SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Rep. Bianca Virnig (DFL – Eagan) was officially sworn in Friday as the newest member of the Minnesota House of Representatives. Surrounded by loved ones, constituents, and fellow legislators, Rep. Virnig took the oath of office, pledging to serve her community with dedication, integrity, and unwavering commitment to progress. Rep. Virnig will represent District 52B, including the communities of Eagan, Mendota Heights, and Mendota, after winning a December special election to complete the term of former Rep. Ruth Richardson who resigned in September.
“It is an honor and privilege to serve the people of Eagan, Mendota Heights, and Mendota. As a mother of three school-age children and a public servant with deep roots in both public health and education, I understand the importance of forging connections across sectors to build stronger communities,” Rep. Virnig said. “My experience has instilled in me a profound appreciation for the challenges we face, but also a firm belief in the power of collaboration and innovation to find solutions. Together, we can empower everyone to reach their full potential and build a brighter future for our community and all of Minnesota.”
Rep. Virnig most recently served on the Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan school board, working to ensure quality education for her community's children. Her passion extends beyond the classroom through her role as Director of Health and Safety at BrightWorks, an educational services cooperative, and her engagement with the Deerwood Elementary PTO.
In 2022 and 2023, she participated in the Humphrey Policy Fellowship Program, working with her cohort to increase access to Medicaid reimbursement for social work services provided in public schools. She co-leads the Minnesota Education Policy Fellowship, a program focused on developing leadership in public policy, analysis, design and implementation. In 2021, she earned Dakota County’s Public Health Achievement Award for her work with schools during the pandemic. For the past two years, the Minnesota Educational Facilities Management Professionals Association (MASMS) recognized her as a Professional Partner of the Year.
In the House, Rep. Virnig plans to champion public education, health care, disability rights and social justice. She will serve on the Elections Finance and Policy, Human Services Finance, and Education Finance committees.
The 2024 legislative session begins February 12.