Kelly Morrison Bio
Kelly Louise Morrison (born February 2, 1969) is an American physician and politician serving as the U.S. representative for Minnesota’s 3rd congressional district since 2025. A member of the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (DFL), she is also a practicing obstetrician-gynecologist, making her one of the few physicians serving in the U.S. House. Before her election to Congress, Morrison built a career in state politics and medicine, focusing on women’s health and reproductive rights.
Morrison’s path to public office began in the Minnesota House of Representatives, where she served from 2019 to 2023. She later represented District 45 in the Minnesota Senate before being elected to the U.S. House in November 2024. Her campaign emphasized her medical background and her work on pro-choice legislation, positioning her as a unique voice in Congress.
Early Life and Background
Kelly Louise Morrison was born on February 2, 1969, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She grew up in the city and attended Jefferson Elementary School before continuing her education at The Blake School, a well-known private school in the Minneapolis area. Her upbringing in Minnesota shaped her early interest in public service and community engagement.
After graduating from The Blake School, Morrison pursued higher education at Yale University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in history, graduating cum laude. She later attended Boston University to complete her pre-medical requirements before earning her Doctor of Medicine from the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. Her academic journey laid the foundation for her future career in medicine and public policy.
Path to US Politics
Before entering politics, Morrison built a successful medical career as a practicing obstetrician-gynecologist. Her work in women’s health gave her firsthand insight into the challenges patients face, particularly regarding reproductive care. This experience motivated her to advocate for policies that protect and expand access to healthcare.
Morrison’s transition to public service began in 2018 when she successfully ran for the Minnesota House of Representatives, representing District 33B. Her campaign focused on local issues and her medical expertise, which resonated with voters in Hennepin and Carver counties. Her election marked the start of a political career that would eventually take her to the national stage.
Kelly Morrison Career
Early Career (2018–2022)
Morrison was first elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2018, defeating Republican incumbent Cindy Pugh. She represented District 33B, which includes portions of Hennepin and Carver counties in the western Twin Cities metropolitan area. During her time in the House, she focused on healthcare policy, women’s rights, and local community issues.
In 2020, Morrison was reelected, defeating Republican nominee Andrew Myers. During the 2021-2022 session, she served as an assistant majority leader for the House DFL Caucus, demonstrating her growing influence within the state legislature. Her leadership roles allowed her to shape legislative priorities and advocate for her constituents more effectively.
Minnesota Senate Breakthrough (2023–2024)
Following legislative redistricting in 2022, Morrison announced she would seek the DFL endorsement in the newly created Senate District 45. She received endorsements from notable figures, including Speaker of the Minnesota House Melissa Hortman and U.S. Representative Dean Phillips. Morrison won the party’s endorsement over incumbent Senator Ann Johnson Stewart, who chose not to challenge her in the primary and instead endorsed her candidacy.
In the general election, Morrison defeated Republican nominee Kathleen Fowke to secure her seat in the Minnesota Senate. During the 2023-2024 session, she served as an assistant majority leader for the Senate DFL Caucus. Her tenure in the Senate was brief but impactful, as she continued to champion healthcare and reproductive rights.
Morrison resigned from the Minnesota Senate on June 6, 2024, to dedicate her full attention to her congressional campaign. Her decision underscored her commitment to pursuing a seat in the U.S. House and addressing national issues, particularly those related to women’s health and reproductive freedom.
U.S. House of Representatives Era (2025–Present)
On November 9, 2023, Morrison announced her candidacy in the Democratic primary for Minnesota’s 3rd congressional district. Her decision came after the incumbent, Dean Phillips, declared his intention to run against President Joe Biden in the 2024 Democratic Party presidential primaries. Morrison expressed strong support for Biden, calling him a transformational president, and emphasized her unique qualifications as an OB-GYN.
Morrison’s campaign received endorsements from several state legislators, former Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton, and a former president and CEO of Planned Parenthood North Central States. Her platform focused on pro-choice legislation, healthcare access, and her experience as a physician. On November 5, 2024, she won the election, defeating Republican Tad Jude by a margin of 58% to 42%.
Morrison was sworn into the 119th Congress on January 3, 2025. At the start of the session, she joined the House’s first Democratic Doctors’ Caucus, expressing hope that a bipartisan physicians’ caucus could be formed in the future. Her presence in Congress highlights the growing role of medical professionals in shaping healthcare policy at the federal level.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of Morrison’s most significant achievements is her designation as the first pro-choice OB-GYN elected to Congress. Her medical background and advocacy for reproductive rights have positioned her as a leading voice on women’s health issues in the House. Her election also reflects the increasing importance of healthcare expertise in legislative decision-making.
Kelly Morrison Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Kelly Louise Morrison resides in Deephaven, Minnesota, with her husband, John Willoughby. The couple has three children. She is a member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Excelsior, Minnesota, reflecting her active involvement in her local community. Her family life and professional career demonstrate a balance between public service and personal commitments.