Melisa López Franzen is a former Minnesota Senate Democratic Leader who made history in 2021 as the first person of color to lead a legislative caucus in Minnesota, steering the Democratic caucus during a critical period of unprecedented polarization.

During her tenure representing suburban communities in Bloomington, Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, and Edina, she championed landmark legislation protecting reproductive freedom, expanding healthcare access for vulnerable populations, and supporting small businesses and workers. Most recently, she served as Executive Director of Government and Community Relations for the University of Minnesota System, where she advocated across all five campuses for students, research, and economic opportunity while strengthening partnerships between the university and communities throughout the state.

A trained attorney with a Master of Public Policy from the University of Minnesota and a J.D. from Hamline University School of Law, López Franzen brings deep expertise in the intersection of policy, education, and public service.