Katie Jones (61A)

Katie Jones is a member of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party representing District 61A in the Minnesota House of Representatives since 2025. Elected in 2024 with 83.92% of the vote against Green Party nominee Toya Lopez, she is an engineer and clean energy policy expert focused on climate action, racial and gender justice, public safety, education, housing, and economic development. She is married to Peter Schmitt. Notable achievements include serving as chair of the Lowry Hill East Neighborhood Association, where she increased renter representation and created a compost pickup site; election to leadership on the Minneapolis Capital Long-Range Improvement Committee, overseeing nearly $1 billion in infrastructure; and appointment to Governor Tim Walz's Sustainable Transportation Advisory Council to advise on reducing carbon emissions. She currently serves on the House committees for Energy Finance and Policy, State Government Finance and Policy, and Transportation Finance and Policy.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Bachelor of Science in engineering from Purdue University.
• Early Career: Grew up in Lebanon, Indiana; moved to Minnesota to work with Habitat for Humanity in Rochester, then to Minneapolis. Worked as a lobbyist and policy writer for the Center for Energy and Environment and in the City of Minneapolis's Sustainability Office.
• Political Experience: Announced candidacy for District 61A on March 6, 2024; elected November 5, 2024, for her first term beginning in 2025. Active community leader prior to election, including neighborhood association presidency and city advisory roles.