ENDORSED CANDIDATES

Women Winning recruits, trains, and elects pro-choice women to all levels of public office. Women Winning’s 2022 endorsement program has started and we will continue to make endorsements throughout the election cycle. Visit our Endorsement page to learn more about the process and power of Women Winning’s endorsement.

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR

Peggy Flanagan, Lieutenant Governor

STATE AUDITOR

Julie Blaha, State Auditor

U.S. HOUSE

Angie Craig, Congressional District 2

Betty McCollum, Congressional District 4

Ilhan Omar, Congressional District 5

Jen Schultz, Congressional District 8

MINNESOTA SENATE

Jen McEwen, Senate District 8

Suzanne Cekalla, Senate District 10

Michelle Boyechko, Senate District 11

Kari Dorry, Senate District 12

Alissa Brickman, Senate District 13

Anita Gaul, Senate District 15

Kate Falvey, Senate District 19

Aleta Borrud, Senate District 24

Liz Boldon, Senate District 25

Emy Minzel, Senate District 27

Victoria A. Bird, Senate District 28

Kate Luthner, Senate District 32

Nancy McLean, Senate District 33

Kari Rehrauer, Senate District 35

Heather Gustafson, Senate District 36

Farhio Khalif, Senate District 37

Susan Pha, Senate District 38

Mary Kunesh, Senate District 39

Judy Seeberger, Senate District 41

Bonnie Westlin, Senate District 42

Ann Rest, Senate District 43

Kelly Morrison, Senate District 45

Nicole Mitchell, Senate District 47

Dr. Alice Mann, Senate District 50

Melissa Halvorson Wiklund, Senate District 51

Alicia Donahue, Senate District 54

Lindsey Port, Senate District 55

Erin Maye Quade, Senate District 56

Jackie Craig, Senate District 57

Clarice Grabau, Senate District 58

Kari Dziedzic, Senate District 60

Zaynab Mohamed, Senate District 63

Erin Murphy, Senate District 64

Sandy Pappas, Senate District 65

Clare Oumou Verbeten, Senate District 66

MINNESOTA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Erika Bailey-Johnson, House District 2B

Heather Keeler, House District 4A

Sally Boos, House District 6B

Liz Olson, House District 8A

Alicia Kozlowski, House District 8B

Nancy Jost, House District 9A

Edie Barrett, House District 12A

Andrea Robinson, House District 13A

Tami Calhoun, House District 14A

Jennifer Carpentier, House District 17A

Carolyn Treadway, House District 19A

Laurel Stinson, House District 20A

Elise Diesslin, House District 20B

Marisa Ulmen, House District 22A

Marcia Stapleton, House District 22B

Mary Hinnenkamp, House District 23A

Tina Liebling, House District 24B

Kim Hicks, House District 25A

Katie Malchow, House District 28B

Sonja Buckmeier, House District 30A

Betsy O'Berry, House District 31A

Hanna Valento, House District 33A

Melissa Hortman, House District 34B

Susie Strom, House District 36A

Brion Curran, House District 36B

Caitlin Cahill, House District 37A

Kristin Bahner, House District 37B

Samantha Vang, House District 38B

Erin Koegel, House District 39A

Sandra Feist, House District 39B

Kelly Moller, House District 40A

Jamie Becker-Finn, House District 40B

Patricia Driscoll, House District 41A

Tina Folch, House District 41B

Ginny Klevorn, House District 42B

Lauren Bresnahan, House District 45A

Patty Acomb, House District 45B

Cheryl Youakim, House District 46B

Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger, House District 47A

Lucy Rehm, House District 48B

Laurie Pryor, House District 49A

Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn, House District 49B

Heather Edelson, House District 50A

Liz Reyer, House District 52A

Ruth Richardson, House District 52B

Mary Frances Clardy, House District 53A

Jess Hanson, House District 55A

Kaela Berg, House District 55B

Erin Preese, House District 57B

Kristi Pursell, House District 58A

Esther Agbaje, House District 59B

Sydney Jordan, House District 60A

Aisha Gomez, House District 62A

Hodan Hassan, House District 62B

Samantha Sencer-Mura, House District 63A

Emma Greenman, House District 63B

Kaohly Her, House District 64A

María Isa Pérez-Hedges, House District 65B

Leigh Finke, House District 66A

Athena Hollins, House District 66B

Liz Lee, House District 67A

COUNTY ATTORNEY

Karen MacLaughlin, Olmsted County

COUNTY BOARD

Mandy Meisner, Anoka County - District 7

Laurie Halverson, Dakota County - District 3

Seema Maddali, Dakota County - District 4

Irene Fernando, Hennepin County - District 2

Marion Greene, Hennepin County - District 3

Angela Conley, Hennepin County - District 4

Jennifer Andrashko, Nicollet County - District 1

Kindra Ramaker, Olmsted County - District 4

Trista MatasCastillo, Ramsey County - District 3

Rena Moran, Ramsey County - District 4

Karla Bigham, Washington County - District 4

MAYOR

April Graves, Brooklyn Center

Amáda Márquez Simula, Columbia Heights

Kim Norton, Rochester

Julie Strahan, Roseville

Mary Supple, Richfield

CITY COUNCIL

Emily Rousseau, Arden Hills - At-Large

Lori Saroya, Blaine - Ward 1

Nichole Klonowski, Brooklyn Park - Ward C

Kriystauhl Fitchett, Burnsville - At-Large

Rachel James, Columbia Heights - At-Large

Therese Kiser, Crystal - Ward 1

Kristy Janigo, Maple Grove - At-Large

Carly Johnson, Oak Park Heights - At-Large

Husniyah Dent Bradley, Richfield - At-Large

Mia Parisian, Robbinsdale - Ward 3

Wendy Berry, West St. Paul - Ward 3

This is a new era of pro-choice women’s leadership. 2020 was the most important election of our lifetimes, and pro-choice women shattered ceilings, protected majorities, and flipped critical seats! Visit our Recent Wins page to meet the powerful pro-choice women leaders we’re proud to support.

Pro-choice women continue to step up to run for office and serve their communities, and Women Winning is committed to expanding representation for generations to come. We are determined to elect our best advocates in 2022 when the entire Minnesota legislature is on the ballot because of redistricting, and beyond.

Who we elect matters.

100% of Women Winning’s work to recruit, train, support, and advise pro-choice women candidates is free-of-charge. Make a contribution to support the critical work of electing our best advocates in 2022, and beyond.

DONATE TO ELECT PRO-CHOICE WOMEN!

Peggy Flanagan

Lieutenant Governor

Peggy Flanagan is a qualified and effective leader. She is Minnesota’s 50th Lieutenant Governor and a member of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe. She is the first Native American elected statewide in Minnesota and the highest-ranking Native woman elected to executive office in the country. At the center of all her work is advocating and making progress for children, working families, communities of color and Indigenous communities, and Minnesotans who have historically been underserved and underrepresented. She served on the Minneapolis Board of Education before becoming one of the original trainers of Wellstone Action’s signature program Camp Wellstone, where she trained thousands of progressive activists, community organizers, elected officials, and candidates – including Governor Walz. In 2015, Peggy was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives, serving her own community of St. Louis Park, as well as Golden Valley, Plymouth, and Medicine Lake. Peggy brings her experiences of building coalitions and advocating for children and families to the Lieutenant Governor’s Office as she works in close partnership with Governor Tim Walz to build One Minnesota. Peggy lives in her beloved community of St. Louis Park with her husband, Tom, her daughter, Siobhan, and their dog, Reuben.

Visit Peggy Flanagan’s website here.

Julie Blaha

Minnesota State Auditor

State Auditor Julie Blaha is serving her first term and is Minnesota’s 19th State Auditor. As State Auditor, she oversees nearly $40 billion in local government finances to ensure transparent, accountable and effective government. Under her leadership, the Office of the State Auditor (OSA) is seeing the largest rebuilding in 18 years, while taking on the additional oversight of CARES Act and ARPA funds.

State Auditor Julie Blaha is a former math teacher who knows firsthand how to help people understand data.

As a labor leader, Auditor Blaha fought for policies that lift all working people. She worked to protect the freedom for working Minnesotans to negotiate a fair return on their work and to pass the 2017 historic, bipartisan pension bill as a member of the Public Employee Pension Coalition.

As chief financial officer of the Minnesota AFL-CIO — the state federation of labor representing more than 1,000 local unions with over 300,000 members — she analyzed budgets and audits to ensure their resources were matched with their goals and values.

And as president of Anoka-Hennepin Education Minnesota, Auditor Blaha worked alongside parents, neighbors, and students to help build the schools Minnesota students deserve, from advancing statewide anti-bullying legislation to protect LGBTQ students to ensuring our schools had effective funding.

Visit Julia Blaha’s website here.

Angie Craig

U.S. House of Representatives, Congressional District 2

Growing up in a mobile home park, Angie didn’t expect to end up as an executive at a Fortune 500 company, or to be serving in Congress, but her life experience taught her that hard work and a good education could lead to a better life. One of three kids raised by a single mom who worked while going to school to earn her college degree, Angie worked two jobs to keep up with the cost of her education, and graduated from a state college. She began her career as a newspaper reporter then worked her way up in business over fifteen years to eventually lead a workforce of 16,000 employees for a major Minnesota manufacturer. In Congress, Angie is working to make sure that all families have a path to create a success story like her family achieved. A path to success means having access to high quality public education, affordable college and meaningful, good paying jobs. She is a member of the Energy & Commerce Committee, Agriculture Committee and Small Business Committee, and a co-chair of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus.

Visit Angie Craig’s website here.

Betty McCollum

U.S. House of Representatives, Congressional District 4

Betty McCollum is the dean of the Minnesota congressional delegation and a trailblazer when in 2000 she was the second woman elected to Congress in Minnesota’s history.

McCollum is a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee and serves as chair of the Defense Subcommittee with responsibility for providing more than $700 billion in annual funding for the Department of Defense and the U.S. intelligence community. McCollum is also the vice-chair of the Interior-Environment Subcommittee where she has championed funding for environmental justice, protecting public lands, climate resilience, clean air and water, and Native American health care and education.

A tireless champion for women’s reproductive freedom, McCollum is a fierce advocate for abortion rights, comprehensive family planning, and unrestricted access to sexual health services. Internationally, McCollum has advanced legislation to end child marriage, promote the U.S. commitment to family planning, increase funding for maternal and child health for the world’s poorest women.

Throughout her congressional career McCollum has worked to advocate for human rights for all. McCollum knows all too well that women do not possess full equal rights and continues to work for the passage of the Equal Rights Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. McCollum’s record supporting civil rights for all communities, LGBTQ+ rights, and workers’ rights has always put her at the forefront of the struggle for equality and justice.

Betty McCollum is a leader in Congress for Minnesota and an example of effective and determined leadership that reflects the values of equality that Minnesota and all Americans deserve.

Visit Betty McCollum’s website here.

Ilhan Omar

U.S. House of Representatives, Congressional District 5

In 2018, Ilhan was elected to Congress representing the Fifth Congressional District of Minnesota, and was endorsed by the Democratic Farmer Labor Party (DFL) once again in 2020. In her first year in office, she successfully passed 16 bills and amendments through the U.S. House of Representatives. She is Vice Chair of the Medicare for All Caucus, Whip for the Congressional Progressive Caucus, and Midwest Regional Whip for the Democratic Caucus. Ilhan has consistently worked to show that the American Dream is for everyone. This year she was awarded the Profile in Courage Award from the Town Project for her consistent engagement with constituents, even in the face of threats to her safety.

Visit Ilhan Omar’s website here.

Jen Schultz

U.S. House of Representatives, Congressional District 8

Jen Schultz has served in the Minnesota State Legislature for eight years. She Chairs the Human Services Finance Committee and serves on Taxes, Ways & Means, Health Finance, Redistricting, and Tax Expenditures. She also serves as a Great Lakes Commissioner. She has championed affordable health care, fair taxation, and the protection of vulnerable adults. She is a health care economist and professor at the University of Minnesota Duluth.

Visit Jennifer Schultz's website here.

Jen McEwen

Minnesota Senate, District 8 (Formerly 7)

In her first term as Duluth’s State Senator, Jen McEwen has advocated for the needs of working people statewide and for her Duluth community, including supporting essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and advancing the cause of universal health care in Minnesota. Senator McEwen has fought to defend and expand reproductive freedom as a Co-Chair of the legislature’s new Reproductive Freedom Caucus, and has also fought for the legislature to meet the moment by taking meaningful action on the climate crisis. McEwen’s roots as a Duluthian run deep. Before their retirements, her mother was a nurse at St. Mary’s and her father was a teacher in the Duluth Public Schools. As a parent of two children in Duluth public schools, Senator McEwen is looking to the future, with an understanding that the choices we make now will not only determine how we come through these times, but will also chart the path for the kind of future we want for ourselves, our children, and the generations to come.

Visit Jen McEwen's website here

Suzanne Cekalla

Minnesota Senate, District 10

Growing up on a family farm with her six brothers and one sister, Cekalla learned early to work hard, put her faith in God, and take care of her community. After attending a one-room school in North Prairie and graduating from Royalton High School, she put her faith into action: first becoming a nurse and then leading a multi-million dollar* Community Action Program initiative aimed at protecting children and young adults in Central Minnesota. Driven to keep moving forward, Cekalla opened a small business, became a founding member of the Rice Chamber of Commerce, and got her Masters Degree of Divinity--winning the Horace Bushnell Award for Christian Education along the way--all while raising three children. But her faith brought her back to healing, first as a Pastor, then Hospital Chaplin in St. Cloud, and finally calling on her faith to help those in great need as a private grief and loss coach.

