Author: Avery Hill
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Kent elected first female DFL state Senate leader in Minnesota
On February 1, 2020, the Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) caucus of the Minnesota State Senate elected Susan Kent (D) to serve as the party’s minority leader for the upcoming legislative session. Kent won the post over fellow senator Tom Bakk (D). Kent will serve as the DFL’s first female leader in the state Senate. In Minnesota, the…
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Maryland State Representative Hettleman appointed to state Senate
On January 31, 2020, Governor Larry Hogan (R) appointed Shelly Hettleman (D) to fill the vacant District 11 seat in the Maryland Senate. Hettleman assumed office on February 3, 2020. Her current term will end in 2022. Hettleman’s appointment came after former senator Robert Zirkin (D) resigned on January 2, 2020, to focus on his…
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Mississippi state representative resigns after less than one month in office
On January 31, 2020, Mississippi representative Ramona Blackledge (R) resigned from the Mississippi House of Representatives after being sworn in earlier in the month. Blackledge stepped down to maintain her Public Employees Retirement System of Mississippi (PERS) retirement benefits. Blackledge’s resignation came after Mississippi House Speaker Philip Gunn (R) stated that he would not challenge…
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New York City Council member resigns
On January 26, 2020, New York City Council member Rafael Espinal (D) resigned his seat after representing New York City Council District 37 for seven years. Espinal stepped down to become the executive director of the Freelancers’ Union. Espinal had two years remaining on his second consecutive four-year term as a New York City Council…
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Governor Newsom appoints Jackson to California Court of Appeal
On January 21, 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom’s (D) appointee to the California First District Court of Appeal—Justice Terri L. Jackson—was unanimously confirmed by the Commission on Judicial Appointments. Justice Jackson is now the first female, African-American justice to sit on the California First District Court of Appeal. Before her appointment, Jackson served as a judge…
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Massachusetts representative becomes Taunton’s first female mayor
On January 6, 2020, Shaunna O’Connell (R) resigned from the Third Bristol District seat in the Massachusetts State House after becoming the mayor of Taunton, Massachusetts. O’Connell defeated Taunton City Council member Estele Borges (D) to become Taunton’s mayor on November 5, 2019. Taunton’s incumbent mayor, Thomas Hoye Jr., did not run for re-election. Before…
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Multnomah County commissioners appoint Lawrence-Spence to Oregon House
On January 17, 2020, Akasha Lawrence-Spence (D) was appointed by Multnomah County commissioners to fill the vacant District 36 position in the Oregon House of Representatives. Lawrence-Spence will assume office on the first day of the Oregon General Assembly legislative session on February 3, 2020. Her current term will end on January 10, 2021. Lawrence-Spence’s…
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Harmon elected new Illinois Senate president
The Illinois State Senate elected Sen. Don Harmon (D) to be its president for the upcoming legislative session. Harmon won the post over fellow senator Kimberly Lightford (D). In Illinois, the Illinois Senate president is the highest-ranking legislative officer, serving as the leader of the upper chamber of the Illinois General Assembly. He or she…
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Vacancy committee appoints Hansen to Colorado Senate
On January 17, 2020, Chris Hansen (D) was appointed to fill the vacant District 31 seat in the Colorado Senate. Hansen assumed office on January 21, 2020, and his current term will end in January 2021. Vacancies in either chamber of the Colorado General Assembly are filled by a committee of members of the political party…
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Democratic party selects Feigenholtz to replace Cullerton in Illinois Senate
On January 21, 2020, Sara Feigenholtz (D) was appointed by Democratic Party leaders in Illinois Senate District 6 to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of former Sen. John Cullerton (D). Feigenholtz’s Senate term will end on January 11, 2023. Cullerton resigned on January 20 and served as the president of the Illinois State…