Former Minnesota Senate leader Kari Dziedzic passes away

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Former Minnesota DFL Senate leader Kari Dziedzic passed away Friday after a long battle with caner. 

Her family released a statement on Saturday saying Dziedzic “entered eternal life surrounded by her family” and “Kari will be remembered by her family and those she served for her enthusiastic and humble leadership, which inspired all who knew her. She had a heart of gold, willing to go to any measure to help those she loved.” 

Dziedzic stepped down as the Minnesota Senate Majority leader in Feb. of this year, after learning her cancer had returned. She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in early 2023. 

Dziedzic’s personal health struggles prompted a policy proposal: Health insurance should cover wigs for cancer patients. Her bill requires insurance coverage with a doctor’s prescription for wigs up to $1,000 per year. The bill is set to go into effect on Jan. 1. 

Dziedzic was tapped to take over the DFL leadership role after they secured a one-seat majority in the senate in 2022. During the 2023 session, under her leadership, legislators swiftly passed laws codifying abortion rights, securing school meals for Minnesota students and expanding voting rights for prior felons. 

Dziedzic is survived by her mother, five siblings and their spouses and her nieces and nephews. Her family is requesting privacy at this time. 

Note: The above video originally aired in March 2024.