Visit Suzanne Cekalla's website here

Michelle Boyechko

Minnesota Senate, District 11

Michelle Boyechko is a small farmer in Northern Minnesota raising Dexter Cattle, KuneKune Pigs and two teenagers. She felt obliged to rub after the Roe decision was leaked, followed by the Buffalo, NY and Uvalde, TX shootings. The thought that she may never see her kids after hugging them good-bye the morning after Uvalde was too much. Michelle is a strong proponent for abortion rights, common sense gun legislation and rebuilding rural areas by supporting small to medium farms.

Visit Michelle Boyechko's website here.

Kari Dorry

Minnesota Senate, District 12

Kari Dorry is a woman, mother, and teacher from Big Stone County running an inspiring campaign for senate in SD 12. Educated at MSU Moorhead with a Masters in Special Education, Kari has been an Early Childhood Special Education teacher for 20 years. She’s also president of her teacher’s union. Kari and her husband Chris have three teenage boys; Owen, Eliot, and Archer. An authentically rural candidate, Kari’s rural roots stretch back five generations. A tireless campaigner, Kari is passionate about the many issues facing rural MN and has strived to speak to these issues in a way that conservative and persuadable voters will both understand and support. She is meeting the challenge of running for office as a progressive in a conservative district by speaking firmly on issues in a way that cuts across partisan entrenchment.

Visit Kari Dorry's website here.

Alissa Brickman

Minnesota Senate, District 13

Alissa is a Special Education Paraprofessional in the St. Cloud school district and mom of five, who has spent her life advocating for children. With two kids on the autism spectrum, Alissa understands the unique challenges so many families face -- and appreciates the beauty and grace that meeting those challenges can bring. Alissa is a passionate community organizer who founded the Benton/Stearns County progressive organizers group, which has been an effective engine for community and mobilization in Central Minnesota, including organizing marches and community events and crowdfunding for racial justice initiatives. The group received a 2022 honorable mention for the local Martin Luther King humanitarian award.

Visit Alissa Brickman's website here

Anita Gaul

Minnesota Senate, District 15

Anita is a teacher, author, historian, and the current chair of the Lyon County DFL. She grew up on her family's farm in Murray County and has lived in southwest Minnesota most of her life. She is a community college history instructor and lives in Marshall with her husband and three children.

Visit Anita Gaul's website here

Kate Falvey

Minnesota Senate, District 19

Kate Falvey is running for State Senate in SD19. She has been an educator for 16 years, the last 3 in the Faribault public schools. She is running for SD19 State Senator as a member of the DFL in order to protect privacy rights and personal choices, fully fund PreK-14 Education - including, but not limited to, increased benefits and wages for those who work in support roles in our schools - and increase the strength of unions in our state. Her goals are to restructure a system that favors corporations over people & the status quo over change. The thing she looks forward to most during this campaign is speaking with people about what is important to them and what they think their elected officials can do better for them. She wants to connect with all citizens of SD19 in such a way that they can have confidence in our political system and have pride in their important role of choosing the people who represent them.

Visit Kate Falvey's website here

Aleta Borrud

Minnesota Senate, District 24

Dr. Borrud has long been a champion for affordable, accessible healthcare for all. After working in a family planning clinic and as a Medicaid social worker following college, she decided to pursue training in medicine and public health in North Carolina, where she helped start a free clinic. She returned to Minnesota where she raised her two kids and practiced for two decades as a geriatrician and hospitalist. After retiring from medical practice, she became an advocate for the expansion of Minnesota’s affordable public health insurance program for farmers, small businesses and rural Minnesotans, working to alleviate the medical debt burdening our families. In addition to healthcare, she has canvassed and lobbied for affordable childcare, housing, public education, and an end to racial and gender disparities. She is running for the second time to represent Dodge County and southwestern OImsted County, including southwest Rochester in the state Senate, nearly beating an anti-choice 10-year incumbent in one of the closest state Senate races in 2020.

Visit Aleta Borrud's website here.

Liz Boldon

Minnesota Senate, District 25

Liz is a mom of three, a Registered Nurse of 20 years and has spent her life ensuring people are cared for. She views her work in the legislature as another way to do just that. In her first term in the Minnesota House, she has emerged as a champion for childcare, democracy and healthcare. She's committed to building a just and inclusive Minnesota, where everyone has what they need to be cared for, safe and thrive. She knows that the path to reaching this vision requires flipping the Minnesota Senate, which is why she's stepped up to run for Senate District 25. Liz is a tireless champion for women's rights and will be a strong leader in the Senate.

Visit Liz Boldon's website here

Emy Minzel

Minnesota Senate, District 27

Emy owns a small business in Baldwin Township. She is a mother, wife, volunteer and outdoor enthusiast. She has been a Board Member on The Friends of Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge for 4 years. She is a member of the Princeton Chamber of Commerce. She is running to preserve and protect women's rights, the environment, and the stand up to the trend of over-reach of government in personal freedoms.

Visit Emy Minzel's website here

Victoria A. Bird

Minnesota Senate, District 28

Hello, This is Victoria A. Bird your candidate for Minnesota Senator District 28. Who am Is she?Currently, she is a Substitute Teacher, Married and raising twin boys who are eight years old. Her family have been living in Cambridge Minnesota for 19 years. She has personally seen this community grow and transform into a more accessible town. Infrastructure, for instance, there was a time where people with limited mobility could not travel in this community. Now the walkways and roads are being upgraded. And there is now a transportation system in place. There needs to be more done. The rail for example. Infrastructure does not only deal with transportation think about solar power. When traveling, she has seen many northern counties with solar "farms." What a wonderful thing to save money. Why stop? We need to continue this trend. That moves us on to technology. Again access! As citizens we need to make sure that our students are provided the proper and updated devices. The world of technology is moving fast. To the point, the internet is like turning on your lights. Broadband is the wave of the future. This community has made progress but again has stopped short. Our children are the ones who are going to build the future. She is one who wants to support that future. Not finally; but just the beginning. Our children, are the future and the past. Let do not bring them back to the past. Let give them the choice over their own bodies, who they want to marry and who their friends are. Her Mom told her "as her mother she can not pick who your friends or who your spouse is going to be; All She can do is support her decision.

Visit Victora Bird's website here

Kate Luthner

Minnesota Senate, District 32

Kate Luthner, school board member for Forest Lake Area Schools, parent of 3, home owner, and, active scout community member is running for senate in MN SD31. Kate is a business consultant with an MBA from St. Thomas with deep roots in her community and brings significant finance and public policy experience to the race. At the top of Kate’s platform is education. “Minnesota is known for our strong public schools, but our teachers, students, and parents are over-burdened because our schools are underfunded,” Kate said. “Our community deserves a leader with the experience and know-how to ensure long-term support and growth in our public education system.

Visit Kate Luthner's website here.

Nancy McLean

Minnesota Senate, District 33

Nancy McLean’s experience as a single mother, corporate leader, small business owner, mental health professional, and President of the St. Croix Valley Alliance (a chapter of the National Organization for Women), gives her a broad and nuanced perspective on how to navigate the challenges in her district and in our state. Nancy is a tireless advocate for affordable healthcare with a proven track record of getting things done. She knows there are workable solutions to the healthcare crisis and the other challenges facing our state and is ready to bring real solutions that reflect our values and lift up all Minnesotans.

Visit Nancy McLean's website here.

Kari Rehrauer

Minnesota Senate, District 35

Kari Rehrauer is running for the first time for the MN Senate in District 35, which represents Anoka, Coon Rapids, and Andover. She graduated from the University of Minnesota- Twin Cities with a bachelor’s in biology and a Master’s in Education. Kari currently supports 18 teacher and educational support professional local unions in her position as a field staff for Education Minnesota. With a career that spanned 20 years as a public school science teacher, Kari will bring her commitment to a quality public education for all Minnesota students to the Senate. As a current Coon Rapids City Councilmember, Kari has a proven track record of working to mitigate climate change through green energy initiatives and she has been a continuous voice for equity and inclusion and for those who are unsheltered or experiencing homelessness. Kari will be a fierce advocate for progressive values at the Capitol.

Visit Kari Rehrauer's website here.

Heather Gustafson

Minnesota Senate, District 36

Heather is a teacher and community organizer running for Minnesota State Senate to represent Senate District 36. Having worked hard for change in Vadnais Heights, Heather is now driven to bring her voice, and the people’s voice, back to the state Capitol, fighting for a better Minnesota. Having worked as a teacher for over a decade, Heather knows what families have gone through over the past two years. “Families have been left behind, especially those with young children. We need a voice in the legislature focused on raising up our community, our families, and our schools. One that will work to bring good jobs to this district and fight for our community’s needs. The current representation of our area has failed to do that, focusing on issues that do not matter to us, do not keep our kids in school, do not support teachers, do not bring us jobs, and do not keep us safe. It’s time for a change.” Heather is married with four children. She grew up in central Minnesota to become a well-known DJ for K102 until giving up that career to give back and become a teacher. From rural to suburban, Heather understands how important it is to listen and lift the community. She plans to focus on healing what divides us while fighting hard for education, jobs, and our community.

Visit Heather Gustafson's website here.

Farhio Khalif

Minnesota Senate, District 37

Farhio was born in Somali but fled to Italy at a young age to avoid the violence and the constraints that prevented the advancement of an independent minded young woman. The opportunities offered by the United States brought her to this country in the 1990s and to Minnesota in 2010. For the last 7 years she has been an actively engaged member of the community of Maple Grove.

Since moving to Minnesota, Farhio has been involved in addressing the myriad issues facing women and People of Color in the Twin Cities. She founded Voice of East African Women (VEAW) and established a shelter to address the urgent needs among East African and Muslim women who are victims of domestic and/or sexual violence or homelessness. She served as the President of the St. Paul Branch of the NAACP and is the vice chair of the Unity Community Mediation Team that is addressing police reform and community violence. She is the Vice President of MICAH – the Metropolitan Interfaith Council on Affordable Housing and has been a voice for educational equity as a member of both the Minneapolis and Osseo School Districts’ Parent Advisory Committees. She has been actively involved in state legislative issues around health, education, housing, violence prevention, and community development and has gained a reputation as a tireless advocate, bridge builder, and trusted collaborator with groups working on those issues.

Farhio is running for the Senate in District 37 because she believes challenging times like today requires a new kind of leadership. With her finger on the pulse of her community, Farhio understands the issues facing the individuals and families in her district and in Minnesota. She recognizes that all voices need to be heard if effective solutions to the current challenges are to be implemented. She believes her experiences, skills, and dedication to her community are what is needed in today’s rapidly changing society. Approaches of the past are no longer effective. Collaborative, inclusive, innovative, and creative leadership is what is needed today. That’s what Farhio will bring to the Senate.

Visit Farhio Khalif's website here.

Susan Pha

Minnesota Senate, District 38

Susan Pha is the SD38 DFL candidate for State Senate. She currently serves as the Mayor Pro Tem of the City of Brooklyn Park. She was elected to the City Council in 2016 and re-elected in 2020. She is a Commissioner of the Economic and Development Authority and a Board Member of the Brooklyn Bridge Alliance for Youth. For almost 20 years Susan has organized and built community power to uplift women and girls through mentorship, addressing gender inequities, and creating economic opportunities. Susan is known as a leader and champion for youth programs, education and economic opportunities, livable wages, and affordable housing. She is a passionate advocate for access to mental health services, and affordable healthcare. Susan is ready to work and fight hard for policies that improve the lives of the people in her district and across Minnesota.

Visit Susan Pha's website here.

Mary Kunesh

Minnesota Senate, District 39 (formerly 41)

First elected to the MN House of Representatives in 2016, Mary Kunesh represented District 41B, a first ring suburb of Minneapolis/St. Paul. In her first term, she was a founding member of the first Native American and the POCI (People of Color Indigenous) Caucus in the Minnesota House of Representatives. In 2019, she authored and passed legislation to initiate a Missing and Murdered Task Force in MN. She also authored and passed components of the Increase TOCAI (Teachers of Color and American Indian Act), the ERA amendment, the “buttocks” bill, equity funding for our BIE schools, and the first increase in MFIP grants in over 30 years, among others.

Mary was elected to the Minnesota Senate in November 2020 and serves as the Assistant Minority Leader for the DFL Caucus. Senator Kunesh sits on the Education Finance and Policy Committee, the Mining and Forestry Policy Committee, and the Redistricting Committee.

Visit Mary Kunesh's website here

Judy Seeberger

Minnesota Senate, District 41

Judy is running for senate in the newly created District 41 which includes the cities of Lake Elmo, Afton, Lakeland, Lake St. Croix Beach, St. Mary’s Point, Lakeland Shores, Cottage Grove, and Hastings, and the townships of Grant, Denmark, and Nininger. She has spent her life dedicated to service and helping others. She is a public school teacher, a paramedic, a member of her local fire department, a lawyer, the wife of a Navy Captain, and a mom. She is also a former city council member and school board member. She understands the dedication and sacrifice which comes with public service. Judy believes strongly in the value of our public schools and will work to ensure Minnesota remains a leader in education. She supports paid family leave and accessible, affordable healthcare. She is a fierce advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and believes everyone should be treated with dignity and respect.

