At the start of January, I couldn’t have imagined I would be in this position. While our communities are fighting for their rights and their very lives I cannot stand idly by and allow the head of our state, our Governor, to simply be selected by default and inherited by an elected official who, if elected, will be able to simply seat their own replacement instead of putting it up for proper election.

Right now most of our elected officials, from the city council members to our state and federal legislators, are fighting for our state. That leaves the challenge of ensuring Minnesota has a leader at the helm up to us, the people. It is for that reason that I am now stepping up. Our community, our state, and its people need someone willing to do the work that needs to happen. That work must happen now, it must start immediately, and it must be someone fully committed to reigning in the chaos in our neighborhoods to ensure Minnesota continues on a bright and prosperous path.

I am Minnesotan, through and through. I grew up in Dakota County, where I graduated from Burnsville High School. I’ve worked service jobs, where I’ve supported people directly and worked with the community in those roles. I left that world to go into business for myself and find a way to directly impact my community with my values. With dedication and time I became the only cookie manufacturer in Minnesota that sources several Minnesota grown ingredients. I’ve worked with farms across Minnesota, from Canby, to Taylors Falls, to Clearbrook. I believe in the importance of making our state self-sufficient, and in supporting the businesses that allow us to thrive. I hired my first contractor at a livable wage, and as the work has become more efficient and the time involved less onerous I have kept their expected total pay the same, so they can also profit from their efficiencies.

We all have the capacity within us to be the change we want to see in the world. I’ve seen the generosity of strangers up close. In 2008 I began running online fundraisers and during that time connected with like- minded people that used the simple kindness of a cookie to raise money for those in need. That group, as of today, has raised more than $2 million dollars in its lifetime entirely driven and managed by volunteers. I am proud of my efforts in organizing fundraisers, as well as participating on the Board of Directors as both President and currently as Treasurer. Given the urgency of this moment we find ourselves in I will be taking a leave of absence from my responsibilities to that charity, leaving it in capable hands.

Following the Mayoral election in Saint Paul in 2017 I was extremely frustrated. That year, two candidates, who had garnered a smaller portion of the overall convention votes, chose to work together to sabotage the entire process rather than support and endorse each other. It deeply disturbed me because if as a leader you cannot accept defeat gracefully what kind of example are you setting? How can anyone trust that you will display integrity and humility when you’re in the highest position of power?

In 2019 I decided to channel that frustration into action. I started by volunteering with the arrangements team for the city convention, determined to be part of something positive and meaningful. Since then I've continued to step up, ask how I can help, and genuinely contribute to roles that have too often been left absent. That dedication has taken me to my current role as Outreach and Inclusion Officer for the Fourth Congressional District. 

In this position I’ve worked tirelessly to strengthen communication and collaboration with our caucuses and unions. I built a comprehensive database of contact information, regularly sending out emails to foster transparency and unity. I’ve attended caucus events, promoted our causes, and stood alongside union members at rallies and strikes. This journey has galvanized my passion for building a stronger, more inclusive community, a community where the collective effort, resilience and respect that Minnesota has created continues to prevail. I am truly excited and deeply committed to earning your vote at our OU and SD conventions, at the state convention, in the August primary, and in the November general. Together, as we have seen, we have the power to make a real difference. I can’t wait to work tirelessly across the state to secure a super majority in both houses, and to secure yet another decisive victory in an executive office sweep.

Let’s stand together, make our vision of a better Minnesota for everyone a reality, and drive the federal occupation force from our borders!