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Minneapolis City Council member Andrea Jenkins said Monday she will not seek reelection this fall.

“After several months of introspection and vacillation, I’ve decided this is my last term in office,” she wrote to her constituents in an email. “It has, indeed, been the honor of my life to serve as your Council Member.” 

 in 2017 as the first Black openly transgender woman to be elected to office in the United States. She won Ward 8, which covers neighborhoods in south Minneapolis.

Jenkins’ experience at Minneapolis City Hall began nearly 25 years ago. Jenkins was appointed as a policy aide to council member Robert Lilligren in 2001. She has also served as an aide to council member Elizabeth Glidden.

As an elected official, Jenkins has been a vocal advocate for police reforms. Jenkins was one of 

 who in 2020 took to a stage in Powderhorn Park following the killing of George Floyd by a police officer and called for significant changes in how the city provides public safety.  The words “Defund Police” stood in front of the stage.

Jenkins has also spearheaded efforts to provide visibility and protection for members of the LGBTQ+ community. She began organizing the city’s annual 

Jenkins' email to constituents doesn’t say exactly why she decided to leave office next year, nor does it say what she plans to do next.

, plans to run again for the Ward 8 seat.

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Before she became the first Black openly trans woman to be elected to office in the United States in 2017, Andrea Jenkins served as a policy aide in city hall. 

Jenkins won’t seek fourth term on Minneapolis City Council

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