the Promise Act, which allocates funds to support businesses and entrepreneurs across Minnesota, and the Minnesota African American Family Preservation Act, which strengthens support for families navigating the child protection system.
Voting rights and civic engagement
Champion has been a strong advocate for voting rights, leading efforts to restore voting access for previously disenfranchised Minnesotans. “Democracy works best when everyone can participate,” he said.
Roots in North Minneapolis
Born and raised in North Minneapolis, Champion is deeply connected to the community he represents. His parents migrated from the South seeking better opportunities, instilling in him the values of hard work, family, and community care. He graduated from Macalester College and earned a Juris Doctor from William Mitchell College of Law.
District 59 encompasses North Minneapolis and portions of downtown, making it a diverse and dynamic community with unique economic and social needs. Champion has repeatedly emphasized the importance of addressing these needs through intentional policy and investment.
Looking ahead
Champion stressed that his re-election bid is about more than personal ambition, it is about continuing the work to create opportunities, strengthen families, and build safe, equitable communities. “We’ve made progress, but the work isn’t done,” he said. “From housing and jobs to education and public safety, we must continue to improve the quality of life for every Minnesotan.”
First elected to the State Senate in 2012 after two terms in the Minnesota House, Champion has consistently focused on policies that advance equity, protect workers, and promote economic opportunity. His leadership as Senate President and committee chair has positioned him to make meaningful changes for his constituents while shaping Minnesota’s broader policy landscape.
“I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished, but there’s so much more to do,” Champion said. “I look forward to continuing this work and standing shoulder to shoulder with my community to create lasting change.”