Minnesota's longest-serving female state representative has died.
Mary Murphy carried out the role for 46 years, first elected in 1976 before finally losing that seat in 2022. Not only was Murphy Minnesota's longest serving female representative, she was the second longest after Representative Lyndon Carlson (DFL- Brooklyn Center).
Murphy (DFL) is also being remembered as a former social studies teacher at Duluth Central High School where she worked from 1964 to 1997.
Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman (DFL- Brooklyn Park) confirmed the news on X Wednesday that Murphy died from complications of a stroke on Christmas day.
Minnesota U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (DFL) posted a note to X Christmas night praising Murphy's service.
"We lost long time northern Minnesota former legislator Mary Murphy today," Klobuchar says. "She was a strong advocate and so often the only woman at the table in northern MN. Now that’s changed but Mary was in so many ways ahead of her time! We will miss her."
Murphy was 85 years old.
Among some of Murphy's important accomplishments in the state house:
She authored legislation that allows women direct access to their obstetrical-gynecological caregiver.
Established a voluntary program that enables public health nurses to visit new mothers in their homes.
Established a minimum wage for tipped employees, a predominantly female field.
Included teachers, nurses and caseworkers in the corrections pension plan, eliminating an inequity that was largely based on gender.
Fought to create day care for jurists and eliminate smoking in day care facilities.
Authored a variety if criminal justice legislation aimed at security for women including, increased penalties for domestic abuse, stalking, criminal sexual conduct, and prioritizing victims rights.