An experienced and trusted leader focused on delivering results for SD46.

Meet Ron

Ron’s dedicated public service and work experience has served the community for decades. His roots run deep in Senate District 46 as well as in elected office. He grew up in Golden Valley, attended Hopkins Public Schools and has served on multiple community boards, from the St. Louis Park Community Education Advisory Council and the Metropolitan Interfaith Council on Affordable Housing to the Anti-Defamation League’s National Commission and Civil Rights Committee. Today, Ron resides in St. Louis Park with his wife, Julia Shmidov Latz, and their three children.

Ron’s Record

Because Ron’s colleagues trust his vision for a better Minnesota, Ron has served as the Senate DFL’s leader related to public safety and judiciary for years, and as a vigorous advocate for consumer protection.

As the chair of the Judiciary and Public Safety Committee, and a member of the Finance and Commerce & Consumer Protection Committees, he has been a strong advocate for the Senate District 46 community on the Senate Floor.

Ron’s Vision

  • Leading on Gun Violence Prevention:
    Ron has been a leading author and champion of landmark gun violence prevention legislation, including his own bills establishing extreme risk protection orders and expanding background checks to keep guns out of dangerous situations and make communities safer.

    Protecting Community Health & Well-being:
    From securing the statewide smoking ban to ensuring critical resources for frontline healthcare workers, Ron prioritizes the health and safety of Minnesotans.

    Building Secure Infrastructure:
    Ron advocates for essential investments in safe roads, bridges, and reliable public transit, creating a foundational environment where all residents can thrive securely.

  • Championing Economic Opportunity & Fair Wages: Ron fights for policies like paid sick leave, family leave, and a $15 minimum wage, ensuring working families and small businesses have the support they need to prosper.

    Investing in Affordable Living: As a key legislative leader in the Southwest Light Rail project and an advocate for affordable housing, Ron is dedicated to expanding access to critical transportation and attainable homes for everyone.

    Driving a Clean Energy Economy: Ron is committed to reducing emissions, growing clean energy solutions, and creating green jobs that build a sustainable, affordable future for Minnesota.

  • Reforming Criminal Justice for Fairness:
    Ron has authored landmark legislation on drug sentencing reform, prison population reduction, and compensation for the wrongfully convicted, while also advancing successful community re-entry initiatives that help formerly incarcerated individuals reintegrate, reduce recidivism, and strengthen public safety. He has also worked on reforms focused on police training and accountability to improve trust and outcomes in the justice system.

    Advancing Civil Rights & Equity:
    From authoring Minnesota’s “Ban the Box” law to increasing penalties for bias crimes and championing women’s and LGBTQ+ rights, Ron is a fierce advocate for protecting the dignity and rights of all individuals.

    Ensuring Accountability & Consumer Protection:
    Through his work strengthening consumer protections, enforcing corporate accountability, and standing up for victims, Ron has helped advance reforms such as the Child Victims Act, protections against fraud and predatory practices, and stronger safeguards to ensure fairness and transparency for everyday Minnesotans.

Ron’s sustained fight to move the Senate District 46 community forward begins with his commitment to listen to residents. Ron is proud to have delivered results on the critical issues that matter most to the district. Ron will continue to fight for our progressive values in the Minnesota State Senate.