Representative Jamie Long has built a career centered on leadership in public service, grassroots advocacy, and progressive politics across national, state, and local levels. He has been a strong proponent of transformative legislative work aimed at improving the lives of Minnesotans.
Jamie resides in Southwest Minneapolis with his wife, Melissa, who was his high school sweetheart, and their two children. He proudly represents District 61B and serves as the Majority Leader in the Minnesota House of Representatives.
During one of the most impactful legislative sessions in Minnesota's history, the Washington Post praised the extensive and transformative legislation passed, dubbing it the "Minnesota Miracle." Jamie is running for reelection for a fourth term in 2024, eager to build on this progressive work to create more opportunities and a brighter future for all Minnesotans.
In his third term, Jamie authored the Clean Energy Standard bill, which was signed into law and set Minnesota on a path to achieving 100 percent clean energy by 2040. This legislation is one of the top five clean energy standards in the nation.
Under his leadership, the legislature also passed significant measures such as Paid Family and Medical Leave, Gun Violence Protection, Reproductive Rights, Free College Tuition, K-12 Education Investments, and the Child Tax Credit.
During his second term, Jamie focused on criminal justice reform, serving on both the Public Safety and Judiciary Committees. He also worked on protecting and expanding democracy, serving on the Redistricting Committee and the State Government Finance Committee.
In his first term, Jamie was elected Assistant Majority Leader of the House of Representatives by his peers and was one of only two first-term legislators appointed to the Ways and Means Committee.
Before his tenure in the Minnesota House of Representatives, Jamie worked extensively in energy, environment, and transportation policy. He played a crucial role in turning innovative ideas into law in the U.S.
Congress, including serving as Legislative Director and Deputy Chief of Staff for then-Congressman Keith Ellison. During law school, Jamie gained experience at a Public Defender’s office and contributed to legal efforts at the Natural Resources Defense Council’s Climate Center.
He earned his J.D. from George Washington Law School and his B.A.
from Carleton College.
Jamie enjoys various hobbies, including outdoor adventures, listening to music, playing Ultimate Frisbee, reading history, watching classic movies, and singing.
The Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (DFL) was established in 1944 through the merger of the Minnesota Democratic Party and the Minnesota Farmer–Labor Party. The DFL is unique among state Democratic Party affiliates for having a distinct name, sharing this trait only with North Dakota's Democratic–Nonpartisan League Party.
Affiliated with the national Democratic Party, the DFL plays a significant role in Minnesota's political landscape.
The DFL holds substantial influence in Minnesota, controlling four of the state's eight U.S. House seats, both U.S.
Senate seats, the Minnesota House of Representatives and Senate, and all other statewide offices, including the governorship. This dominance was solidified following the 2022 elections, where the DFL retained all executive offices, won majorities in both state legislative chambers, and re-elected all incumbent Congressional Representatives.
With their legislative control, the DFL has pursued a progressive agenda. Governor Tim Walz hailed the recent legislative session as exceptionally successful, emphasizing the passage of significant expansions in welfare programs and spending.
Key policies include the expansion of abortion rights, reproductive healthcare services, protection of gender-affirming care, legalization of recreational cannabis, education spending indexed to inflation, public transit investments, and paid sick leave for workers. These efforts have received praise from prominent figures, including former President Barack Obama.
The DFL emphasizes the importance of family farms and supports sustainable ecological practices, fair agricultural prices, and access to farm credit. The party advocates for educational research in sustainable agriculture and the use of agricultural surpluses to combat hunger.
The DFL is committed to preserving constitutional and civil rights, supporting the separation of church and state, voluntary military enlistment, and humane immigration policies. The party opposes discrimination and government interference in personal bodily autonomy.
Community development should promote long-term benefits, prosperity, and housing security. The DFL supports local business development, economic investment in troubled regions, responsible use of development funds, and affordable housing initiatives.
Businesses should act responsibly for the common good. The DFL supports regulations ensuring fair competition, safety, environmental standards, and prevention of adverse effects on local businesses.
Consumers have the right to safe products and fair treatment. The DFL advocates for consumer education, food quality standards, healthcare professional licensing, and housing inspections for government-backed loans.
A strong public education system is vital for a productive society. The DFL supports stable funding, academic freedom, moderate class sizes, comprehensive curricula, and well-funded post-secondary education.
The DFL believes in sustainable energy sources and aggressive conservation efforts. The party supports renewable energy, decreased dependence on nuclear power, and environmental protection.
Ensuring political rights through fair elections and responsible governance is crucial. The DFL supports campaign finance reform, ethical conduct for officials, transparency, and ranked-choice voting.
The DFL advocates for comprehensive healthcare, services for children, mental health programs, and support for displaced persons. The party supports a single-payer healthcare system and AIDS research funding.
The DFL promotes labor rights, including collective bargaining, fair wages, compensation for injured workers, and full-time employment programs. The party opposes the replacement of striking workers and workplace harassment.
The DFL supports international cooperation, fair trade, human rights, and environmental protection. The party opposes terrorism and exploitative international policies.
The DFL emphasizes environmental preservation, strong enforcement of environmental programs, and clean water protection. The party opposes hazardous waste disposal and nuclear power.
Strong law enforcement combined with crime prevention is essential. The DFL supports victim protection, reasonable firearm policies, and the abolition of capital punishment.
The DFL aims to dismantle prejudicial systems and promote equality. The party supports accessible and affordable goods and services, including utilities, transportation, and housing.
The DFL believes in secure retirement for all Americans. The party supports Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and well-funded retirement programs.
Sound fiscal policies and fair taxation are essential. The DFL supports a progressive tax structure, reducing the national debt, and tax incentives for small businesses and rural areas.
Efficient and affordable transportation is vital for prosperity. The DFL supports multi-modal solutions, well-maintained infrastructure, and increased investment in transportation.
The DFL honors veterans' service and advocates for their well-being and economic security. The party supports equal benefits for state militia members, adequate funding for veteran services, and efforts to bring home POWs and MIAs.