Born and raised in St. Paul, Chris Tolbert attended St. Paul Public Schools and graduated from Central High School. Tolbert graduated from St. John’s University, then went on to earn a law degree from Hamline University School of Law. Tolbert currently works as an Assistant Hennepin County Attorney. He was elected to represent Saint Paul's Third Ward on the City Council in November, 2011 and was sworn in on January 4, 2012. He was reelected to a second term in November 2015.
In his capacity as Councilmember, Chris Tolbert serves on:
- Housing and Redevelopment Authority, Chair
- Saint Paul Library Board
- Workforce Investment Board of Ramsey County
- Metropolitan Workforce Council Board
- Saint Paul Regional Board of Water Commissioners
- Transit Advisory Board (TAB) of the Metropolitan Council
- Riverview Corridor PAC
- Visit Saint Paul, Board Member