Michelle Benson

Michelle R. Benson (born September 11, 1968) is an American accountant, politician, and Republican member of the Minnesota Senate. She represents District 31, which includes portions of Anoka, Isanti and Sherburne counties in the northern Twin Cities metropolitan area. Benson also serves as a deputy majority leader.

Michelle Benson
Benson in 2016
Member of the Minnesota Senate
from the 31st district
49th (2011–2013)
Assumed office
January 4, 2011
Preceded byDebbie Johnson
Personal details
Born (1968-09-11) September 11, 1968
Political partyRepublican
Spouse(s)Craig
Children3
ResidenceHam Lake, Minnesota
Alma materSt. Catherine University (BA)
University of St. Thomas (MBA)
OccupationAccountant, consultant

Early life, education, and career

Benson was raised on a farm near Murdock, Minnesota, graduating from Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunberg High School.[1] In 1991, Benson graduated from St. Catherine University in Saint Paul with a bachelor's degree in chemistry. In 1996, Benson received an M.B.A. from the University of St. Thomas.[2][3] Benson, a certified public accountant, previously worked as an auditor and consultant at Deloitte & Touche and as executive director of a non-profit cybersecurity organization.[4]

Minnesota Senate

In 2010, Benson challenged incumbent Debbie Johnson for the Republican endorsement. Benson won the endorsement and subsequently won the election.[5] Benson was re-elected handily in 2012 and 2016.[6] She currently serves as chair of the Senate Health and Human Services Finance and Policy Committee and is a deputy majority leader.[7]

Personal life

Benson has been a Boy Scout and Cub Scout leader, an administrator for a local Montessori school, and a member of the local chambers of commerce.[8] Benson and her husband, Craig, live in Ham Lake with their three children.[9]

References
  1. "Benson, Michelle R. - Legislator Record - Minnesota Legislators Past & Present". Minnesota Legislative Reference Library. Retrieved October 18, 2019.
  2. Cutts, Emily (October 2, 2010). "Senate District 49: Two Ham Lake candidates square off". Twin Cities. Retrieved December 31, 2017.
  3. "Ready to run: Alumni use education, experiences to run for public office | Minnesota Private Colleges". www.mnprivatecolleges.org. Retrieved October 18, 2019.
  4. "Legislator Record - Benson, Michelle R". Minnesota Legislators Past & Present. Retrieved December 8, 2012.
  5. Shaw, Charley (February 15, 2010). "SD49 Republicans dump Johnson on second ballot". Minnesota Lawyer. Retrieved October 18, 2019.
  6. "Senate Republicans put emphasis on health care in new committee structure - Minnesota Senate Republicans". Minnesota Senate Republicans. November 22, 2016. Retrieved December 4, 2017.
  7. "Michelle Benson". Minnesota Senate Republicans. Retrieved October 18, 2019.
  8. "Michelle Benson*, MN Senate 31". Elk River Star News. Retrieved October 18, 2019.
  9. "Minnesota Senate District 31 – Local Decision 2016 – North Metro TV". Retrieved October 18, 2019.
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