The DFL family is thrilled to have Sally Miller on board at the DFL as our new Executive Director! Miller, a familiar face to many who have been involved in DFL politics since the Wellstone-era, had to only make a short move one office down the hallway; transitioning from her 2018 cycle role as Senator Tina Smith’s Deputy Campaign Manager/Senior Advisor to the DFL Coordinated campaign.
With the national political climate and the person currently serving in the White House, the 2018 cycle was the most consequential of many of our lifetimes. It was crunch-time for Minnesota to see if the political and rhetorical tone coming out of the White House was the fork in the road Minnesota wanted to take. Having someone the caliber of Sally in such central roles during the 2018 campaign ensured that Minnesota would stay being known for, as Miller likes to say, “caring for people and making sure people have the support services and care that they need to be successful and have the best life.” There wasn’t much doubt the state known for Wellstone/Humphrey/Mondale would stay on that course, but people like Sally do the hard work of leading campaign and election efforts just to make sure.
Sally Miller got involved in politics at a young age. Growing up in Buffalo in Wright County, both her parents, who were teachers and union reps, were heavily involved in DFL politics. Some of Sally’s earliest political memories are helping her parents make calls. In college, Miller got excited about Senator Wellstone and decided to major in Political Science and Urban Affairs. After she graduated, she interned for then 2nd-District Congressman David Minge. A job opened up in Senator Wellstone’s D.C. office and Sally “started from the bottom and worked my way up.” She says she “was lucky enough to start with one of the greats. I think a politician is as great as the people around him. Paul was a very special person. I will always say Paul and Sheila because they were such an amazing team and they surrounded themselves with the most brightest and hardworking folks. Many of my greatest friends are people whom I met through that organization and have taught me so much.”
Miller has parlayed that experience into an ongoing 2-decade plus career in organizing progressive campaigns and low-wage workers. We are glad to have her experience and expertise on board to lead us into the 2020 cycle.