Visit Judy Seeberger's website here.

Bonnie Westlin

Minnesota Senate, District 42

Bonnie Westlin is a family law attorney and mediator running for the Minnesota Senate in SD42. She will bring her advocacy and negotiation skills to the legislature to support our public education system, create and affordable health care system for all Minnesotans, and pass urgently needed legislation to address the climate crisis. She is a mom and a grandmother, devoted to working for a world where all kids are valued, loved and provided the tools they need for a happy, successful life.

Visit Bonnie Westlin's website here.

Ann Rest

Minnesota Senate, District 43 (Formerly 45)

Ann Rest represents Crystal, Golden Valley, New Hope, Plymouth, and Robbinsdale in the Minnesota Senate. She served 16 years in the Minnesota House including four years as Tax Committee Chair. She has been in the Senate since 2001 serving as Assistant Majority Leader (2003-2007) and as President Pro Tem (2013-2017). She is the Lead Democrat on the Senate Taxes Committee and serves on the Housing and Rules Committee. She is a member of the Legislative Audit Commission and the Great Lakes Commission and is a founding member of the Great Lakes Legislative Caucus. Ann serves on NCSL’s Task Force on State and Local Government and is the immediate past chair of the Streamline Sales Tax Governing Board. Her legislative interests include tax policy, election law, education funding, transit policy and housing policy. She graduated from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, and has graduate degrees from the University of Chicago, Harvard University, and the University of Minnesota. She taught English at Armstrong High School from 1970 to 1979. She is a retired Certified Public Accountant. In 2016, she authored the Presidential Nomination Primary legislation supported by a broad bipartisan majority of the Legislature. She lives in New Hope and is a long- time member of the League of Women Voters and Rotary. Ann is the lay leader of Spirit of Hope United Methodist Church.

Visit Ann Rest's website here

Kelly Morrison

Minnesota Senate, District 45

Kelly is a practicing OB-GYN and has spent her career taking care of women's reproductive health. She has also served as the secretary of the board of Planned Parenthood. She ran for office for the first time in 2018 in the wake of the 2016 presidential election because she wanted to be a voice for science and evidence based policy making and to work to bridge our political divides. She has been a productive lawmaker in Minnesota's divided legislature, and 23 of her bills have become law. She is a founder and co-chair of the Reproductive Freedom Caucus in the legislature and has been a fierce voice for reproductive justice and the protection of reproductive rights. She has chief-authored multiple bills aimed at protecting and expanding access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare for Minnesotans. Kelly is finishing her second term in the Minnesota House and is now running for the Minnesota Senate in the new district 45.

Visit Kelly Morrison's website here

Nicole Mitchell

Minnesota Senate, District 47

Nicole Mitchell is a mother, scientist, and veteran running for Senate in district 47. She has spent her entire adult life volunteering with underserved groups, especially with abused and neglected children. As a parent, including to foster children, she believes our public schools need to be fully funded and accessible to all. Additionally, Nicole has almost 30 years of military service, including 16 years as a Hurricane Hunter, flying into dangerous storms to protect the public. Despite experiencing discrimination in the military as a woman, she persevered and is currently a Commander in the National Guard. If elected to the Minnesota Senate, she would be the first female veteran in the Minnesota legislature in over a decade. As a meteorologist, Nicole has studied and educated on climate change, including getting students interested in the sciences. She is committed to protecting the natural beauty of Minnesota.

Visit Nicole Mitchell's website here.

Dr. Alice Mann

Minnesota Senate, District 50

Dr. Alice Mann is a family medicine physician, immigrant, mother, and former state Representative running to be the new State Senator in SD50. She moved to the US, from Brazil, when she was 8 years old and dreamed of becoming a doctor. She did her medical training at the Mayo Clinic program in LaCrosse, WI and received her Masters in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University. After years of trying to provide medical care in a system that continuously prioritizes profits over patient care, Dr. Mann decided to run for office and unseated a 2-term Republican opponent. She believes that open and honest communication from leaders, leads to trust and community building. She, her husband, and three sons live in Edina, MN.

Visit Alice Mann's website here.

Melissa Halvorson Wiklund

Minnesota Senate, District 51 (Formerly 50)

Senator Melissa H. Wiklund is running for a fourth term in the Minnesota State Senate representing the new Senate District 51, which includes Bloomington, Richfield and Minneapolis. Sen. Wiklund brings her past career experience as an electrical engineer, manager and director in the field of Internet services and telecommunications to her work in the Senate which is an asset in working on information technology and cybersecurity issues as well as providing a sound analytical skillset to evaluate budget and policy proposals. Sen. Wiklund serves on the Health and Human Services Policy and Finance Committee where she is the DFL Senate Lead, the Human Services Reform Finance and Policy Committee and the Technology Reform Policy Committee. She spent 6 years on the E-12 Education Finance and Policy Committee. Her priorities include improving our early childhood and mental health systems, strengthening our state cybersecurity infrastructure and addressing the needs of our E-12 public education system in Minnesota. Sen. Wiklund is seeking re-election to continue work on budget and policy priorities that improve the lives of young children and families across Minnesota. Sen. Wiklund is a member of the Reproductive Freedom Caucus and has been a strong supporter of protecting and improving women’s access to all forms of reproductive health and abortion care for all her years in the Minnesota Senate.

Visit Melissa Halvorson Wiklund's website here

Alicia Donahue

Minnesota Senate, District 54

Alicia Donahue is a wife, stepmom, clinical social worker, community organizer and social justice advocate. Alicia has spent her career working with individuals from all walks of life, many of whom are experiencing their hardest moments. Alicia was the co-founder of Women’s March Minnesota and became inspired at the march 4 years ago seeing over 100,000 Minnesotans standing together against policies that tried to divide us. She is running for office because she wants to represent the people in her community and amplify the voices of those to who have been marginalized and often go unheard. She will use nearly two decades of education, knowledge and experience in child protection, mental health, chemical dependency, and the criminal justice system, to improve the safety nets intended to support those in need; and in doing so help create a stronger Minnesota.

Lindsey Port

Minnesota Senate, District 55 (formerly 56)

Senator Lindsay Port was first elected in 2020 to represent Senate District 56 in the State Senate, representing Burnsville, Lakeville, and Savage. Port is a non-profit executive who has spent the last 8 years working to advance progressive values through volunteer work. She is the co-founder and senior advisor of Blueprint Campaigns, which works to increase leadership in politics by underrepresented communities. In the Senate, Senator Port serves on the Commerce and Consumer Protection Finance and Policy Committee, Housing Finance and Policy Committee, and Technology and Reform Policy Committee.

Visit Lindsey Port's website here

Erin Maye Quade

Minnesota Senate, District 56

Erin Maye Quade is a former Minnesota State Representative who was first elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2016. There, she quickly established herself as a candid and fierce advocate for Minnesotans championing paid family leave; expanding access to affordable child care; ending childhood hunger; eliminating gun violence; and investing in treatment for mental health and substance abuse issues. She currently serves as the Advocacy Director at Gender Justice, where she work to advance gender justice through public education, strategic partnerships and coalition-building.

Visit Erin Maye Quade's website here.

Jackie Craig

Minnesota Senate, District 57

You know Jackie as a leader of nonprofits who has dedicated her career to achieving holistic outcomes through effective management of teams, seamlessly aligning messaging and strategy through communications channels, while centering equity. Now you can get to know her as a candidate. Jackie is running to represent Senate District 57 at the Minnesota Legislature because she believes in the strength of community. The strength of us. She believes that together we can build a safe, supported, and healthy community where people are engaged with their neighbors and where residents have access to the resources needed to support their families and continue to grow thriving communities.

Visit Jackie Craig's website here.

Clarice Grabau

Minnesota Senate, District 58

Clarice is a mother, teacher, and at-large city councilor. She was elected to the Northfield City Council in 2018 in her first run for office. Clarice is running because she cares deeply about her community, is passionate about climate, education, equity, and women's issues, and wants to bring these values to the Minnesota Senate. Her experience and knowledge will make her an excellent senator and champion of forward-thinking, compassion-centered policy-making. She is well-known for her collaborative skills and her ability to analyze complex issues and devise strategies to address them. She reaches out to community members, organizes and brings people together to find solutions.

Visit Clarice Grabau's website here

Kari Dziedzic

Minnesota Senate, District 60

Senator Kari Dziedzic was first elected in a special election. Her district includes NE & SE Minneapolis, Cedar Riverside, the Minneapolis Campus of the Univ of MN, and the Augsburg University Campus area. Senator Dziedzic worked as a legal assistant at several law firms while studying engineering at the Univ of MN. She then went on to work as Executive Assistant to Sen Paul Wellstone in DC. She has also worked in the private sector for communications companies and was a Senior Policy Aid for the Hennepin County Board prior to her election to the Senate. As minority lead on the Housing Committee, Sen Dziedzic has fought to increase affordable housing options across MN, close the homeownership disparity gap, and improve tenant rights. As a member of the Tax Committee, she has advocated for a fair tax system that lifts up those still struggling to recover from the pandemic. Senator Dziedzic is working to ensure all Minnesotans have the opportunity to succeed regardless of where they live or what they look like.

Visit Kari Dziedzic's website here

Zaynab Mohamed

Minnesota Senate, District 63

Zaynab is a working class immigrant and policy advocate, running to represent South Minneapolis in the Minnesota Senate. Through her experiences supporting her family and navigating government services, Zaynab is acutely aware of the government's ability to impact lives. As a policy aide for the City of Minneapolis and as the Community Advocacy Director at the Council of American Islamic Relations (CAIR-MN), Zaynab has advocated for stronger protections for renters, public safety and police accountability, and support for small businesses.

As Zaynab Mohamed runs to be the first black woman elected to the Minnesota Senate, she is focused on eliminating the educational achievement gap, expanding health care, and doing everything we can to combat climate change. She is a strong advocate for the most vulnerable in the community and will push everyday to have a government that works for us all.

Visit Zaynab Mohamed's website here.

Erin Murphy

Minnesota Senate, District 64

Erin Murphy is a Registered Nurse and the former executive director of the Minnesota Nurses Association. She was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2006 where she served as the Majority Leader in 2013-2014. In 2018, Murphy ran for governor, earning the support of Women Winning and the DFL endorsement. Murphy was elected to the Minnesota Senate in 2020, representing Senate District 64, which covers the westernmost neighborhoods of Saint Paul. Murphy attended the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, graduating with her B.S. in nursing and later earned an M.A. in organizational leadership in health care at the College of St. Catherine, where she currently teaches. Erin is married to Joe Faust. They have twin daughters. She believes deeply in a politics to improve the lives of people. She loves her work.

Visit Erin Murphy's website here

Sandy Pappas

Minnesota Senate, District 65

Pappas was first elected to the MN House of Representatives in 1984 and to the MN Senate in 1990. She served as Senate President from 2013-2016. Currently she is the Democratic Lead on the Capitol Investment Committee. Throughout her legislative career, Pappas has been a fervent advocate for Human Rights. She has passed legislation to prohibit sex trafficking and provide services to victims; to provide emergency contraception for sexual assault victims, to eliminate the statute of limitations for charging sexual assault and passed the Women's Economic Security Act. Her deep interest in international women's rights led her to co-found Forward Global Women, which trains women leaders from the Middle East-North Africa region to be stronger peacemakers. She is now their part-time Executive Director. Pappas has a Mid-Career MPA degree from the JFK School of Government, Harvard University.

Visit Sandy Pappas' website here.

Clare Oumou Verbeten

Minnesota Senate, District 66

Clare Oumou Verbeten is an organizer, a public servant, and a fighter for justice. Clare is running to represent District 66 - Saint Paul, Roseville, Falcon Heights, and Lauderdale - in the Minnesota Senate. Clare is the proud daughter of Rama and Hans, a Senegalese immigrant and a 2nd generation Dutch American. Clare grew up in Roseville, graduated from Roseville Area Public Schools and currently serves as the Chair of the Roseville Area Schools Foundation. She works for the City of Saint Paul and lives in the beautiful Como neighborhood with her husband, Garrison, and their Goldendoodle, Honey. Clare is running to build a community that is safe for all. She will bring bold leadership in the Minnesota Senate that puts the fight for racial justice and human dignity at the center of everything we do.

Visit Clare Oumou Verbeten's website here.

