Foung Hawj is an American politician of Hmong descent and a member of the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party *, representing *District 67 in the east side of Saint Paul, Ramsey County. Born in Laos, he grew up during the Vietnam War, sought asylum in Thailand's refugee camps, and arrived in the U.S. at age 12. He was first elected to the Minnesota Senate in 2012 after an unsuccessful DFL primary run in 2010, and reelected in 2016, 2020, and 2022, currently serving his fourth term as Assistant Majority Leader, chair of the Environment, Climate, and Legacy Committee, and member of the Jobs and Economic Development and Transportation Committees. At his 2012 election, he became the only Hmong-American in the Minnesota Legislature. His legislative priorities include economic development, social and economic equity, education, housing, environment, healthcare, housing affordability, foreclosure prevention, and jobs. Notable achievements encompass new business developments on 7th Street, the Science and Education Center for Metro State University, job creation initiatives, and leading the Legacy finance bill for arts, cultural heritage, clean water, and environmental funding.

Education and Political Experience

Education:

- B.A. in Media Arts , University of Kansas, 1990.

- M.S. in Applied Science and Technology, Rochester Institute of Technology, 2001.

Political Experience:

- Democratic Farmer Labor Party Precinct Chair, Senate District 67.

- Co-founded Hmong-American DFL Caucus ; involved in community organizations like Center for the Hmong Arts and Talent, Minnesota Hmong Chamber of Commerce, and Gateway Food Initiative Co-op.

- Board member, St. Paul’s District 2 Council ; other volunteer roles including Watershed Advisory Committee and Lake Phalen Townhome Association.

- Professional background: Series producer, Twin Cities Public Television ; founded Digital Motion LLC multimedia business ; earlier roles as computer programmer and systems administrator.

Recognitions include State Legislative Leaders Foundation Emerging Leaders Program and BILLD Fellowship .