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Former state Rep. Mary Murphy, the longest-serving woman in the history of the Minnesota House, died Wednesday at age 85.

House Speaker Melissa Hortman, DFL-Brooklyn Park, 

confirmed Murphy’s death in a Facebook post

 Wednesday and said she would share information about funeral services as soon as it was available. On Monday, Hortman had posted about Murphy’s stroke and move to hospice.

“She was a wonderful state representative and human being. So many people will miss her, and remember her and her accomplishments fondly,” Hortman said. 

She chaired multiple committees while in the House including the judiciary finance committee, ethics committee and energy committee. She was passionate about topics like women’s rights, labor and advocacy issues, health care and criminal justice. 

Murphy initiated legislation to to fund statewide juvenile correction facilities, worked to increase penalties for domestic abuse and sexual misconduct while prioritizing victim’s rights, and championed programs like Head Start and DARE.

Current Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy, DFL-St. Paul, served alongside her when both were in the House and remembers Murphy's mentorship.

"She showed me how to lead with her own leadership. She was a constant presence in my ear,” Murphy said. “She was a trailblazer in every way that you could imagine. But most importantly, she was my dear friend, and I will miss her.”

Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert served at the Capitol during part of Murphy's tenure. He told Morning Edition she was thoughtful when she spoke. 

“Mary was this quiet, strong presence. And I think one of the rarities, rarities in terms of a legislator, (is that she) didn't need to hear herself say a lot,” Reinert said, “but when Mary spoke, everyone listened. And that was true, whether it was a personal conversation or comments that she might make on the floor of the House."

U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, in a social media post, remembered Murphy as a “strong advocate and so often the only woman at the table in northern Minnesota. Now that’s changed but Mary was in so many ways ahead of her time.”

Gov. Tim Walz shared a post remembering Murphy as “a true champion for the Northland.”

Rep. Jay Xiong, DFL-St. Paul, said on social media that Murphy was a “remarkable legislator and a compassionate friend and mentor to many.”

“Her unwavering commitment to her community and tireless advocacy for those in need have left an indelible mark on our state,” he said. “Mary’s legacy will continue to inspire us all as we strive to uphold the values she championed. We have lost a giant, and she will be deeply missed.”

Murphy grew up in Hermantown; her family lived in one of the “Jackson Project” houses built by the federal government to provide relief to families amid the Great Depression. Murphy continued to live in her childhood home as an adult, 

 that she never wanted to live anywhere else.

The help her family received from the New Deal helped inspire Murphy’s career in public service. She spoke about it in a 

candidate interview for PBS North in Duluth

“We learned that government was good and that government should be helpful, and government addresses the wants and needs of the people of the state of Minnesota,” she said.

Murphy was first elected to the Minnesota House in 1976 and served until she was defeated in her bid to represent the Duluth-area seat in 2022 by 33 votes. She was a history and social studies teacher at Duluth Central High School until she retired in 1997.

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Former state Rep. Mary Murphy, the longest-serving woman in the history of the Minnesota House, died Wednesday at age 85.


‘A trailblazer in every way’: Former Rep. Mary Murphy, long-serving Minnesota House member, dies at 85

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