Erika Bailey-Johnson

Minnesota House of Representatives, District 2B

Erika is currently in her fourteenth year as the first Sustainability Director at Bemidji State University in Bemidji, Minnesota. She was also appointed the Coordinator of the People and the Environment academic program in 2016 and teaches one class per semester. She works in the Ganawendakamigaawigamig (Office of Earth-Caretaking or Sustainability Office). She completed her BA in Biology from the University of Minnesota, Morris in 1998 and her Master’s degree in Environmental Studies from BSU in 2006. Her background is in science teaching, and Erika and her husband taught for two years in Mexico and three years in Kuwait before returning home to Northern Minnesota. In 2014, Erika was named one of the top 40 under 40 business professionals in the region by Prairie Business Magazine, and in 2015 as one of the top 40 under 40 professionals in the Midwest working to accelerate America’s transition to a clean energy economy by Midwest Energy News. She speaks at regional and national conferences on BSU’s unique sustainability model which includes a wellness component and an emphasis on integrating Indigenous voices. She served on Governor Dayton’s Committee on Pollinator Protection from 2016 to 2018. Erika is currently on the board for Happy Dancing Turtle in Pine River and the alumni board for the University of Minnesota, Morris. She is a founding member of the City of Bemidji Sustainability Committee, and for the past three years has been the Director of the Niizhoo-gwayakochigewin project to integrate an Indigenous lens into campus sustainability work and academic programs and the Co-PI of Endazhi-manidoowaadak to work on race relations in her community. Her first book project was recently published and is a bilingual Ojibwe/English children’s book to connect children to the Ojibwe language and Mother Earth. Erika is an enrolled member of the Red Lake Band of Ojibwe.

Heather Keeler

Minnesota House of Representatives, District 4A

Heather Keeler is running for re-election to the Minnesota House, District 4A. She lives in Moorhead with her two sons. Keeler has worked in the tri-state region for 20 years to improve community healthcare, nonprofit projects, and education. She is a passionate advocate for equitable and inclusive practices. Her most recent community initiative was spearheading the movement for Moorhead to officially recognize and celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day on the second Monday of each October. Keeler graduated from Minnesota State University Moorhead with a bachelor’s degree in project management and a master’s degree in educational leadership. She worked for six years as a Native American Liaison in the Moorhead Area Public Schools and previously served as the assistant director of Multicultural Recruitment at North Dakota State University. When re-elected Heather will work endlessly to continue to be a voice of advocacy for inclusive decision making.

Visit Heather Keeler's website here.

Sally Boos

Minnesota House of Representatives, District 6B

Sally Boos was raised in Faribault, Mn and attended Saint Cloud State University earning a Bachelor of Science and a Mastered Degree in Special Education. For 34 years she taught all levels of SPED in the Brainerd Public Schools. She was the owner and lead tutor at The Phoenix Achievement Center and The Lakes Area tutoring Center until 2020. Her volunteer activities include the Brainerd Lakes Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, Brainerd Red Ribbon Cupboard and voluntary tutoring at an elementary school. She is proud to be Pro Choice and is a lifelong Democrat.

Visit Sally Boos's website here

Liz Olson

Minnesota House of Representatives, District 8A (Formerly 7B)

Representative Olson currently serves as the Deputy Majority Leader and Speaker Pro Tempore in the Minnesota House of Representatives. She also serves as the Vice Chair of the Ways and Means committee and on committees that deal with issues of housing, jobs, business, and redistricting in the state. Her experience lies in engaging and mobilizing diverse groups of people, especially those often left out of the political process, to shape policy solutions at the state and local level. Her career has included advocacy for access to healthcare, worker protections, and ending homelessness.

Visit Liz Olson's website here.

Alicia Kozlowski

Minnesota House of Representatives, District 8B

Alicia Kozlowski is running to represent District 8B in the Minnesota House of Representatives, the community Alicia was born and raised in by a single-mother and grandmother. Alicia is a first-generation college graduate who then earned an MBA and immediately went to work building, creating, and amplifying community.

As a proud descendant of an Indigenous-Ojibwe mother and Mexican father, Alicia believes we are all better when we show up in the fullness of who we are, with hearts forward and head high.

As an endurance runner, former business developer, grassroots organizer, and current Community Relations Officer with the City of Duluth, Alicia has the experience, stamina and vision to be effective for Duluth as someone who is already leading in alignment with community to improve health and well-being, rebuilding generational wealth, advancing an inclusive economy, and cultivating the community we all deserve.

Visit Alicia Kozlowski's website here.

Nancy Jost

Minnesota House of Representatives, District 9A

Nancy Jost is a resident of Fergus Falls and grew up on a farm in west central Minnesota with her mom, dad and 7 siblings. She graduated from Chokio-Alberta High School and received her Bachelor's degree from the University of MN, Morris. She has 2 children and 8 grandchildren. Nancy has been in the early childhood field for the last 50 years as a practitioner and as an advocate. She was appointed and served on the Women's Economic Security Task Force and the the MN Early Learning Council as the Chairperson.

Visit Nancy Jost's website here

Edie Barrett

Minnesota House of Representatives, District 12A

Edie is a fifth generation Minnesotan. More than a decade ago, she came back to Minnesota where her heart has always been. She’s been contributing to revitalizing West Central Minnesota ever since. Although she is a lifelong artist and writer, she has a high-level business background. Answering the call to be in public service, she returned to school for more education. In May 2022, she graduated with a Master’s Degree in Public Affairs, from The Humphrey. Her chosen coursework was on Integrative Leadership & Social Change. She also completed a Minor Degree from the Earl E. Bakken Center for Spirituality & Healing. With a strong sense of ethics and values, Edie is a strategic thinker and innovated leader, committed to bridging differences and finding solutions. She will lead with a foundation of skills, ability, experience, and education while upholding quality rural life. She wants to be in service to you, and to our region. None of us is all one thing: red or blue, rural or urban, conservative or progressive. Edie understands we are more complex than the tired political labels. She will work for all of us. She knows we expect our leaders to listen with care and lead with heart and that’s just what she’ll do. It’s time to reimagine how we live in our state, and how we engage with each other. Vote Edie Barrett, MN House, District 12A!

Visit Edie Barrett's website here

Andrea Robinson

Minnesota House of Representatives, District 13A

Andrea is a Minnesota mom on a mission to make her community a better place. She is a dedicated public servant who knows how to listen with compassion that is beyond measure. Andrea knows how to connect people from all walks of life and backgrounds. Andrea has a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Accounting and a Master's Degree in Public Administration. She is the Small Business Contracting Supervisor for MNDOT's Office of Civil Rights. Andrea continues to advocate against bullying and racism after her family experienced personal trauma associated with racism. She serves on the Inclusion and Equity Sub-Committee for the City of Cold Spring. Andrea has raised 7 kids, one of which she had a teenage mother, and has been a home for three foster children.

Visit Andrea Robinson's website here

Tami Calhoun

Minnesota House of Representatives, District 14A

Tami Calhoun, teacher, business owner and community leader, is running for the MN State House of Representatives in 14A, St. Cloud, St. Augusta, Waite Park and St. Joseph, and is proud to be endorsed by Women Winning. She has been active as a teacher in the public schools for 34 years and as a community leader with ISAIAH for nearly 20 years advocating for social, economic and racial justice for her community. She listens, seeks to understand, finds common ground and perseveres. She spends time engaging with people, listening to what is important to them and building relationships. She is interested in shaping policy around public safety, education excellence, health care, and economic security for families. She sees potential in legislation that would provide incentives to people to enter the professions of nursing, teaching, childcare, and public safety. She is positive, authentic and a resilient woman.

Visit Tami Calhoun's website here.

Jennifer Carpentier

Minnesota House of Representatives, District 17A

Jennifer Carpentier, Hutchinson, has spent her life caring for others, but now she has decided to do more. Carpentier is running for the Minnesota House of Representatives. The education system is a concern to Carpentier. She is a substitute teacher in the Hutchinson School system and has ten-year-old twins in the Hutchinson School District, so she has first-hand knowledge regarding the need for something to be done about things like the educational disruptions caused by COVID-19. Carpentier would also like to see something done about the problems caused by the lack of affordable housing in this area. That is not only a problem for families who lack the ability to live in a place they can afford, it is a problem for our businesses, our communities and our schools. “Without affordable housing, our businesses are hindered in their ability to attract workers,” Carpentier said. “Our communities won’t prosper if workers have to drive miles to work instead of living close to local businesses, and our schools need students in their classrooms.”

Carpentier has three grown children and six grandchildren as well as her ten-year-old twin daughters. She has taken in many foster children over the years, although she has none living with her right now. Although she is now working as a substitute teacher, she worked in office management for over 15 years. She is a volunteer with the Hutchinson Meals on Wheels program and was a volunteer assistant gymnastics coach in the Howard Lake/Waverly School District.

Visit Jennifer Carpentier's website here.

Carolyn Treadway

Minnesota House of Representatives, District 19A

Carolyn Treadway is a DFL candidate running for Minnesota House of Representatives for District 19A. She has lived in Faribault for 45+ years, taught elementary students for 25+ years and served as executive director for 12 years of a Faribault nonprofit that provided out-of-school-time programming and access to basic needs for underserved and marginalized youth and their families. As a principled and tireless community advocate, Carolyn assumes a leadership role in a wide variety of community initiatives that support Southern Minnesota women and their families. She understands the tremendous responsibilities that the Minnesota Legislature has in ensuring the well-being of Minnesota families. Recent US Supreme Court decisions indicate the growing role that state legislatures will play in key legislation that affect the reproductive and worker rights of women. Carolyn will be be a strong voice for protections against Minnesota lawmakers who want to exercise medical and reproductive control over women. These same lawmakers avoid addressing critical issues like Paid Family and Medical Leave, affordable healthcare, childcare and housing in favor of tax benefits for wealthy Minnesotans and corporations. Carolyn will be the voice for Southern Minnesota women and their families in St. Paul! Minnesota women deserve someone like her who will work for legislation that helps them live the full, productive lives they are destined to have!

Visit Carolyn Treadway's website here

Laurel Stinson

Minnesota House of Representatives, District 20A

Laurel Stinson grew up on an apple orchard in Florence Township and attended Lake City Public Schools. She then earned a degree in Theater and Drama from the University of Wisconsin in Madison and embarked on a successful career in theater and event production in Madison, New York City, and touring the U.S and Canada before returning to Red Wing. Laurel has volunteered in the Red Wing Community with the Goodhue County Master Gardeners, the Red Wing Singers, and performed in community theater productions at the Sheldon Theater. Laurel is a non-profit leader and she currently serves as the At Large Representative on the Red Wing City Council.

Visit Laurel Stinson's website here

Elise Diesslin

Minnesota House of Representatives, District 20B

Elise Diesslin is a candidate who has consistently shown up for progressive ideals in her district. Elise has worked as a candidate many times in Minnesota, and has formerly served on her City Council. Elise will work for further funding education in Minnesota, farm families, and protecting working Minnesotans.

Visit Elise Diesslin's website here

Marisa Ulmen

Minnesota House of Representatives, District 22A

Marisa Ulmen of rural Madelia, MN, located in Watonwan County, is a strong DFL candidate. She is a fifth generation small farmer who resides on her husband's home place where they humanely raise goats, chickens and Berkshire hogs. They also own a feed mill that caters to small batch orders. Marisa is committed to rural MN and the small towns that make it up. She will fight for all (D) democratic values.

Marcia Stapleton

Minnesota House of Representatives, District 22B

A clinical social worker currently doing family and individual therapy. Has worked in schools, hospitals, treatment centers, and child protection. Served 2 terms on the local school board, helped start local Habitat for Humanity chapter. Parent and grandparent.

Visit Marcia Stapleton's website here

Mary Hinnenkamp

Minnesota House, District 23A

Mary Hinnenkamp was raised on a dairy farm in central Minnesota. After graduating from college and marrying her husband Ted, she joined VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America). She spent three years working with low income folks on several projects (a food stamp program, a community center) in rural Kentucky . She then was a counselor for at risk youth in group home programs in the Bronx, Chicago, and Washington, DC. Upon the birth of twin sons, she and her husband moved to Albert Lea, Mn where she taught and was the Director of the Albert Lea Area Learning Center (ALC) for over 20 years. She guided hundreds of students who were behind in credits to earn their diplomas and not give up. During this time, she and her husband adopted their daughter. She then taught at Fountain Treatment Center Adolescent Unit for 5 years. Since retirement, she has volunteered for several years in an ELL program and was a reading buddy for kindergarteners and first graders. She has been very involved in local DFL politics since she door knocked for Tim Penny's first run for Congress in 1979.

Visit Mary Hinnenkamp's website here

Tina Liebling

Minnesota House of Representatives, District 24B (formerly 26A)

Tina Liebling was elected to her 9th term in the Minnesota House in 2020 representing part of Rochester. A former defense lawyer with a Masters degree in Public Health, she currently chairs the Health and Human Services Finance Division, where she works for quality, accessible health care for all and a better safety net. One of her proudest accomplishments is increasing the cash grant for families on MFIP (welfare) after more than 30 years without an increase.

Visit Tina Liebling's website here.

Kim Hicks

Minnesota House of Representatives, District 25A

Kim Hicks is a wife and mother to five. She has spent her life dedicated to helping others as a special education teacher, disability advocate, and policy lead. She is committed to creating government that works for all people. Elected officials have a responsibility to get things done to benefit EVERYONE, Kim is a person who gets things done.

Visit Kim Hicks' website here.

Katie Malchow

Minnesota House of Representatives, District 28B

Dedicated to community betterment, Katie has worked to build a strong sense of pride in the Chisago Lakes area. As the Executive Director for the Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau, she has a unique perspective on the needs of small towns across Minnesota. Communities are built around strong schools, opportunities for economic development, universal amenities, and the ability to take root and develop a sense of place. Katie is running for the MN House with a dedication to shining a light on the vitality of rural Minnesota.

