Jeanelle Austin Announces Run for Minnesota Senate District 62

Jeanelle Austin, a South Minneapolis native, is running on a platform centered on gun safety, healthcare access, and education, with a campaign message focused heavily on uplifting youth voices in policymaking.

Community leader and racial justice organizer Jeanelle Austin has announced her candidacy for Minnesota Senate District 62, challenging incumbent Sen. Omar Fateh (D).

A lifelong resident of South Minneapolis, Jeanelle describes herself as a neighbor and “auntie” deeply connected to the community she hopes to represent. She currently serves as the Executive Director of Rise & Remember, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the legacy and historical significance of George Floyd Square.

She is also the Lead Memorial Caretaker at George Floyd Square, where she coordinates volunteers and helps steward the memorial site that became a global symbol of racial justice following George Floyd’s murder in 2020.

In announcing her campaign, Austin said her platform is shaped by ongoing conversations with young people in her community. She said youth have consistently raised concerns about gun violence and the need for stronger safety measures.

“Our youth continually ask for a change in gun laws to end gun violence,” Austin shared on social media.

Austin is also prioritizing healthcare reform, particularly expanding access to mental health and trauma-informed care. She says young people and families continue to call for greater health and wellness resources, especially in communities impacted by violence and systemic inequities.

Education is the third major pillar of her campaign. Austin is advocating for what she describes as a more supportive and equitable education system that helps students thrive academically and personally while preparing them for long-term success.

“Our youth continually ask for an education that supports and encourages their ability to thrive,” Austin said. “And when we listen to our youth, all of us will rise.”

Senate District 62 includes portions of South Minneapolis and represents a diverse urban constituency. Austin’s entry into the race sets up a contest within the Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) Party against Fateh who was first elected to the Minnesota Senate in 2020.