I have enjoyed my service in the Minnesota State Senate. My heart and soul is in service to South Washington County. My passion for public service is motivated by working on issues that impact the communities I know best, including my hometown of Cottage Grove.
As a Washington County Commissioner, I intend to continue advocating for clean water, workforce development, mental health services, chemical health programs, and infrastructure that serves the needs of our growing communities. It’s been an honor to serve in the state legislature, and I will work hard to earn voters’ trust to serve on the Washington County Board of Commissioners.
Karla Bigham
Karla Bigham is committed to serving South Washington County.
Bigham and her husband, John, are residents of Cottage Grove.
Bigham was elected to the Minnesota State Senate in February of 2018 in a Special Election and re-elected in 2020. She currently serves on the Judiciary and Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee and the Local Government Committee. Additionally, Sen. Bigham is the ranking minority lead on Civil Law and Data Practices Policy Committee. She previously served on the Environment Finance, Human Service Policy and Finance Reform, and the Veterans Affairs Committees.
Bigham served district 4 of South Washington County on the Washington County Board of Commissioners from 2015 until being elected to the Minnesota Senate in 2018.
Bigham served in the Minnesota House of Representatives from 2007 until 2011. She was the Vice Chair of the Public Safety and Civil Justice Committee, and served on the Public Safety Finance, State Government Finance, and Veteran Affairs Committees.
From 2005 until 2007, Karla served on the Cottage Grove City Council. Prior to serving on the city council, she chaired the Cottage Grove Public Safety, Health, and Welfare Commission. Additionally, Karla was chair of the Cottage Grove Charter Commission and was a member of the Cottage Grove Environmental Commission.
Karla obtained a Master of Public Affairs Degree from the University of Minnesota. She received her Bachelor’s Degree as a paralegal, with minors in sociology and political science from Winona State University in 2001. She is a proud graduate of Park High School in Cottage Grove. Karla currently works as a paralegal in the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office in the Child Protection Division.