Meet Michael Howard

I grew up in greater Minnesota with my parents Jeff and Cheryl, and sister Laura. My mom was an elementary special education teacher and my dad was a physical therapist. Both of my parents instilled in me the goodness in people, the value of putting yourself in other people’s shoes, and always fighting injustice where you see it in the world.

As a sophomore at Augsburg College, I interned on Senator Paul Wellstone’s campaign, which proved to be a life-changing experience. I learned about politics the Wellstone way, where we organize based on shared values and fight boldly for progressive change together. Ever since, I have been committed to helping achieve positive change in the lives of others through public service.

One of my first jobs was with Clean Water Action, raising money to protect our environment. After I graduated, I worked as a personal care assistant for children with autism. My experience in politics and government took me to the State Capitol. There I built strong relationships with legislators across Minnesota and acquired a deep knowledge of how to successfully move complex legislation forward. Serving as Communication Director for the Minnesota House DFL Caucus, I saw first hand how the Minnesota House can be a powerful place, where bold and just solutions to crucial issues are possible. I want to help make it that kind of place again.

From 2012-2016 I had had the honor of representing the City of Richfield as Councilmember At-Large. I am excited about progress we made to become a more vibrant, inclusive city. In my first year on the Council I led efforts to pass our city’s paid parental leave policy. In addition, I am proud to have worked with fellow councilmembers and community leaders to prioritize affordable housing in our community and bring a racial equity lens to our decision making at City Hall. Richfield is thriving because we are working with our community - our entire community - to build a better future.

It was an honor to earn the trust of our community and be elected to the Minnesota House in 2018. As your state representative, I have fought hard for solutions that meet the scope of the challenges our community faces. I was proud to chief author the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act, passing a nation-first law to ensure no Minnesotan again loses their life because they can’t afford their insulin.

In 2023 and in partnership with you, we passed historic legislation to improve lives and our community. As Chair of our Housing Finance committee, I authored and passed a game-changing $1 billion investment in affordable housing. I also authored a new law to cap insurance costs for insulin, asthma inhalers, and epi-pens, as well as related medical supplies. I also passed legislation that will make a difference here in Richfield, securing $12 million to build a new Wood Lake Nature Center, as well as historic investments for Richfield Public Schools. I am also proud to have worked with Richfield and Minneapolis community leaders to pass our new Drivers License for All legislation, and in securing new, permanent resources to make childcare more affordable.

Now more than ever, we need to lead with our values, work in partnership, and build a future where everyone can succeed.