Visit Kaite Malchow's website here

Sonja Buckmeier

Minnesota House of Representatives, District 30A

Sonja Buckmeier is the proud mother of four adult children residing in St. Michael, Minnesota. Since moving to St. Michael 25 years ago, she has demonstrated her commitment to the growth and development of our schools, connecting with residents of all age groups and diverse backgrounds, and empowering women. Sonja is a well-known member of the community with many years of service in various capacities, such as: bond and levy committees within the St. Michael-Albertville School District, substitute teaching, PTO boards, election judging, and involvement with scout troops. Reproductive rights have recently become a more visible issue for many women, but this has been a key interest area for Sonja. She firmly believes in the importance of adequate education and options for those making decisions about having children. As a first-generation college graduate, Sonja values public education and the impact equitable education access has for all. The importance of education has been passed on to her children, and many who have the opportunity to know Sonja see her passion in this area. Sonja is running to represent the local communities of District 30A as a State House Representative. She will bring equitable ideas to the table. She believes in the strength and growing diversity of our communities and is excited for the opportunity to work with her fellow community members. Sonja is committed to building a safe, supportive, healthy, and inclusive community where all residents are respected and have access to the resources needed to support their families.

Visit Sonja Buckmeier's website here

Betsy O'Berry

Minnesota House of Representatives, District 31A

Betsy O'Berry is a retired CPA with 39 year of business and tax experience. She has used her expertise to help other candidates for the last 32 years and is excited for the opportunity to bring common sense leadership to Minnesota. The two biggest issues that knocked her clients off course financially were the high cost of health care and the high cost of higher education. She wants to work to cut these costs and help Minnesotans reach their dreams.

Visit Betsy O'Berry's website here

Hanna Valento

Minnesota House of Representatives, 33A

Hanna Valento has lived in her district her whole life. She is a licensed attorney, a Forest Lake City Councilmember, and the first-ever Revisor of Statutes for the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. As the Revisor, she drafts legislation and reviews it with the elected officials of the tribe. She is running because she believes, regardless of political affiliations, that a community is neighbors, friends, and family, and at the end of the day, we wall want the same things – health, happiness, and a place to call home. She wants to mend the divides by talking to her community members to find common ground so they can all come together to make the changes the community needs and deserves.

Visit Hanna Valento's website here.

Melissa Hortman

Minnesota House of Representatives, District 34B (formerly 36B)

Melissa Hortman serves as the Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives. Rep. Hortman was elected in 2004 and represents communities in the northwest suburbs, where she and her husband raised their two children. As a legislator, Rep. Hortman has focused her work on energy and the environment. She authored Minnesota's solar energy standard and community solar law.

Visit Melissa Hortman's website here.

Susie Strom

Minnesota House of Representatives, District 36A

Susie Strom is a proud mother, attorney, U.S. Army veteran, and a Korean-American adoptee. She grew up in Coon Rapids, Minnesota and now lives in North Oaks, Minnesota. She is running for MN State House of Representatives in 36A. She is committed to serving the communities of district 36A with compassion and thoughtfulness.

Visit Susie Strom's website here.

Brion Curran

Minnesota House of Representatives, District 36B

Brion resides in Vadnais Heights, MN with her wife and pets. She is service-minded and desires to make real, impactful changes in the community. Brion has spent the last 20 years in the nonprofit health and human services industry. She continually advocates for people with disabilities and disability service providers. With education and experience in Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice, Brion is passionate about reimagining ways to safely serve the community while building trust. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, Brion will champion inclusivity and equity in legislation. Brion is a strong believer in each individual’s right to make choices about their own body and fully supports access to safe reproductive and gender inclusive resources. She is dedicated to being a voice for society’s marginalized and most vulnerable residents.

Visit Brion Curran's website here.

Caitlin Cahill

Minnesota House of Representatives, District 37A

Caitlin Cahill is a dedicated community leader, whose public service spans more than a decade. Caitlin is currently serving her second term as a city council member in Maple Plain, and previously served nine years on the Hennepin County library board. After working in Minnesota public schools as an instructional technology specialist, Caitlin founded her small business developing custom technology solutions for businesses and schools. Caitlin values the collaborative and non-partisan nature of municipal government, and will bring this solution-focused approach to the legislature.

Visit Caitlin Cahill's website here.

Kristin Bahner

Minnesota House of Representatives, District 37B (formerly 34B)

Kristin fipped her seat after 36 years to help win back the majority in the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2018. She has served as a vocal champion for Women’s Issues and Women’s Rights at the legislature, most notably on ERA and pay equity. As an activist, she was organizer of Women’s March MN that brought 110K people to the Capitol in the largest single day event in MN history and served on the Board as Legislative Chair before joining the MN House. She is passionate about providing affordable access to healthcare and passed four bi-partisan, common sense, bills on prescription drugs that place patients back in the driver’s seat and put money back in people’s pockets Kristin is a tireless advocate for children, working families and seniors. She serves as Vice Chair for the Human Services Finance and Policy Committee. She is also a member of the Redistricting Committee, State Government Finance and Elections Committee, and Health Finance and Policy Committee. Outside of committee, she is a strong voice for reform, including the Alec Smith Emergency Insulin Act and is actively working on legislation around Diabetes and Chronic Conditions. She continues to champion for clean air and water. She is a member of the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Commission on IT. Kristin believes that the legislature is about finding common sense solutions that serve real people, because when we put families first, communities and Minnesotans win.

Visit Kristin Bahner's website here

Samantha Vang

Minnesota House of Representatives, District 38B (formerly 40B)

Representative Samantha Vang was first elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2018, representing District 40B, which includes Brooklyn Center and a portion of Brooklyn Park. She serves as Vice Chair of the Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee and is a member of the Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee, Public Safety and Criminal Justice Reform Finance and Policy Committee, and Redistricting Committee. Rep. Vang is also a member of the Minnesota Asian Pacific Caucus. She is a Minnesota native, daughter of refugees, community organizer, and strong believer that policies should be made from the ground up. From growing up in public housing to becoming the first in her family to graduate from college at Gustavus Adolphus, Rep. Vang has worked through nonprofits, campaigns, and coalitions.

Visit Samantha Vang's website here

Erin Koegel

Minnesota House of Representatives, District 39A (Formerly 37A)

Erin grew up in Osseo and graduated from Osseo High School. She went to college at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. She graduated with a bachelor's in Psychology and went on to gain a Masters in Advocacy and Political Leadership also at UMD. Erin has spent her career working toward social justice. She has spent time advocating for public policies that would help working families including an increase in the minimum wage, assistance for families facing home foreclosures, a stop to predatory lending practices, paid sick time, and health care for all Minnesotans. Erin and her husband, Steve, had their first child in December of 2018. Erin was able to bring her daughter, Clara with her to the Capitol during the 2019 session. This has made her even more dedicated to ensuring all families have time to bond with a new child through paid family leave. Erin lives in Spring Lake Park with her husband, Steve, their daughter, Clara, and their black lab, Spud. She is currently serving her third term as a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives.

Visit Erin Koegel's website here

Sandra Feist

Minnesota House of Representatives, District 39B (formerly 41B)

Sandra Feist was first elected to the Minnesota House in 2020. Outside of the Legislature, Sandra is an immigration attorney - launching her own law practice in 2010 - and resides with her family in New Brighton. As an attorney, a small business owner, and a mother, Sandra brings a combination of technical and negotiating expertise, practicality, and compassion to her work as a legislator.

Over the past two years in the Minnesota House, Sandra has focused her attention on fully and equitably funding public schools and reforming our criminal laws to be more just. In 2022, she introduced a bill to ensure that all menstruating students have access to free period products. The goal is to ensure that period poverty doesn’t keep these students from equal access to an education, and also to reduce the stigma around menstruation. In Sandra’s first term, she chief authored a number of impactful bills, including the Veterans Restorative Justice Act, a bill to streamline U visa certifications to protect immigrant victims of crime, and a bill to expand funding for suicide prevention training of staff in schools. In addition, she chief authored a bill to protect vulnerable immigrant youth that passed with strong bipartisan support.

Sandra is the DFL-endorsed candidate for House District 39B and looks forward to continuing to serve her community.

Visit Sandra Feist's website here.

Kelly Moller

Minnesota House of Representatives, District 40A (Formerly 42A)

Kelly Moller is currently serving her second term in the Minnesota House of Representatives. As a career prosecutor who advocates for victims of crime, she has been a leader at the Capitol for survivors of sexual assault, Minnesotans with disabilities, student mental health, and gun violence prevention.

She serves as Vice-Chair of the House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee, and also sits on the Education Policy Committee, Human Services Finance and Policy Committee, and the Behavioral Health Policy Division.

Moller is a 20+ year resident of Shoreview, where she resides with her husband as well as two sons who have attended Mounds View School District schools.

Visit Kelly Moller's website here.

Jamie Becker-Finn

Minnesota House of Representatives, District 40B (formerly 42B)

Representative Jamie Becker-Finn is running for a fourth term in the Minnesota House. Rep. Becker-Finn is an attorney and lives in Roseville with her spouse and two children. Rep. Becker-Finn currently serves as Committee Chair of the Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee and is a part of the Property Tax Division Committee, Ways and Means Committee, Environment and Natural Resources Finance Policy Committee, Ethics Committee, and Behavioral Health Policy Division Committee.

Visit Jamie Becker-Finn's website here

Patricia Driscoll

Minnesota House of Representatives, District 41A

Pat (Patricia) Driscoll grew up in St. Paul, MN. She is married to Patrick Driscoll and they have 3 grown daughters, three granddaughters and one grandson. Pat earned her BS degree from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. She earned her MS and Education Specialist degrees from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul. Pat was a special education teacher for 21 years and a school administrator for 18 years. She is currently serving her second term on the South Washington County School Board.

Visit Patricia Driscoll's website here.

Tina Folch

Minnesota House of Representatives, District 41B

In her second run for the Minnesota House, Tina Folch is the DFL endorsed candidate running for District 41B. As a six-year city councilmember, Tina brings experience as a local elected leader working across party lines to find solutions that a build stronger community and business climate. For the past 25 years, Tina has worked for state and local government conducting strategic planning and is an expert in good government administration. She holds a master's degree in Public Administration from Hamline University's Business School and certifications in project management, public procurement and emergency management.

Visit Tina Folch's website here.

Ginny Klevorn

Minnesota House of Representatives, District 42B (Formerly 44A)

Ginny Klevorn is running for her third term to the Minnesota House of Representatives. Ginny is a professional mediator, small business owner and mother of three. Deeply invested in her district, Ginny works hard to support the needs of her neighbors and the communities she is honored to represent. Ginny Klevorn currently serves on the Executive Committee of the Lawyers Board of Professional Responsibility and is a member of the Wayzata Legislative Action Committee and the MN FBI Civil Rights Action Group. Ginny has a long history of human rights advocacy and working to protect the rights of children and vulnerable adults. Her legislative priorities include: education, healthcare, environment, elections, public safety and an economy that works for all.

Visit Ginny Klevorn's website here.

Lauren Bresnahan

Minnesota House of Representatives, District 45A

Dr. Lauren Bresnahan grew up in Waconia and put down roots in the western suburbs with her husband and two kids because of the great schools, nature, and community. Lauren believes we need leaders who understand that real economic growth is achieved when we invest in our future through education, healthcare, small businesses, community safety, and environmental protection. As a Ph.D applied economist and multi-generation Minnesotan, she wants to build this future together. Lauren spends her free time with her family replacing buckthorn with native species and playing in the sandbox. She looks forward to connecting at www.BresnahanForHouse.com.

Visit Lauren Bresnahan's website here.

Patty Acomb

Minnesota House of Representatives, District 45B (Formerly 44B)

Patty Acomb was first elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2018 and is running for re-election to represent portions of Minnetonka, Deephaven, Shorewood, Wayzata, and Woodland. A nearly lifelong resident of the area, she previously served for 7 years as an at-large member of the Minnetonka City Council. Patty holds a B.S. degree in natural resources from the University of Minnesota, and currently serves as the chair of the Minnesota House Climate Action Caucus and vice-chair of the House Climate and Energy Finance committee. She is also a champion for issues affecting the environment, renewable energy, education, housing, and healthcare.

Visit Patty Acomb's website here.

Cheryl Youakim

Minnesota House of Representatives, District 46B

It has been an honor to serve the communities of Hopkins and St. Louis Park and I am excited to have Edina join 46B. Our economy continues to recover from COVID. Some of our communities and businesses are doing better than others. Our state’s current surplus provides a unique opportunity to make strategic investments that will help our state to fully recover. We must continue investing in a Minnesota that works for everyone. I am a strong progressives voice for affordable health care, quality education from early childhood through high school, and protecting our environment. I am passionate about protecting our rights - the right to love who we love, be our true selves, worship how we choose, and to equal protection under the law no matter who we are, what we look like or where we live. I have worked hard and supported legislation that upholds these values. I have also fought for an economy that works for everyone, not just a few. I would like to continue the work supporting our progressive values in St. Paul and look forward to continuing our conversations in the community and at the doors!

Visit Cheryl Youakim's website here.

Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger

Minnesota House, District 47A

Amanda is a mom, scientist, and community advocate who works hard for the working families of Minnesota. She has a unique blend of science and policy education and experience to thoughtfully examine policies to enact positive change. Amanda believes we need to take action to address climate change, advocate for working families, invest in education, and champion healthcare for everyone. She listens to understand and looks forward to representing Woodbury and Maplewood (District 47A) in the Minnesota House.

