Peggy Flanagan on Monday officially became the newest member of the Minnesota House of Representatives.
The St. Louis Park DFLer was sworn in during a ceremony at the Veterans Services Building in St. Paul. She ran unopposed in a Nov. 3 special election to replace former Rep. Ryan Winkler in District 46A. Winkler resigned his seat July 1.
“Taking the oath of office, I am mindful of the important role that community members and representatives play in our democracy, and I’m excited to get to work,” Flanagan said in a news release. “The residents of 46A have put their faith in me to be a strong advocate for them at the State Capitol in St. Paul.”
Flanagan, 36, becomes the 45th woman — and second Native American woman — in the 134-member body.
The executive director of a nonprofit child-advocacy organization, Flanagan has been assigned Winkler’s old office, 309 State Office Building, and telephone number, (651) 296-7026. Her committee assignments are yet to be determined.
Republicans still hold a 72-61 advantage in the House.
Another special election is scheduled Dec. 8 to fill the District 3A seat in that became vacant when Rep. David Dill passed away Aug. 8 after a battle with cancer.