Zack Stephenson

Representative Zack Stephenson is a Democratic-Farmer-Labor member of the Minnesota House of Representatives representing District 35A, located in the northwestern suburbs of Minneapolis, encompassing parts of Anoka and Hennepl counties.

Stephenson is a prosecutor and father of two who has been a lifelong resident of the northern suburbs. He grew up in Coon Rapids and was elected to the state legislature in 2018, flipping a historically Republican district that had been represented by Republicans for 16 years prior. District 35A had previously been held by Republican Jim Abeler, followed by Republican Abigail Whelan.

He is married to Austin and has two daughters, Nora and Elsa. Stephenson is a member of the First Congregational Church of Anoka and has served on the Coon Rapids Planning Commission since 2012.

Education

Stephenson graduated from Coon Rapids High School in 2002. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy Analysis from Knox College in 2006 and a Juris Doctor from the University of Chicago Law School in 2010. After completing his law degree, he returned to the northern suburbs to practice law and work in public service.

Political Experience

Stephenson was first elected to the Minnesota House in 2018 and has served in multiple terms. He was elected to represent District 36A from 2019 to 2023 before shifting to District 35A in 2023. In his current position, he is serving as the DFL Caucus Leader, an important leadership role within the Democratic caucus.

Prior to his legislative career, Stephenson worked as a Communications Specialist in the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2007 and served as an Associate at the law firm Faegre Baker Daniels from 2011 to 2016. He currently works as an Assistant Hennepl County Attorney, handling criminal cases. He was also recognized as a Lawyer of the Year by Minnesota Lawyer Magazine and has served as a notable protégé of former Speaker Melissa Hortman, having worked as her campaign manager in 2004.