February 14, 2025

When leadership sparks more than just civic change, it can create lifelong partnerships. Clare Oumou Verbeten and Garrison McMurtrey’s story is a testament to how shared values, community commitment, and a little bit of fate can weave love into the fabric of leadership. As members of the 2017 NLC Twin Cities cohort, their connection blossomed from shared aspirations to serve into a partnership rooted in purpose. In A Match Made in Movement – NLC Love and Leadership, they reflect on how NLC not only shaped their leadership journeys but also led them to each other.

How did you both first cross paths through NLC? Was it an instant connection, or did your relationship build over time?

We met as a part of the 2017 NLC Twin Cities cohort. During our first weekend of the program, we had an activity where we had to map out what we wanted our futures to be. Clare and I both described futures of continuing to serve our community and potentially seeing ourselves do so as elected officials. From that weekend, we established a real friendship outside of the program and got to learn more about each other’s passions, hopes and dreams. Before long, it was pretty obvious that we liked each other and by the end of the program we were officially dating.

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Did your shared passion for leadership and community play a role in strengthening your relationship?

Absolutely, our shared passion for leadership and community has strengthened our relationship. We’ve pretty much spent our entire relationship on the campaign trail – managing and working on campaigns, campaigning for each other as we ran for office, volunteering for candidates and causes we care about.

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Leadership can be demanding. How do you balance your individual commitments while supporting each other?

Garrison: The one great thing about being with someone who is also in a similar field is that we understand what the other is going through. Regardless of that understanding, communication is still key. Both of our schedules can get very busy, but that doesn’t stop our other responsibilities, whether it’s picking up the dog or waiting for the plumber to arrive at the house. With busy and, at times, unpredictable schedules, it’s important that we keep each other up-to-date on things. We also make sure that above everything else, we prioritize each other. Knowing when to turn off the work and just be present with each other, whether that be watching one of our favorite shows or venturing out to try a new restaurant.

What’s one thing you admire most about how your partner leads?

Garrison: Clare is someone who is very passionate about her work, but what I love most about her leadership is that she’s always kind and thoughtful in her approach. She’s also great at nurturing relationships and coming to the table with solutions in mind.

Clare: Garrison is one of the kindest people I’ve ever met. He has such a calm and reassuring demeanor. He immediately puts people at ease. This is why people find it so easy to trust him.

What’s a moment when you saw each other truly shine as leaders?

Garrison: There is so much that Clare and her colleagues accomplished during her first two years in the legislature. I would say the one moment that I was so proud of her leadership was her work around aiding and abetting laws in the state. The bill she led would limit cases in which people can be convicted of aiding and abetting felony murder. At the time, the existing law said that an individual participating in a felony- level crime can be held criminally responsible for a homicide that occurs during the commission of that crime, even if they did not plan the murder or commit it themselves. This bill Clare led was also retroactive, which meant that people currently in prison could have their sentences reduced or erased, and those who have already served their time could have the convictions cleared from their record. To see her lead with compassion on this topic and help two sisters who were in this predicament be finally released, was amazing.

Clare: I have so many examples. Garrison helped elect Mitra Jalali to the Saint Paul City Council. He served as the Saint Paul Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) Party Chair during the pandemic and successfully built a new, inclusive caucus and convention process from scratch. As Congresswoman Angie Craig’s District Director, I’ve seen him manage an impressive team of dedicated public servants with grace and compassion. But more than anything, I’ve been so proud to see Garrison step up to serve our community and run for office. He’s going to be an amazing County Commissioner.

Have you collaborated on any projects or initiatives together? If so, what was that experience like?

The biggest projects that we have collaborated on have been both of our campaigns for elected office. When Clare first decided to run for MN Senate, I tried to show up for her wherever she needed me. Now that I am running for County Commissioner, Clare is doing the exact same for me. We have both run campaigns before, but have now each gone through the experience as a candidate. It’s been so helpful to have each other during this process because we could provide each other with the support we needed in those moments. When Clare ran, I was able to help add perspective to strategy and take things off her plate. With my run for Commissioner, Clare has provided great insights for me on what she learned as a first time candidate and helped me not overthink things.

What’s a fun or unexpected memory from your time at NLC that still makes you laugh?

Clare: On the weekend of NLC, Garrison referred to me as “Senator Verbeten” truly speaking it into existence. He’s believed in me since Day 1 and I’m so lucky to have him as a partner in life and justice.

If you could give one piece of advice to future NLC couples, what would it be?

Garrison: Honestly, I would say if you are dating while the program is happening, take your time. I think what was really good for Clare and me were that we were able to build up a solid friendship first. Also I would say, your relationship is nobody’s business. Just focus on building a solid foundation, instead of jumping at letting everyone know you’re dating. Remember that you still have to be in the program with this person. The last thing you want is everyone in your business. 🙂

Since this interview was conducted, Garrison has been elected Ramsey County Commissioner, marking an incredible milestone in their shared journey of leadership and service. We’re grateful to Clare and Garrison for sharing their inspiring story—a testament to how love and leadership can grow side by side, creating a legacy that moves communities forward.