Minnesota’s Senator Zaynab Mohamed Named 2025 Politician of the Year by One Young World

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota State Senator Zaynab Mohamed (DFL–Minneapolis) has been named a 2025 Politician of the Year by One Young World, a global organization that honors exceptional leaders under the age of 35 who are making a meaningful difference in public service and governance. Mohamed will travel to Munich, Germany, next week to attend the One Young World Summit, where she will be formally recognized among an elite group of international changemakers.

A Trailblazer in Minnesota Politics

Senator Mohamed made history in 2022 as the youngest person ever elected to the Minnesota Senate, as well as the chamber’s first Muslim woman and one of its first Black women. Since taking office, she has been recognized for her advocacy on issues of economic justice, affordable housing, and youth empowerment—work that One Young World described as reflecting “a uniquely global, intersectional, and youth-centered lens… bridging communities, countries, and generations in the pursuit of a more just and inclusive world.”

The recognition cements Mohamed’s place among a new generation of civic leaders reshaping what representation and leadership look like in American politics.

Fellow Global Honorees

Joining Mohamed as 2025 Politician of the Year recipients are:

• Jie Huang, the first LGBTQ+ member of Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan; and
• Sunita Dangol, Deputy Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Nepal.

This year’s award judges included Laura Chinchilla, former President of Costa Rica; Aya Chebbi, Tunisian revolutionary and diplomat; and Hasina Safi, Afghan women’s rights campaigner.

In addition to the Politician of the Year honor, Senator Mohamed has been announced as the inaugural recipient of the Miguel Uribe Turbay Prize, named for the young Colombian senator and presidential candidate assassinated earlier this year.

Honoring Community and Resilience

“I am honored to receive this prestigious award,” Senator Mohamed said in a statement. “I accept this on behalf of my constituents in South Minneapolis, as well as the young people, women, progressives, people of color, Muslim, and Somali-Americans who have inspired me and made my election possible.”

Reflecting on the year’s challenges—including the Annunciation School shooting in her district and what she described as the “villainization of Black and brown people by an authoritarian regime” and the “racialized ending of refugee programs”—Mohamed said she looks forward to connecting with other young global leaders in Munich to “foster ideas and connections” and return to Minnesota “reinvigorated for the work of my constituents and future generations of Minnesotans.”

A Global Platform for Minnesota’s Next Generation

The One Young World Summit, which convenes young leaders, heads of state, and activists from over 190 countries, is considered one of the world’s foremost gatherings for next-generation leadership. Past speakers include Sir Richard Branson, Meghan Markle, and Kofi Annan.

Senator Mohamed’s participation marks a moment of global visibility for Minnesota’s growing community of young, diverse leaders. Her journey—from a Somali-born immigrant raised in South Minneapolis to a state senator now recognized on the world stage—reflects the evolving face of American public service.

As she prepares to represent her state and country in Munich, Mohamed’s message is clear: “This honor belongs to all who believe in a more inclusive and compassionate future. I carry their voices with me—because this is our story.”

MinneapoliMedia