Visit Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger's website here.

Lucy Rehm

Minnesota House of Representatives, District 48B

Lucy Rehm is running to be the next state representative for house district 48B, including Chanhassen and eastern Chaska. She is a proud fourth-generation Minnesotan who has called Chanhassen home for more than 25 years. She is a current city council member, an educator, and a lifelong advocate for healthy living, families and the environment. She is a mother of three. She and her husband, Phil, chose this community as the place to raise their children. Their two oldest children graduated from local public schools, and their youngest will graduate in 2023.

She loves this community. She is running for office because she wants to preserve the things that make this district a great place to live – the beautiful lakes, creeks, and wetlands; the trails and parks; the thriving small business economy; the wonderful, world-class schools– while advocating for ways to make them even better. She is tired of divisive politics that stop us from getting real solutions to our problems. When she is elected, she is committed to working for common sense solutions to the problems we face. That means having honest and respectful dialogue with everyone, and working hard everyday to deliver real results for the community.

Visit Lucy Rehm's website here.

Laurie Pryor

Minnesota House of Representatives, District 49A (Formerly 48A)

Representative Laurie Pryor is running for her 4th term in the Minnesota House. Her district includes southern Minnetonka and norther Eden Prairie. She has been a consistent champion of reproductive rights during her years of service and, in these uncertain times, her leadership in the Legislature is more important than ever.

Visit Laurie Pryor's website here.

Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn

Minnesota House of Representatives, District 49B (formerly 48B)

Representative Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn is running for a third term in the Minnesota House of Representatives. With a background in business and education, Rep. Kotyza-Witthuhn currently is a full-time parent to three young children and she has served on the Eden Prairie Early Childhood Advisory Council. Rep. Kotyza-Witthuhn is the vice-chair of Commerce Finance and Policy Committee and is a member of the Early Childhood Finance and Policy Committee, Behavioral Health Policy Division, and Workforce and Business Development Finance and Policy Committee. Her legislative priorities include supporting children and families from cradle through college, advancing small business and taking meaningful action to prevent gun violence. In 2019, she authored the reintroduction of the Angel Investor Tax Credit to spur technological start-ups across the state and worked to secure funding for early literacy programs. When re-elected, Rep. Kotyza-Witthuhn will continue advocating for young families and working to build a brighter future for all Minnesotans.

Visit Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn's website here.

Heather Edelson

Minnesota House of Representatives, District 50A (Formerly 49A)

Heather Edelson has served in the MN House of Representatives for 2 terms. In the new 50A she would represent Edina and a portion of Bloomington. Rep. Edelson has been a Fierce advocate to pass complex, legislation and gain bipartisan support of tough issues. She has been an asset for common ground policies that move Minnesota forward.

Visit Heather Edelson's website here.

Liz Reyer

Minnesota House of Representatives, District 52A (formerly 51B)

Representative Liz Reyer (DFL-51B) is the DFL endorsed candidate for House District 52A, representing parts of Burnsville and Eagan. Liz is a business leader, social activist, mother of four, and a long-time Eagan resident. She has been active in local politics and has a long history of involvement in Eagan schools, youth athletics, and other civic matters. In her first term, Liz has used her platform to address structural racism and fight for our need for quality and affordable health care, equal justice under the law, a stable climate and clean environment, and a world-class education. She serves on the Capital Investment, Health, Housing, and Preventing Homelessness committees.

Visit Liz Reyer's website here.

Ruth Richardson

Minnesota House of Representatives, District 52B

Representative Ruth Richardson is running for a third term in the Minnesota House representing District 52B. Rep. Richardson is an attorney and senior executive who has spent more than a decade advocating for veterans, children in foster care, families, people with disabilities, and small-, minority-, and women-owned businesses in her community. Rep. Richardson serves as Committee Chair of the Education Policy Committee and is a member of the Transportation Finance and Policy Committee, Education Finance Committee, and Commerce Finance and Policy Committee. In 2019, she led the successful House initiative to advance equity in the utilities sector to develop a diverse workgroup to develop pathways to diversify the workforce and the supplier pool in the energy sector. When re-elected, Rep. Richardson will continue to champion legislation to ensure all Minnesotans have an equitable opportunity to be healthy, prosperous, and reach their full potential.

Visit Ruth Richardson's website here.

Mary Frances Clardy

Minnesota House of Representatives, District 53A

Mary Frances Clardy is a candidate for the Minnesota State House of Representatives Legislative District 53A. Ms. Clardy is currently a member of the Inver Grove Heights School Board. She is a veteran teacher with over 25 years of experience dedicated to serving students in high-need school settings. Ms. Clardy has a M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction, she is a gubernatorial appointee to the Minnesota Board of School Administrators, and Vice chair of Association of Metropolitan School Districts. Ms. Clardy has also held of civic positions including but not limited to being a Member of the Commission of Civil Rights-City of Minneapolis, Member of Minnesota Department of Education Teacher Equity Steering Steering Committee and the Minnesota State University-Mankato Alumni Association, Board of Directors, President.

Visit Mary Frances Clardy's website here.

Jess Hanson

Minnesota House of Representatives, District 55A (formerly 56A)

Jess Hanson was first elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2020, representing District 56A which includes Savage and Northwest Burnsville. Jess advocated for over half a million Minnesotans as an issue advocate, and now she's entering public service with a Bachelor's in Social Work and Master's in Advocacy and Political Leadership. She's a mom, so she understands the challenges families and kids have faced in recent years like excessive student debt, a shrinking middle class, and inflation everywhere but our wallets. Jess believes in the politics of care which means she believes that politics is one of the many avenues through which we express care for one another in society. Her stories-based approach to social change stimulates a new era of politics where people, the community, and their experiences are truly at the center of the conversation. She will fight for quality education for kids in every zip code, affordable healthcare at all ages and stages of life, and a responsive government that meets the needs of all Minnesotans. She believes deeply in the strength, diversity, and experiences of her community and will always put their needs at the top of her agenda because that's what the politics of care looks like.

Rep. Hanson serves on the Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee, Human Services Finance and Policy Committee, Behavioral Health Policy Division, and Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee.

Visit Jess Hanson's website here

Kaela Berg

Minnesota House of Representatives, District 55B (formerly 56B)

Minnesota native and long-time Burnsville resident, Kaela Berg is running for re-election in the Minnesota State House of Representatives. Kaela is running because she is passionate about an economy that works for working families. She has been a union flight attendant for 16 years, a fierce labor activist for over a decade, a non-profit director and an independent consultant. Because of her work and lived experience, she has a deep understanding of the issues faced by working families and a solid commitment to advocate on their behalf. Because of her work and lived experiences, Kaela is unafraid to have difficult conversations. She brings people of varying viewpoints together and creates collaborative spaces. She has a proven track record of showing up and doing the work, and will continue to lead boldly on the issues that matter to her community. Rep. Berg serves on the Capital Investment Committee, Education Policy Committee, Local Government Division, and Labor, Industry, Veterans, and Military Affairs Finance and Policy Committee.

Visit Kaela Berg's website here.

Erin Preese

Minnesota House of Representatives, District 57B

Erin Preese is a mom, a teacher, and a community safety advocate. She has spent her professional career serving the children and families of Lakeville while advocating for the needs of her community at the local and state levels. Erin has the passion, energy and experience to work across the aisle for common sense solutions.

Visit Erin Preese's website here.

Kristi Pursell

Minnesota House of Representatives, District 58A

Kristi Pursell is running to represent the Northfield area in the Minnesota House because she is deeply committed to partnering with community members, particularly those most impacted by the challenges we face, to create tangible solutions that ensure all Minnesotans thrive, no exceptions. A Southern Minnesotan through-and-through, Kristi Pursell is the Executive Director of a local clean water non-profit, leader in numerous progressive grassroots organizations, parent, former farmer, and engaged community member. She has experience sharing her story and uplifting the stories of community members through organizing in-district meetings, testifying in legislative committees, and more. If elected, she will be the second woman to represent the Northfield area.

Visit Kristi Pursell's website here.

Esther Agbaje

Minnesota House of Representatives, District 59B

Rep. Esther Agbaje is running for re-election to represent District 59B. Esther Agbaje is a lawyer who practices in general civil litigation and medical malpractice. She also has experience in class action lawsuits. As an attorney she helped secure Hepatitis C medication for Minnesota prisoners. She is also active in her church and serves on the Climate Justice Task Force. As a state legislator Esther advocates for urgent, bold, proressive legislation that centers inclusive justice and allows working people opportunities to thrive. She will continue to fight for more housing, better public transportation, and jobs that pay a living wage.

Visit Esther Agbaje's website here

Sydney Jordan

Minnesota House of Representatives, District 60A

Sydney Jordan currently represents Minnesota House District 60A. Sydney is a strong progressive and a lifelong champion of schools, the environment, and organized labor. As a legislator, Sydney prioritizes public education, environmental protection, and gender justice. Her immediate goal is to robustly fund public education, including by having the state fund all special education and English Language Learner services. Ultimately, Sydney hopes to fully fund all public education and end schools’ inequitable reliance on property taxes. In a fully-funded system, every Minnesotan parent, no matter where they live or who they are, can know that their child is attending a strong public school equal to any other. Sydney has championed bills to fund education, provide every schoolchild in Minnesota with free meals, and is the chief author of a bill to mandate Comprehensive Sex Education. Sydney also believes passionately in the importance of protecting Minnesota’s wild environment and the health of all. She is a leader in increasing recycling and curbing waste, reimagining transit, and removing toxic chemicals from the natural world.

Visit Sydney Jordan's website here.

Aisha Gomez

Minnesota House of Representatives, District 62A (Formerly District 62B)

Aisha Gomez is a Mama, a Southsider, an organizer, and a public servant. She has been serving the communities that raised her as a State Representative since 2018. Since 2020 she has served as the Chair of the Preventing Homelessness division, Vice-Chair of the Property Tax division and as a member of the Housing and Tax committees. At the Legislature she is known as an effective and passionate advocate for progressive tax policy, investments across the housing continuum, the City of Minneapolis, and those who our systems have excluded. Merging her growing expertise in tax and housing policy, in 2021 she was able to secure $120 Million in the tax bill to assist families experiencing homelessness. She believes in using the tools of electoral politics and public policy to build power for working people and BIPOC communities, and to improve the material conditions of people’s lives. She lives in the Lyndale neighborhood with her 10 year old son.

Visit Aisha Gomez's website here

Hodan Hassan

Minnesota House of Representatives, District 62B (Formerly 62A)

Representative Hodan Hassan is running for a third term in the Minnesota House. Rep. Hassan has served as an assistant majority leader and plays a key role in housing, economic development, and education advances for all Minnesotans.

Visit Hodan Hassan's website here.

Samantha Sencer-Mura

Minnesota House of Representatives, District 63A

Samantha is an educator, a working mom, a local community leader, a fourth generation Japanese American, and she is running to be the next State Representative for district 63A in South Minneapolis. She attended Minneapolis public schools, including South High School in the district, which neighbors know is distinctive for having no windows. In reflection, public schools also did not have mirrors. The curriculum, the teaching staff, and the policies did not provide mirrors for students of color to see themselves reflected, and as a result there are terrible gaps in educational outcomes. Ever since, Samantha has been fighting for educational justice for students of color, including working as an educator. Since 2017, she has been Executive Director at educational non-profit, 826 MSP. During her time there, the organization has served thousands of Twin Cities students through free in-school and out-of-school writing, publishing, and leadership programs. They have built safe spaces for youth, including writing centers in the Seward neighborhood and at her alma mater. In 2020, South Minneapolis became the epicenter of a fight for racial justice. She joined the protests and worked with neighbors to keep each other safe. She saw the possibilities in reimagining public safety at the neighborhood and city levels, and learned that unless we are vigilant about unearthing racial biases we can easily replicate the systems we are trying to dismantle. In 2022, Samantha is running to ensure the city doesn't retreat back into complacency, and that fellow activated citizens keep that fight going.

Visit Samantha Sencer-Mura's website here.

Emma Greenman

Minnesota House of Representatives, District 63B

Emma Greenman is running for a second term in the Minnesota State House representing the South Minneapolis District 63B. As a state representative, and throughout her career, Emma is working to build a democracy and an economy that centers the needs of kids, families, communities and those too often left at the margins. Emma is a national voting rights lawyer and has spent the last decade fighting on the front lines of our embattled democracy, working to protect the freedom to vote, get big money out of politics, and build an inclusive, people-powered politics. She believes that to make progress on critical issues -- education, reproductive justice, climate change, economic justice, racial equity, healthcare -- we must repair and reimagine our democracy. As a state representative, Emma is leading the fight to protect our democratic institutions and expand the power of Minnesotans in our democracy. Her legislative priorities include strengthening the freedom to vote, expanding the economic security and workplace safety for Minnesota workers, and fully funding our schools. When re-elected, she will continue the work to build a Minnesota where everyone thrives, no exceptions.

Visit Emma Greenman's website here.

