Senator Erin Maye Quade

Erin Maye Quade

Born on March 12, 1986, Erin Maye Quade is an American politician from the state of Minnesota. She is a member of the Democratic–Farmer–Labor (DFL) Party.

Early Life and Education: Erin Maye Quade was born in Apple Valley, Minnesota. She graduated from Eastview High School in Apple Valley, Minnesota, in 2004. She then attended the University of St. Thomas in Saint Paul, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science and justice and peace studies in 2008.

Career: After college, Maye Quade became a community organizer. She worked as a staffer for U.S. Representative Keith Ellison, who encouraged her to run for office.

Minnesota House of Representatives: In 2016, Maye Quade ran for the District 57A seat in the Minnesota House of Representatives. She defeated Republican nominee Ali Jimenez-Hopper in the general election, 52% to 47%. She was the third Black woman to serve in the chamber.

2018 Gubernatorial Campaign: In June 2018, Minnesota gubernatorial candidate Erin Murphy chose Maye Quade as her running mate. Maye Quade received the DFL endorsement by acclamation at the Minnesota DFL convention on June 3, 2018, making her the first LGBTQ person to be endorsed on the ticket of a major Minnesota political party.

Minnesota State Senate: Maye Quade was elected to the Minnesota Senate in 2022. She was sworn in on January 3, 2023. She currently represents District 56. Her current term ends on January 5, 2027.

Personal Life: Erin Maye Quade is married to Alyse Maye Quade. They have one child together.