Athena Hollins is an American politician and attorney serving as a member of the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party in the Minnesota House of Representatives, representing District 66B . Elected in 2020 after defeating nine-term incumbent John Lesch in the primary, she was reelected in 2022 and currently serves her third term as DFL Deputy Floor Leader . Notable achievements include authoring bills to ban conversion therapy for minors and vulnerable adults , eliminate the statute of limitations on reporting sexual assault, ban the "gay panic defense," require PFAS chemical disclosure by manufacturers, and support renewable energy storage and marijuana legalization. She advocates for climate justice, affordable housing, criminal justice reform, education, and BIPOC communities, and is a member of the House People of Color & Indigenous Caucus, Black Maternal Health Caucus, and Queer Caucus.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: B.A. in psychology from Reed College ; J.D. from University of St. Thomas School of Law .
• Professional Background: Prior to election, served as Senior Director of Diversity and Foundations for the Minnesota State Bar Association and adjunct professor at University of St. Thomas School of Law. Board member of Payne Phalen Community Council and Minnesota Association of Black Lawyers.
• Political Roles: Vice Chair of Rules and Legislative Administration Committee; serves on Climate and Energy Finance and Policy, Public Safety Finance and Policy, and Taxes Committees.