Senator Susan Pha proudly represents Minnesota’s most diverse District, Senate District 38, which includes Brooklyn Park, Brooklyn Center, and Osseo.
She serves as the Vice Chair of the Capital Investment Committee and is a member of the Housing and Homelessness Prevention Committee. Senator Pha is also a member of the People of Color and Indigenous Caucus, Minnesota Asian Pacific Caucus, Reproductive Freedom Caucus, on the Governor’s Residence Council, and is a Legislative Board Member of the Council of Asian Pacific Minnesotans.
Before winning the historic 2022 Senate race and becoming the first person of color to represent her district, Senator Pha served on the Brooklyn Park City Council for two terms from 2016 to 2022 as the West District Council Member and Mayor Pro Tem.
Senator Pha’s remarkable journey from a three-year-old war refugee from Laos to a strong and respected leader is a testament to her resilience and the transformative power of community support. Orphaned after her father died in the Vietnam War, she arrived in the United States and, despite growing up in poverty, was empowered by the love of her family, the kindness of local churches, and a strong community to dream big and make a difference.
Senator Pha’s unwavering passion for public service and commitment to uplifting families and communities propelled her to the Minnesota Senate. Since then, she has tirelessly worked to create economic opportunities, invest in education, ensure affordable housing and healthcare, promote racial equity and social justice and amplify marginalized voices.
Senator Pha lives in Brooklyn Park with her husband, Nicolas. Together, they have five children and one grandson. She is a small business owner and published author who enjoys the outdoors, camping, fishing, hiking, and exploring.
