Latonya Reeves

Latonya Reeves was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities in 2001. Her career experience includes working as a probation officer and union president.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Latonya Reeves is a career probation officer in the Adult Probation Supervision Services Division and the President of the American Federal of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 5 Local 552 Probation and Parole Bargaining Unit. She was appointed in 2023 to serve on the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission by Governor Tim Walz, and is the incoming president for 2026 of the Minnesota Corrections Association.

Latonya has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Sociology of Law, Criminology and Deviance from the University of Minnesota, a Master of Science degree in Public Service Leadership in Criminal Justice and is working to obtain her PhD in criminal justice. She enjoys working on policy that is impactful in community. She is a 2023-2024 Hubert H. Humphrey Policy Fellow and serves as a member of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) where she the pleasure of working with candidates and members from across the country who uphold democratic values that support communities.

Latonya was the recipient of the Rick Scott Political Activism Award in 2019 from the MN AFL-CIO/AFSMCE Council 5 and serves as Chair of the Minneapolis Community Commission on Police Oversight. She is passionate about legislative work to implement change in her community and building on the practices of racial disparity reduction and best practices in criminal justice.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

As a lifelong advocate for justice, equity, and opportunity, I am stepping forward to serve our community with the leadership, accountability, and integrity we deserve. Whether it's access to quality education, affordable healthcare, economic opportunities, or public safety, the community deserves a representative who listens, acts, and delivers real results to protect the Democratic platform—not personal agendas that do not serve our community.I believe in a democracy that works for everyone-not just the wealthy and well-connected. That means protecting voting rights, expanding access to the ballot box and fighting for transparency and accountability at every level of government. It means standing up for working families, advocating for fair wages, healthcare, education, and ensuring that every voice is heard and respected. I'm committed to building a government that reflects the people it serves, through grassroots organizing, bold policy, and unwavering democratic leadership. True democracy means every voice counts--especially those that have been silenced or ignored too long.I'm committed to breaking down the barriers that prevent marginalized communities from fully participating in our political system. We cannot continue to ask for their votes without hearing what affects them. We must bring people in and work together to address community issues. I am dedicated to the process and want to be a candidate for all, not just a few. Personal agendas have no place in public service. We elect people to serve for us, not for themselves. I am committed to being the change that we need in Minnesota. I was born and raised in Minnesota and have seem too many times the challenges that are associated with not listening to community.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Fighting for Affordability & Working Families

Ensuring Access to Affordable Housing & Home Ownership Opportunities

Expanding Affordable Health Care Access

Pushing Back Rollbacks to Women’s Rights & Reproductive Freedom

Prioritizing Public Safety & Justice

Tackling Gun Violence

Pursuing Accountability for Fraud & Corruption

Strengthening National Security and Re-Committing to Democracy

Creating Pathways to Legal Immigration and Protecting Immigrants

Protecting Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity

Advancing LGBTQ+ Equality and Transgender Rights

Acting to Halt Climate Change and Protecting the Environment

Ensuring Quality Educational Opportunities for Our Children

Supporting Veterans & Military Families

Standing Up for Seniors

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Core responsibilities of this office include listening to constituents, creating laws that benefit community, debating the merits of laws and policies that affect everyday lives, and passing laws that will bring about equitable change to community. It also includes constituent services to address the concerns who elect me to serve.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Integrity, strength, determination, and tenacity. I want to leave a legacy of a woman willing to stand up to fascism, tyranny, and hate. My ancestors fought for those in this country to live and thrive. I am proud of my heritage.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first job was Tree Trust when I was 14 years old. I worked there for approximately 3 months during the summer.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

Term limits are beneficial to constituency because it allows for new, fresh ideas as the population’s experiences and interests change.

What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?

I am proud of my almost 20 years of public service to my community. I love helping others and a proud that I have been able to assist those in need.