Governor-elect Amy Klobuchar has announced a 14-member transition team with no Somali or Muslim representatives.
The team, chaired by former Minnesota Human Services Commissioner Lucinda “Cindy” Jesson, will help prepare her incoming administration, recommend key appointments and set policy priorities.
The absence of Somali and Muslim representation comes after a campaign in which Klobuchar had little visible engagement with Somali communities, even as Somali Americans faced months of political attacks.
The appointments raise questions about the role Somali and Muslim Minnesotans will play in her administration.
Klobuchar still has several key appointments to make.
Those decisions will offer a clearer picture of how these communities will be included in her administration.
Here’s the full list of transition team members:
Chair
Lucinda “Cindy” Jesson
Co-chairs
Doug Baker
Justin Buoen
Melvin Carter
Sam Clark
Dr. MayKao Hang
Dan McConnell
Kim Norton
Miguel Alexander Pozo
Tony Sertich
Lee Sheehy
Rose Sullivan
Scott Vadnais
Gary Wertish