Kaohly Her

Minnesota House of Representatives, District 64A

Representative Kaohly Her is running for a third term in the Minnesota State Representative representing district 64A of St. Paul. Rep. Her has more than 25 years of leadership experience in both the private and public sectors, spanning financial services and business consulting to education administration. Rep Her sits on five committees: Housing Finance and Policy, Judiciary Finance and Civil Law, Rules and Legislative Administration, Taxes, and Property Tax Division. During her first term, she chief authored five pieces of the legislation that were signed into law. She fought for more resources for mental health education, culturally specific funding for workforce training, college funds for babies, closing a housing loophole, and consistency with Head Start background checks for Tribal organizations. She also co-authored a number of bills around gun violence prevention, funding education, protecting our environment, women’s rights, and accessible prescription drug. When re-elected, Rep. Her will continue to center her work around equity and justice to move legislation that addresses systems of oppression and how they intersect.

Visit Kaohly Her's website here.

María Isa Pérez-Hedges

Minnesota House of Representatives, District 65B

María Isa Pérez-Hedges is a lifelong Minnesotan, raised on the West Side of Saint Paul. She is a cultural community organizer, international recording artist, and youth worker running for the Minnesota House of Representatives District 65B. María Isa currently directs the mentorship program for the Twin Cities Mobile Jazz Project which empowers young people through music and a cultural curriculum. She also serves on the Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board Public Engagement Advisory Task Force, working to ensure the Capitol is a welcoming space for community. A Type 1 diabetic and insulin organizer, she has been a prominent leader in the fight for affordable health care in Minnesota. In April 2020, she played an integral role in advocating for the passage of the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act, and she continues her leadership within the Minnesota #Insulin4all Chapter. She is an alumni of the prestigious Wilder Foundation Community Equity Program, which brings together Black, Indigenous, and People of Color to advance their knowledge and skills to build community power and solidarity at the Capitol. For her outstanding work with Youthrive Live!, educating incarcerated youth throughout the state of Minnesota, She received the National Hispana Leadership Institute’s “Rising Latina Star" award.

Visit María Isa Pérez-Hedges' website here.

Leigh Finke

Minnesota House of Representatives, District 66A

Leigh Finke is an advocate, filmmaker, parent, and transgender woman living in Saint Paul with her two kids. Being a queer single parent working multiple jobs has fueled her creative and political life these past five years. Currently, Leigh is the owner and Executive Producer of Totally Gay Productions and is Multimedia Storyteller at ACLU of Minnesota. With a background in journalism and documentary, Leigh believes that effective storytelling and expanded representation are essential to moving our communities forward.

Her election would make her the first transgender person to serve in Minnesota's state government.

Visit Leigh Finke's website here.

Athena Hollins

Minnesota House of Representatives, District 66B

Athena Hollins is running for the Minnesota House of Representatives in District 66B. Athena works as a diversity and inclusion professional and is serving on the Payne-Phalen Community Council. Athena is a bold leader in confronting the climate crisis, and she'll stand shoulder to shoulder with her community to combat the skyrocketing costs of childcare, healthcare, and housing. She will be an inclusive, progressive problem solver for all of St. Paul.

Visit Athena Hollins's website here.

Liz Lee

Minnesota House of Representatives, District 67A

Kaozouapa “Liz” Lee is a proud Hmong daughter of St. Paul’s Eastside. She and her siblings were raised by dedicated public servant parents in the Hayden Heights neighborhood on the Eastside. Liz spent a decade advocating for policies that benefit working families in Minnesota and across the country like affordable housing, education equity, health equity, and increased access to public transit. Now she’s running to serve the people of Minnesota House District 67A to ensure the Eastside works for everyone.

Visit Liz Lee's website here.

Karen MacLaughlin

Olmsted County Attorney

Karen MacLaughlin is a candidate for Olmsted County Attorney (Rochester, Minnesota). Ms. MacLaughlin received her law degree with honors from William Mitchell College of Law and has been a successful trial attorney in Rochester for 19 years and counting. She served as an Assistant Olmsted County Attorney from 1999-2016, and now practices family law for a local legal aid agency representing low-income clients. She was elected to the Rochester School Board in 2020, and currently serves as Treasurer. She previously served on the boards of the local Women’s Shelter, the League of Women Voters, and the Olmsted County Human Rights Commission. Ms. MacLaughlin is an active and visible member of the community, and is a passionate advocate for human rights, safe communities, crime victims, and reducing systemic barriers to justice. She is fiercely pro-choice and a strong advocate for reproductive justice. She believes every person has a right to a safe, legal and accessible abortion. She believes in every person’s right to bodily autonomy and the individual right to make healthcare decisions. If elected Olmsted County Attorney and if abortion becomes illegal in Minnesota, Ms. MacLaughlin is committed to using her prosecutorial discretion to deny prosecution of anyone who has an abortion, provides an abortion, or assists with an abortion in Olmsted County.

Visit Karen MacLaughlin's website here.

Mandy Meisner

Anoka County Commissioner, District 7

Mandy Meisner became an Anoka County Commissioner in 2019 becoming the first woman in this seat and the first person of color on the Anoka County Board. Mandy’s background is community service and the arts. She is a connector, collaborator and creative at heart! For over a decade she served a variety of local non-profits and community initiatives, advocating on their behalf, including women's issues like workforce development and violence against women. She continues to be active in the community.

Visit Mandy Meisner's website here

Laurie Halverson

Dakota County Commissioner, District 3

Laurie Halverson is currently serving as Dakota County Commissioner from District 3 representing the communities of Eagan, Mendota, Mendota Heights, Sunfish Lake and Lilydale. She serves as the chair of the Community Services Committee of county board, and represents Dakota County on numbers regional and statewide boards including—the Association of Minnesota Counties, the Minnesota Inter-County Association, MELSA (Metropolitan Library Service Association) Board of Trustees, and the Metropolitan Mosquito Control Commission. Prior to being elected to the Dakota County Board of Commissioners, she served 4 terms in the Minnesota House of Representatives. As a legislator, she was recognized as a leader on critical legislation to support working families and healthy communities. Laurie also worked at Blue Cross Blue Shield Minnesota in public affairs, advancing public health policy initiatives. She is an active community volunteer who has served as chair of the Eagan Parks Commission and secretary of the Eagan Foundation Board of Directors. She continues to volunteer throughout the community at local schools, the Open Door food pantry and local arts organizations. Laurie graduated with a degree in Political Science from St. Catherine University and attended the Humphrey School of Public Affairs. She lives in Eagan with her husband, teenaged son and two dogs.

Visit Laurie Halverson's website here

Seema Maddali

Dakota County Commissioner, District 4

Seema Maddali and her husband have been residents of Eagan for nearly 20 years and have come to love the city and enjoy the facilities in Dakota County. She works as an emergency room physician at the VA hospital in Minneapolis and has 35 years of clinical experience with board certifications in Internal Medicine & Hospice and Palliative Care. She has also had the opportunity to mentor the next generation of physicians as an Assistant Professor of the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Minnesota. Additionally, she has obtained a Master’s in Healthcare Administration from the Carlson School of Business at the University of Minnesota. Throughout her career as a healthcare professional, she has served in leadership roles in major healthcare organizations in the Twin Cities with a focus on building patient-centered programs to improve community health. Outside of healthcare, she has worked alongside her neighbors in the PTA, nonprofit fundraisers, sports organizations, and by volunteering at local homeless shelters, Habitat for Humanity, and The Open-Door Pantry. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends, visiting new places, gardening, and being “grandma” to her daughter’s pug, Peter.

Visit Seema Maddali's website here

Irene Fernando

Hennepin County Commissioner, District 2

Irene currently serves as Hennepin County Commissioner for District 2, which includes Golden Valley, Medicine Lake, southeast Plymouth, St. Anthony, North Minneapolis, Northeast Minneapolis, and the North Loop neighborhood in Minneapolis. Irene was elected to the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners in November of 2018. Together, she and Commissioner Angela Conley (District 4) were the first people of color elected to the County Board in Hennepin’s 169-year history. She is the youngest woman to serve in this position, and she is the first Filipino-American elected in the state of Minnesota. Before joining the County Board, Irene worked in not-for-profit and corporate settings, and she instructed college courses. Her expertise is in youth development, social entrepreneurship, shared leadership models, talent development, and systems change. Irene studied at the University of Minnesota, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business and a Master of Education in Youth Development Leadership, and she is also currently pursuing a doctorate degree in Human Resource Development. Irene lives in the Harrison neighborhood of Minneapolis with her partner Kent. She loves this community and can often be found out on her front porch chatting with her neighbors or cheering on the Minnesota Lynx!

Visit Irene Fernando's website here.

Marion Greene

Hennepin County Commissioner, District 3

Commissioner Marion Greene represents District 3 (all of St. Louis Park, SW Minneapolis west of 35W, and most of downtown Minneapolis) on the Hennepin County Board. She currently serves as Chair of the Board, chosen by her colleagues for the last four years. Marion’s recent accomplishments include chairing the board during a global pandemic and time of significant civil unrest and change, guiding the county to develop its first ever Climate Action Plan, building consensus around the allocation of $500 million in federal relief funding, participating in negotiations to secure $1 billion in federal funds to support regional transit, and championing myriad programs to successfully expand our regional supply of deeply affordable housing. Before serving on the board Marion was in the Minnesota House of Representatives. Marion’s career before elected office spanned the non-profit and private sectors. She was a leader in health policy and economics for med tech giants Boston Scientific and Abbott, and previous to that worked in brand management at General Mills. Before graduate school she worked for the Center for Science in the Public Interest, the Friends Committee on National Legislation, and the Clinton-Gore ‘96 campaign. In her free time Marion enjoys travel, the great outdoors, and weeding in her new garden. She is married to Bart Cannon, a retired public school teacher, and is adoring stepmom to two brilliant and beautiful stepdaughters.

Visit Marion Greene's website here

Angela Conley

Hennepin County Commissioner, District 4

Angela Conley is a proven leader who has a track record of crafting policies that improve the well-being of our most marginalized residents. From declaring racism as a public health crisis, infusing new funds into maternal and infant health, or prioritizing the voices of those most impacted in the journey towards climate justice in our communities, Angela Conley has accomplished these things and more in just one term. Over the next four years Commissioner Conley will focus on achieving greater outcomes in home ownership for BIPOC residents and continue to lead on maternal and infant health outcomes and impacts. Commissioner Conley is a mom of four and understands the complexities of policy-making while parenting while supporting all efforts in Minnesota that protect our right to choose.

Visit Angela Conley's website here

Jennifer Andrashko

Nicollet County Commissioner, District 1

Jennifer is a social worker, social work professor, appointed member of the Minnesota Maternal Mortality Review Committee, Humphrey Policy Fellow alumna, a parent, and an engaged and effective advocate for equity - especially for women and other minoritized groups in the health care system. As an experienced clinical social worker and engaged citizen, she believes deeply in growing the intersection between the decision-makers and those whose lives are most impacted by those decisions. Connecting policy decisions with the real lives of constituents is a critical aspect of public service and elected office. Jennifer has more than 20 years of experience doing exactly this and has no intention of slowing down as an advocate for underserved or marginalized groups. She lives in St. Peter, MN with her two young daughters and would be honored to serve as Nicollet County Commissioner.

Visit Jennifer Andrashko's website here

Kindra Ramaker

Olmsted County Commissioner, District 4

My name is Kindra Ramaker and I was born in Spring Valley, Minnesota. My family and I have lived in rural High Forest, just outside Stewartville, for the past 10 years. I graduated from public high school in Spring Valley and went to college at Creighton University and got a graduate degree from the University of Minnesota. I’ve spent most of my professional career as an analyst and a project manager. I’ve found these skills very valuable in every aspect of my life. It involves understanding the big picture first, and then breaking it down into actionable steps. It requires leading diverse groups of people and getting them to see the same vision and do their unique part to accomplish it - all within the timeline and on budget. I thrive on tackling some of the most difficult, sometimes even gnarly problems. I love looking at situations and finding the most wins for everyone rather than competing for one group of people to win the most. My best satisfaction comes from seeing teams thrive and problems getting solved. Trophies have never been important to me.

Visit Kindra Ramaker's website here.

Trista MatasCastillo

Ramsey County Commissioner, District 3

Trista MatasCastillo is a mother, a wife, a veteran, and a vocal and effective advocate. Over her career, she has tirelessly spoken out for important issues like affordable housing, homelessness, mental health, disability services, autism research, urban agriculture and veterans services. Trista joined the United States Navy at 17, and served on active duty for 16 years. She is one a only a handful who have served in three branches of the service, both as an enlisted person and as an officer the Navy-Marine Corps and the Army National Guard. Trista often served as the only or first woman in each of her duty assignments and was the first woman to serve as Commander of the 34th Military Police Company. After her military service, Trista became a community organizer and policy leader for Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, where she developed government relationships as an advocate for affordable housing. During this time she helped found the Homes for ALL Coalition, working to increase funding for the entire housing continuum. She has served on the Ramsey County Board since 2019, and was elected Chair in 2022.

