Sandy Pappas

Sandra L. "Sandy" Pappas (born June 15, 1949) is a Minnesota politician and former President of the Minnesota Senate. A member of the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (DFL), she represents District 65, which includes portions of Saint Paul in Ramsey County in the Twin Cities metropolitan area.

Sandy Pappas
11th President of the Minnesota Senate
In office January 8, 2013 – January 2, 2017
Preceded by	Michelle Fischbach
Succeeded by	Michelle Fischbach
Member of the Minnesota Senate from the 65th district
Incumbent
Assumed office January 8, 1991
Preceded by	Donald Moe
Member of the Minnesota House of Representatives from the 65B district
In office January 8, 1985 – January 7, 1991
Preceded by	Frank J. Rodriguez Sr.
Succeeded by	Carlos Mariani
Personal details
Born	June 15, 1949 Hibbing, Minnesota, U.S.
Political party	Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party
Spouse(s)	Neal Gosman
Children	3
Alma mater	Metropolitan State University Harvard University

Early life and education

Pappas was born in Hibbing, Minnesota. She attended the University of Minnesota and later attended Metropolitan State University, from which she earned a B.A. in public policy in 1986. She later attended the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, earning an MPA.[1]

Minnesota House of Representatives

Pappas was a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives, representing District 65B from 1985 to 1991.[1]

Minnesota Senate

Pappas was first elected to the Minnesota Senate in 1990 and has been re-elected in every subsequent election since then. She has served on the Capital Investment, Commerce, Finance, Rules and Administration, and State and Local Government committees. She was chair of the Higher Education Committee from 2007 to 2011 and chair of the Education Committee from 2001 to 2003. She served as president pro tempore from 2003 to 2007.

After the DFL regained a majority in the 2012 election, Pappas was elected by her caucus to serve as President of the Minnesota Senate, starting in January 2013.[2] Pappas was re-elected to the Senate in both 2016 and 2020. [3]

1997 Saint Paul mayoral campaign

Pappas ran an unsuccessful campaign for mayor of Saint Paul against incumbent Norm Coleman in 1997.[1]

Personal life

Pappas is married to Neal Gosman. They have three daughters and 28 grandchildren.

References

1. "Pappas, Sandra L. "Sandy"". Legislators Past & Present. Minnesota Legislative Reference Library. Retrieved January 10, 2013.
2. Stassen-Berger, Rachel E. (November 8, 2012). "Bakk, Thissen to lead DFL at the State Capitol". Star Tribune. Retrieved March 1, 2013.
3. "Minnesota State Senate District 65". Retrieved January 12, 2021.

External links

• Sandy Pappas at Minnesota Legislators Past & Present
• Official Senate website
• Official campaign website
• Project Vote Smart - Senator Sandy Pappas Profile
• Follow the Money - Sandy Pappas Campaign Contributions
  • 2006 2004 2002 2000 1996