Politics in Practice: Patricia Torres Ray

The Department of Political Science is excited to host our inaugural Politics in Practice event, hosting former Minnesota Senator Patricia Torres Ray. Come learn about Patricia's time in the Minnesota Senate, her current endeavors, and how you can use your political science major or minor to pursue change & lead in your own way.

Patricia Torres Ray dedicated 20 years to public service before embarking on her own political journey in 2005. She made history as the first Latina elected to the Minnesota Senate in 2006. Throughout her time in office, Patricia emerged as a passionate advocate for the Latine community, children, and communities of color & Indigenous peoples. Her efforts focused on promoting inclusion, driving economic advancement for low income workers, championing social justice, and addressing inequality.

She has held multiple leadership roles in the Senate, including Majority Whip, Chair of the Parks and Trails Legacy Committee, Chair of the New Immigration Policy Commission, Chair of the Education Policy Committee, and Chair of State and Local Government Committee.

She was the first woman of color to run as Lieutenant Governor with Senator John Marty for Governor and the founder of the National Latinas Lead Academy from the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators.

She is a recognized local & national leader and has received multiple awards recognizing her contributions to eliminating disparities and opening opportunities for women, low income people, and communities who live on the margins, including the Joan and Walter Mondale Leadership award.

She is a native of Colombia, a Public Affairs graduate from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota, and a parent of two boys.

Patricia decided not to run for re-election after serving in the senate for 16 years and opened her own firm, PTR Associates, to assist small organizations manage political and public policy strategies centered around the needs and assets of Indigenous communities, people of color, and immigrant communities.