NEWS RELEASE
Rep. Sandra Feist
Minnesota House of Representatives
District 39B – 651-296-4331 – rep.sandra.feist@house.mn.gov
5th Floor, Centennial Office Building, St. Paul, MN 55155
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Marlee Schlegel
marlee.schlegel@house.mn.gov
(651) 296-9873
November 17, 2025
Rep. Sandra Feist announces retirement; will not seek re-election in 2026
SAINT PAUL, MINN. -- Today, third-term Rep. Sandra Feist (DFL – New Brighton) announced her intent to retire from the Minnesota House at the conclusion of her current term.
“It has been an honor of a lifetime to serve as a State Representative for the communities of New Brighton, Columbia Heights, and St. Anthony,” said Rep. Feist. “I have found the experience of public service to be truly meaningful. Since I first ran for office, my circle expanded dramatically. I’m a better, more thoughtful person as a result. From the dedicated DFLers who welcomed me as a new face in local politics to the community members who chatted with me at the Capitol, in coffee shops, the grocery store, and my kids’ school events about the issues on their minds, I have learned from you and appreciate your partnership in informing my legislative work.”
In her time at the House, Rep. Feist has gained a reputation for taking on complex issues and bringing together impacted parties to strategically update Minnesota law across numerous policy areas. Some of these impactful laws include the Student Data Privacy Act, fixing unconstitutional property tax forfeiture laws, modernizing Minnesota's community supervision funding formula, and updating Minnesota’s broken guardianship systems.
Additionally, Rep. Feist discovered a passion for restorative justice during her service. She led the final push to pass the Veterans Restorative Justice Act, which has become a national model for supporting struggling veterans. She also championed the creation of the youth-focused Office of Restorative Practices.
“I am so proud of the work I have done as a member of the Minnesota House in my time here. Thank you to the residents of New Brighton, Columbia Heights, and St. Anthony – I will forever consider all three cities I represent my community. Thank you to the advocates who show up to DFL meetings, town halls, and in my inbox to participate actively in our democracy. Thank you to my 2020 ‘Corona Class’ colleagues. You will forever be my family. Thank you to my husband, Ben, and to our kids who spent these past five years immersed in my political life and seeing what can be accomplished when you show up and speak up. It was a sacrifice and an opportunity that we shared every step of the way.”
Rep. Feist has long been a leader in encouraging bipartisanship, co-chairing the House Civility Caucus for the past two terms. She attributes part of her success in chief authoring 57 bills passed into law to finding common ground across the aisle.
"I’ve valued the dialogue with colleagues and constituents with whom I don’t always see eye to eye. Our open communication over the years ensured that I have had a full range of perspectives at all times, which has made me a better leader and legislator. For those who have emailed, you know that I am and will always be pathologically on top of my inbox. I’ve truly enjoyed our correspondence.”
As an immigration attorney, Rep. Feist brought her expertise to the state level, enacting laws to optimize the interplay between state and federal law to support immigrants, which has been top of mind as the current Administration continues its relentless crusade against immigrants. After finishing her current term, she plans to pivot back to immigration work full-time.
“After my term has ended, I will continue to engage with policy and stand up alongside my community and my family for our shared belief in a state and nation where everyone is supported, accepted, and has a right to a joyful life. Lastly, thank you to my friend, the late Melissa Hortman, who encouraged me to be a ‘squeaky wheel’ and then didn’t hold it against me when I took her advice. I learned so much about principled, effective leadership by following Melissa’s example. Melissa’s mentorship left an indelible impact that I will carry with me always.”
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