An Icon of Progressive Courage
John Marty is a strong advocate for government ethics, environmental protection, and health care reform. He is a trusted and highly respected state senator.
The Conscience of the Senate
The son of Dr. Martin Marty, a renowned author, minister and theologian, and his wife Elsa, John grew up in a family engaged in the civil rights and anti-poverty movements. His parents taught him deeply-rooted values, such as respecting the dignity of every human being, the value of working hard and playing fair, and the importance of taking responsibility to bring change when confronting injustice.
- Chair, Senate Finance Committee
- Former Chair, Health and Housing Committee
- Former Chair, Government Ethics & Campaign Finance Reform Committee
- Former Chair, Enviroment & Energy Committee
John attended St. Olaf College in Northfield and received a B.A. in Ethics in 1978. After college, he worked as a researcher and a foundation grant administrator. During this time, he met his wife Connie. They have two adult children, Elsa and Micah.
John won an upset victory for Senate in Roseville in 1986. He first became known statewide for his work in ethics and campaign finance reform. In 1993, he authored successful legislation to reduce the impact of special interest money on the political process. John was also the author of landmark legislation that prohibited lobbyists and interest groups from giving gifts to public officials. He has been a tireless voice for government reform and continues to press for legislation to end the influence of special interest money in politics.
John has been a strong advocate for public investments in education that enable children to reach their full potential. He has been a leading advocate for early childhood health and education and other initiatives to help children succeed. He co-chaired the Legislative Commission to End Poverty and works for legislation to ensure that all workers receive a living wage.
Senator Marty is the chair of the powerful Senate Finance Committee where he led efforts to develop the impressive 2024-25 state budget, a fiscally responsible budget that invested in Minnesotans and the future of our state. He helped bring legislators together to pass the 2026-27 budget in a manner that helped Minnesota retain its AAA-rating from all three major credit rating agencies.
He is author of the Minnesota Health Plan, a bold single-payer health plan that would cover all Minnesotans for all their medical needs, including dental, eye care, mental health, and substance use treatment.
John is also former chair of the Senate Environment and Energy Committee and has been an outspoken leader on environmental protection and renewable energy. He pushes for aggressive action to address climate change. He has received numerous awards and honors for his climate and environmental leadership.
A Message of Hope
We are in the midst of frightening times. The Trump administration has threatened the very survival of our democracy. ICE agents are assaulting many Americans, abducting people off the streets because their race or ethnic background makes ICE agents believe they don’t belong here. The explicit racial targeting of non-white people is appalling. It violates everything that you and I stand for. It is un-American.
Cruelty seems to be the goal of many Trump Administration policies; they aren’t saving money and they aren’t making communities safer. They are simply designed to hurt the President’s opponents and people he considers less-than-human.
The challenges our society faces are immense. Cruelty seems to be the goal of many Trump Administration policies; they aren’t saving money and they aren’t making communities safer. They are simply designed to hurt the President’s opponents and people he considers less-than-human.
The challenges our society faces are immense. But there is reason to hope.
Younger generations are demanding bold action on climate. Americans of all ages are demanding action to stem gun violence.
There has been a shift in public attitudes. Some of it comes as a backlash to the Trump Presidency as he tears into the very fabric of our democracy. We cannot let ourselves be intimidated by cruel bullying. We must stand up for our neighbors and our values.
Many newer legislators share this sense of urgency with me. Even some cautious politicians are awakening to the depth of the problems we face.
While many of the bold reform proposals I am pushing have yet to be implemented, I have had victories – often huge victories – even when pundits said there was no chance.
This year, we must work all-out to defend our democracy and protect our neighbors from harm. But we must also speak out for visionary change. On Climate. On Healthcare for All. On Social, Economic, and Racial Justice. On Gun Violence. On rebuilding our democracy and ensuring the right to vote.
Please join in creating a sustained, persistent effort to demand change. Defend our neighbors and our democracy. And, speak out – with kindness and understanding and a willingness to listen – but also with firmness and persistence. It is not ok to maintain the status quo in the midst of a crisis.
Endorsed by leading progressive organizations
Endorsements from John’s 2022 Campaign
