local
Former State Rep. Karen Clark, Minnesota’s first openly lesbian legislative member, dead at 80
By Ryan Pattee at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC)
· July 1, 2026
· 2 min read
Karen Clark, Minnesota’s first openly lesbian legislative member, who served in Minnesota’s House for 38 years, has died.
Clark’s death was announced by the Minnesota House of Representatives, which disclosed she passed away Tuesday after a “brief illness” at 80 years old.
Courtesy: Minneso...
Key takeaway Clark’s death was announced by the Minnesota House of Representatives, which disclosed she passed away Tuesday after a “brief illness” at 80 years old.
Why this matters in The Minneapolis
Karen Clark's legacy will be deeply felt in Minneapolis , where her advocacy for environmental justice and LGBTQ rights has had a lasting impact. Her work on the Cumulative Health Impact Analysis, which examines the environmental and health burdens on neighborhoods, is particularly relevant to Minneapolis, a city with significant disparities in air and water quality across different communities. Clark's commitment to addressing these issues has inspired a new generation of local leaders to prioritize environmental justice and equity. As the city continues to grapple with issues like pollution and climate change, Clark's pioneering work will serve as a foundation for future efforts. The outpouring of tributes from local leaders and lawmakers is a testament to her enduring influence in Minneapolis and the state of Minnesota, and her memory will continue to inspire advocacy and activism in the city she served for so long.
About this story
Original reporting by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) . The Minneapolis surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 1, 2026 ·
Source: KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Karen Clark, Minnesota’s first openly lesbian legislative member, who served in Minnesota’s House for 38 years, has died.
Clark’s death was announced by the Minnesota House of Representatives, which disclosed she passed away Tuesday after a “brief illness” at 80 years old.
Courtesy: Minneso...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 1, 2026 by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) and curated for The Minneapolis readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Ryan Pattee at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC). To learn more about how The Minneapolis selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Minneapolis, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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