Mary Kelly Kunesh , born November 20, 1960, is a member of the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party representing Senate District 39, which covers parts of Anoka, Hennepin, and Ramsey Counties, including cities like Fridley, Spring Lake Park, Columbia Heights, Hilltop, New Brighton, and St. Anthony. She resides in New Brighton and is of Lakota heritage, with her mother and grandfather as enrolled members of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. She is the first Indigenous woman to serve in the Minnesota Senate and focuses on education, civil justice, environment, and American Indian issues.

Education and Political Experience

• Occupation: Educator.
• Minnesota House of Representatives : Elected in 2016, succeeding DFL incumbent Carolyn Laine; one of four Native American legislators at the time.
• Minnesota State Senate : Elected in 2020 with over 66% of the vote; elected Assistant Majority Leader in 2023.
• Current Committees: Chair of Education Finance; also serves on Agriculture, Broadband, & Rural Development; Education Policy; Environment, Climate, & Legacy.