Your SD 29 Senate Candidate

For the past ten years I have worked as a heavy equipment mechanic for the Minnesota Department of Transportation, doing my part to ensure MNDOT’s roughly 3,000 pieces of equipment are functioning properly and keeping Minnesotans safe on our roads.

I work out of the Maple Grove truck station, which is part of AFSCME Local 221. I had never worked a unionized job before coming to MNDOT, but as the son of a teacher, I grew up in a pro-union household, so I began attending meetings and was eventually elected to leadership positions in my Local and Council. As a state employee, my job is inextricably tied to politics and the action (or inaction) of the legislature. In advocating for my coworkers, I became increasingly aware that the interests of labor are the interests of all working Minnesotans. While our opinions and approaches may vary, we can align our priorities based on our shared values if we listen to each other with respect, compassion, and generosity.

I believe everyone has something important to contribute and it takes all hands and all voices to ensure our state thrives. Our rural community is as critical to Minnesota’s success as metro communities, and I believe we can be stronger by honoring our unique contributions and facing challenges together.

My family's struggles with getting our heath insurance to pay for even our basic healthcare coverage – and its ever-increasing costs – have motivated me to do something drastic. Running for office is not an easy thing to add to my family's life but with their support and yours we can make healthcare for the people not just for profit, and I won't stop there in making the Minnesota State Senate put the interests of  the people before those of corporations.

I am the DFL endorsed candidate running for the SD 29 Senate seat. I believe “politics as usual” isn’t working for most Minnesotans. We elect people into office to listen to us, not to talk at us, and I want to bring your voice to the legislature. I would be honored to have your support on August 11th and this coming November.