A former high-ranking Minnesota Democrat who left office just seven months ago will make $250,000 annually in her new role as the University of Minnesota’s top lobbyist, Alpha News has learned.
Melisa López Franzen was named executive director of government and community relations last week by interim university president Jeff Ettinger, who just a year ago was a DFL congressional candidate.
In the newly-created position, López Franzen will “lead advocacy efforts for the entire University of Minnesota System at the Capitol in Saint Paul, in Washington, D.C., and among many community partners and neighbors throughout Minnesota,” the university said in a press release.
López Franzen spent a decade representing the Edina area in the Minnesota Senate, culminating in her election as the leader of the DFL caucus, before announcing in February 2022 that she would not seek reelection due to redistricting.
She spent the remainder of her term leading the “FlipMNSenate” campaign to a narrow victory in November 2022, where Democrats won 34 of 67 seats up for grabs — giving them a one-seat majority.
In addition to controlling the president’s office, all 12 members of the University of Minnesota’s Board of Regents have been elected by DFL-majority legislatures.
“I am eager to advocate on behalf of the University of Minnesota,” López Franzen said in a press release. “Its research focus and land grant mission are significant assets to our state, and I am humbled by this opportunity to contribute to this great institution.”
López Franzen will begin serving in her new role Aug. 28.
Hank Long contributed to this report.
Anthony Gockowski
Anthony Gockowski is Editor-in-Chief of Alpha News. He previously worked as an editor for The Minnesota Sun and Campus Reform, and wrote for the Daily Caller.