Visit Trista MatasCastillo's website here

Rena Moran

Ramsey County Commissioner, District 4

Candidate Rena Moran for Ramsey County Commissioner of District 4 is the current Chair of the Committee on Ways and Means in the Minnesota House of Representatives. In 2010, Rena Moran became the first African American to represent District 65A. As a legislator, she has focused on protecting children in the child welfare system, strengthening schools, reducing educational disparities, and fighting for affordable housing, economic opportunity for all, and women’s rights. Rep. Moran formerly served as Chair of the House Health and Human Services Policy Committee, House Deputy Minority Leader, and was the founding Chair of the People of Color and Indigenous (POCI) Caucus and the United Black Legislative Caucus (UBLC). She currently serves on the Governor’s Executive Council for Young Women Initiative and the Governor’s Council on Justice Reinvestment. She holds a B.S. in Early Childhood Education from Southern Illinois University and was recently the Director of Prevention Initiatives and Parent Leadership at Prevent Child Abuse MN dba Minnesota Communities Caring for Children.

In 2020 Rep. Moran was recognized for her leadership by receiving several awards including:

Twin Cities Business, Top 100 People to Know in 2021
MN Physician, top 100 influential Health Care Leaders
NAMI Minnesota, Legislator of the Year Award
Nancy Latimer 2020 Legislative Champion Award - Early Childhood Education Award
St. Paul YWCA Changemaker Honoree

Rena Moran is a proud mother of seven children.

Visit Rena Moran's website here

Karla Bigham

Washington County Commissioner, District 4

Karla 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 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. Senator Bigham and her husband, John, are residents of Cottage Grove.

Visit Karla Bigham's website here

April Graves

Mayor, Brooklyn Center

April Graves was born and grew up in St. Paul’s historic Rondo neighborhood. She is the third born of a family of five siblings. April became a mother as a teen but was resilient, continued in school and became the first in her family to graduate and go on to college to obtain a degree. She graduated from Metropolitan State University and obtained her bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing and Social Science in 2010. She also received the Outstanding Student Award from the College of Arts and Sciences, the Recognition of Excellence Award from the Metropolitan State University Foundation and gave the keynote speech at graduation. April Graves has been serving as a City Councilmember in Brooklyn Center, MN since January 2015, when she became the first woman of color ever elected to the council. April Graves has worked in youth outreach and engagement in Minneapolis, academic tutoring and mentorship through AmeriCorps, and currently as Public Health Specialist focusing on Youth and Community Violence Prevention at the Minneapolis Health Department’s Office of Violence Prevention. She teaches donation-based yoga classes in her community, is a certified reiki healer, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) trainer, racial equity workshop facilitator and is the mother of four children. April’s work has focused on economic and racial equity, creating safe and healthy communities, and ensuring marginalized voices are part of the decision-making process. She prides herself on being the builder of bridges across differences and the spreader of hope and positivity in the face of adversity.

Visit April Grave's website here

Amáda Márquez Simula

Mayor, Columbia Heights

Amáda Márquez Simula is running for re-election as Mayor of Columbia Heights, MN, a first-ring suburb of Minneapolis. Amáda will continue to represent our diverse communities by connecting across generations and cultures. Meeting people where they’re at and listening, supporting, and working with people as their needs arise. She centers her Mayoral work on health, safety, and 21st-century strategies to bring services to the community. In addition, Amáda brings a positive outlook to local government, welcoming families, individuals, and the public to council meetings and to Mayoral Town Hall Zoom meetings so that everyone knows they are welcome and important to the city of Columbia Heights, MN.

Visit Amáda Márquez Simula's website here

Kim Norton

Mayor, Rochester

Kim Norton is first female elected as Mayor in Rochester - Minnesota's 3rd largest city. She retired from the Minnesota Legislature in 2016 after ten years where she represented NE/NW Rochester and, prior to that, served on the Rochester School Board for 8 years. Norton won a two-year Bush Foundation Fellowship in 2016 which included completion of an MPA from the University of Minnesota's Humphrey School focusing policy, leadership and sustainable energy. She recently completed an Executive Certificate in Public Policy from Harvard's Kennedy School. She is the proud owner of two electric vehicles and purchases solar and hydro power as energy sources for her home.

Visit Kim Norton's website here

Julie Strahan

Mayor, Roseville

Julie Strahan (she/her/hers) is a first term City Councilmember in Roseville. A member of the League of Women Voters and a former board member for ERA MN, Julie is a progressive champion of the human rights of those who identify as women. While in office, Julie supported a conversion therapy ban, and passage of a resolution in support of women’s equality as a legislative priority for the state of Minnesota. She is passionate about protecting the rights of all people, of all gender identities, especially with regard to healthcare access and reproductive rights. Ms. Strahan is endorsed by the Roseville DFL, Stonewall DFL, Senior Caucus DFL, the North Central States Carpenter’s union, Local 322 Carpenter’s, and the OPEIU Local 12.

Visit Julie Strahan's website here

Mary Supple

Mayor, Richfield

Richfield At-Large Council Member Mary Supple is running for Mayor of Richfield. Supple is an active local leader and was a teacher in Richfield Public Schools for 33 years. She currently serves on the City Council and is chair of the Richfield Housing and Redevelopment Authority. Council Member Supple was active as a local union leader in Education Richfield serving as local president as well as lead contract negotiator. She was also a member of the Education Minnesota Governing Board, a member of the National Education Association Board of Directors, and a trustee of the Minnesota Teacher Retirement Association. Supple is excited about the future of Richfield and wants to work together with residents to dream about and build the future of our thriving community.

Visit Mary Supple's website here

Emily Rousseau

Arden Hills City Council

Emily currently works as the Data Privacy Manager for a publicly-traded corporation. She believes all of us have a right to privacy and to have our personal information protected. Emily analyzes state and federal privacy laws and develops policies to protect our clients’ personal data. She also values government openness. Previously, Emily was the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board’s Data Practices Compliance Officer, responsible for ensuring its employees faithfully complied with the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act. Emily’s MBA is from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.

Visit Emily Rousseau's website here.

Lori Saroya

Blaine City Council, Ward 1

Lori Saroya is a proud resident of Blaine and a candidate for Blaine City Council, Ward 1. Lori and her husband have lived in Blaine for 17 years ago and are raising their three children, ages 11, 6, and 2. She has spent the past seven years serving on the Blaine Charter Commission. Lori is the daughter of immigrants who came to the United States in the late 1960s. Her family settled in rural Iowa and she moved to Minnesota to attend St. Catherine University in St. Paul. Lori earned her Juris Doctor from Mitchell Hamline School of Law. Lori is committed to service and community. In addition to being a Blaine Charter Commissioner, she served on the Minnesota Judicial Branch Committee for Equality and Justice, St. Paul Human Rights and Equal Economic Opportunity Commission, Minnesota Council of Nonprofits Board of Directors, and the Alumni Board of Mitchell Hamline School of Law. As a nonprofit leader, Lori has spent her entire career empowering communities to learn, grow and succeed together. She is committed to building a safe and inclusive Blaine where everyone is treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.

Visit Lori Saroya's website here

Nichole Klonowski

Brooklyn Park City Council

I am not a politician, I am someone who loves people and a believer in public service. Brooklyn Park is a one-of-a kind city, a wonderful place to live, and is growing. I'm running for City Council to use my skills and experience to ensure we work together in building our future. I believe that women need to be represented in all levels of government and need to be at the table where decisions are made. As a mother and grandmother, and with years in social service work I have a unique perspective on what impacts our community and in how to build consensus.

Visit Nichole Klonowski's website here

Kriystauhl Fitchett

Burnsville City Council

Kriystauhl Fitchett is no stranger when it comes to making strong inroads in political affairs. Having grown up with parents who sparked her interest in becoming active in community action, she knew her purpose in life and the direction of her personal and professional career. After earning a BA in political science and an MA in public administration, the Ohio native stepped away from her hometown to establish new beginnings in Minnesota. In 2006, she immediately began volunteering with the city of Burnsville to learn, first-hand, what the strongest needs of the community were. While working in numerous government positions with the Minnesota Legislature, the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office, and the Minnesota District Courts, Kriystauhl has seamlessly worked with Mayor’s, elected and appointed Officials, Judicial Officers, Law Enforcement, business owners, private citizens to members holding local office. She firmly believes building relationships and a coalition to work together to achieve common goal will help Burnsville become a model city. While actively serving as the Chair for the Burnsville Economic Development Commission, Chair for Minnesota MAPE employees, and previously serving with the Dayton Administration as Co-Chair of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee, her sights are focused on becoming the first African American female to sit on the Burnsville City Council where she hopes to apply more than 25 years of knowledge and experience working with economic development, government budgets, block grants and public programs to help the city achieve its goal to provide more affordable housing, accessibility and expansion of broadband, and to revitalize its under-developed commercial real estate. Kriystauhl believes these efforts will help to make Burnsville a more vibrant and inclusive community for all its ever-increasing diverse residents.

Visit Kriystauhl Fitchett's website here.

Rachel James

Columbia Heights City Council

Rachel grew up in rural Minnesota on a small dairy farm with a big family. She moved to Columbia Heights in 2010 with her husband Leo and their 2 children. She immediately fell in love with this small town in the big city! Columbia Heights has all the opportunities for connection and community service as her hometown, along with the diversity and opportunities of an urban center. Rachel has worked at First Lutheran Church of Columbia Heights for 8 years as the Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministries. You can find her most days walking around Silverwood Park with her family or visiting the Columbia Heights Library for a good science fiction book.

Visit Rachel James's website here

Therese Kiser

Crystal City Council, Ward 1

Therese Kiser is running for re-election to Crystal City Council, Ward I. She was first elected in 2018 and wants to continue the work during a second term. Therese is a long time Crystal resident and has been involved in her community in many ways. She has volunteered for many organizations. Currently, she serves on the Community Board of the New Hope YMCA and is Vice-president of the Crystal Historical Society. Therese and her husband, Randy, have been married for 35 years, they have two grown sons and love to travel.

Visit Therese Kiser's website here.

Kristy Janigo

Maple Grove City Council, At-Large

Kristy has developed a vibrant, strong family of supporters through years of service to her community. She is your neighbor who answers the call to service and works hard for you in many capacities. Whether serving as treasurer on her home owner's association board, as church council VP, as a leader in the American Legion and Rotary, she has deep ties to the community. Her Ph.D. in design and sustainability give her an evidence-based approach to policy making, which she has used in her day job at Hennepin County. She is ready to hit the ground running as a new city council member in Maple Grove.

Visit Kristy Janigo's website here

Carly Johnson

Oak Park Heights City Council

Carly Johnson was elected to the Oak Park Heights City Council in 2018 and while in office, she has had an active role as the Parks Commission Liaison, helping start the City's first community garden, community events, and trail expansion efforts. Outside of the City Council, Carly is an attorney at Maslon LLP and graduated from Mitchell Hamline School of Law in 2021.

Visit Carly Johnson's website here

Husniyah Dent Bradley

Richfield City Council, At-Large

Husniyah Dent Bradley is running for Richfield City Council At-Large which covers all of Richfield. Husniyah Dent Bradley graduated from Spelman College with a BS in Chemistry and from William Mitchell College of Law with a JD. Husniyah is a past chemist, lawyer and organizer who has spent years working on political campaigns and advocating for everyone in her district and the state of Minnesota. Husniyah has worked on voting rights issues, workers’ rights and technological advances in the law. Husniyah has been a leader in the community as the chair of the Richfield Transportation Commission, NAASC executive board member, DFL Women’s Summit Committee co-chair, Wood Lake Village Association president, Black Women rising board member, alternate on the MN Transportation Advisory Board, past member of the Richfield Human Rights Commission, and president of the Richfield Foundation. When elected, Husniyah’s priorities are to advocate for affordable housing units, come up with ways to combat inflation, protect the Environment and ensure reliable transportation modes. Husniyah is dedicated to the community and the state and has the knowledge and experience to address tough issues and advocate for everyone as the next city councilmember in Richfield.

Visit Husniyah Dent Bradley's website here

Mia Parisian

Robbinsdale City Council, Ward 3

Mia Z Parisian has spent most of her life in Robbinsdale. Mia’s mom raised her and her siblings in a little blue house with a red door in Ward 3. Mia attended Robbinsdale schools, and her first job was with the Parks and Recreation Department. She graduated from St. Olaf College and moved abroad to teach at a University in Southeast Asia. Upon returning home to Robbinsdale, she now works as an Instructional Designer and lives with her husband in that very same blue house with the red door in Ward 3. She is passionate about inclusion, the environment, and representation. Mia serves as the Chair of Robbinsdale’s Planning Commission. Robbinsdale has never had more than one woman serve on its City Council at one time. Mia is now the only woman on the Robbinsdale City Council ballot and looks forward to serving her community in a new and impactful way.

Visit Mia Parisian's website here.

Wendy Berry

West St. Paul City Council

Wendy Berry was first elected to the West St. Paul City Council to represent Ward 3 of the city in 2018, where she became the first openly queer person and only the six non-male to serve in the city’s history giving her the opportunity to her voice for people that have been historically underrepresented. She has spent the last four years working diligently on building a strong and resilient community where people are proud to live. Outside of their city council time, Wendy serves as the Director of HR for a non-profit focused on equitable health care access for people running into barriers due to their identity as gender, sexual, and/or racial minorities or their health status. They also serve as a member of the League of Minnesota Cities’ Board of Directors, on the South Metro Fire Board, as the council liaison to the city’s Park & Recreation Advisory Committee, and several other committees that have continued to make positive changes in West St. Paul and the surrounding areas. They genuinely believe West St. Paul is a vibrant and thriving community and is committed to making sure it stays that way for everyone.

Visit Wendy Berry's website here