Rep. Omar Announces Jean Heyer as New District Director

MINNEAPOLIS - Today, Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) announced that Jean Heyer will join her team as District Director.

“I am thrilled to welcome Jean Heyer as our District Director,” said Rep. Omar. “Jean started with Team Ilhan when I first ran for the statehouse and has a deep knowledge of communications, community relations, and constituent engagement, as well as valuable relationships throughout the 5th District. We’re lucky to have Jean’s experience and expertise as we seek to practice cogovernance, strengthen relationships and deliver for our constituents.”

“I’m honored to have the opportunity to lead Rep. Omar’s district office,” said Heyer. “From the moment she announced her candidacy for the Minnesota statehouse, I have been inspired by the Congresswoman’s personal strength, her commitment to the improving the lives of all community members and her willingness to fight for progressive causes. I intend to continue raising awareness about the Congresswoman’s work in our district, provide support to the district office staff, connect with and serve our constituents, and partner with our state and local counterparts to ensure Minnesotans’ basic needs are met. In the coming months, I will be meeting with constituents to hear directly about how we can best continue to serve them."

Jean has worked in Engagement Services at Hennepin County since 2019. She led the county's census campaign, which focused on reaching historically undercounted communities and resulted in the county's population count increasing by 11% and Minnesota retaining all eight of its congressional seats by a slim margin of just 26 people. 

In addition to serving on the communications team for Congresswoman Ilhan Omar's campaigns since 2015, Jean has lent her communications expertise to other progressive candidates. She has worked in communications and engagement at a number of non-profit organizations, including Planned Parenthood and also OutFront Minnesota where she was involved with campaigns to win marriage equality for same-sex couples and pass the Safe School anti-bullying bill, which provides protections for LGBTQ+ students. Jean graduated from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. 

Jean’s first day is January 5th.