Local Control

Under what circumstances should the Legislature override decisions made by cities, counties, or school districts, and when should local governments be allowed to make their own decisions?

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Understanding the balance between local control and ensuring that all Minnesotans across the state have the same opportunities can be a complex issue. In my time in the legislature, I have heard arguments for local control for increasing housing through zoning reform or school curriculum, while the same city argues for broad, statewide approaches for gun violence prevention and laws around e-bikes. I believe the local jurisdictions should have the opportunity to follow the will and values of their community (voters). However, when the local jurisdiction enacts (or doesn’t enact) laws that are against state law or in a way that infringes on the rights of citizens, I feel the legislature has a responsibility to ensure that Minnesotans across the state are afforded the same rights and opportunities no matter their zip code.

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Elections & Election Reform

Minnesota consistently ranks among the states with the highest voter participation and strongest election administration. What, if any, changes do you believe are necessary to further strengthen election security and public confidence in election outcomes? Separately, what is your stance on ranked choice voting?

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Minnesota has a proud tradition of being #1 in the country for voter turnout. I believe the Secretary of State has done, and continues to do, an excellent job ensuring our elections are safe, fair, and accessible. Protecting laws like same-day voter registration, restoring voting rights to those who have paid their debt to society, early voting, and no questions absentee voting are important to ensure every person has their voice heard in our democracy. Fully funding the Secretary of State, county election services, and the Campaign Finance Board will keep our elections safe, fair, and accessible.

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I have proudly supported the “local option” rank choice voting bill during my time in the Minnesota House. Rank choice voting has shown success in other cities smaller and larger than Woodbury, and I feel citizens will have a better opportunity to have their voice heard regarding local elections. I believe this could help with better representation for races like City Council, where there are often 7-10 candidates.

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Public Health

What role should state government play during public health emergencies, and how do you balance individual liberty with protecting public health and safety?

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Minnesota is a national leader in public health, with leaders and employees at the Minnesota Department of Health with high levels of expertise. Public health emergencies can include water contamination, unsafe food in the grocery store, or a novel virus. During these public health emergencies, I believe it is extremely important to listen to experts who are following the data in real-time, have access to resources for testing, tracing, quarantining, and infrastructure to disseminate consistent messaging to the public.

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In Minnesota, we value our public health, as shown by banning cigarettes inside public places, investing in HIV prevention, and promoting vaccination against deadly diseases. I understand the public health recommendations can be uncomfortable for the individual person, but that view of “individual liberty” should not come at the expense of our neighbors’ lives, especially during the time of a public health emergency.

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Immigration

What role should Minnesota play in ensuring constitutional rights, due process protections, and public safety are maintained when federal immigration enforcement activities occur within the state?

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Minnesota should play a prominent role in protecting our citizens’ rights. I was proud to support the comprehensive package asserting due process protections, holding federal ICE agents to the same standards as our local law enforcement, and expanding the ability for Minnesotans to sue agents for violation of their constitutional rights. As a Senator, I heard loud and clear from my community that it is my responsibility to stand up for our neighbors regardless of the aggressor. I was proud to organize the action at a January City Council meeting where approximately 600 people came in solidarity to show that ICE is not welcome in Woodbury. I look forward to continuing this work together.

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School Support

What do you see as the Legislature's highest priority in supporting public schools over the next four years, and how would you measure success?

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We need to continue to close the gap in our school funding. I was proud to be a part of the 2023 Legislature, where we decreased the English-language and special-ed cross subsidies, funded universal school meals for school kids, passed the READ Act, and created a more inclusive environment for our students, among other provisions. However, we are still behind due to the decade of disinvestment from the decade prior. One provision that will be on the ballot this fall is a constitutional amendment to increase school funding through the Permanent School Fund, and I hope that voters will vote “yes.” As these laws progress in the classrooms, I believe we will see measured success through increased attendance, decreased mental health issues, and increased reading, math, and science skills.

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Housing

Minnesota faces housing affordability challenges across many communities. What state-level policies would you support to increase housing options for young families, workers, and seniors while respecting local community needs?

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Throughout my time in the legislature, I learned that provisions to address housing affordability can be large and small. We know that Minnesota will need bold initiatives, like zoning reform, to meet the need of 100,000 homes we are currently short throughout the state. At the same time, I have heard from builders and residents that provisions to decrease aesthetic mandates, reform homeowners’ associations (HOAs), and review the development process can also make a difference with housing affordability. Finally, we need to make sure predatory practices for apartments for our seniors and private equity firms buying too many of our homes have no place in our community.

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Environment & Water

As Minnesota continues to grow, how should the state balance economic development with protection of groundwater supplies and other natural resources? Where do you see the biggest opportunities for state coordination with local governments and state agencies alike in preserving Minnesota's natural resources?

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As a scientist, former co-chair of the Minnesota Subcommittee on Water Policy, and Woodburian, I know the fragility and importance of our water. I believe that innovation, development, and conservation can co-exist through thoughtful policy and stakeholder engagement. There are many opportunities for local governments to coordinate with the state for direct appropriations through Legacy and bonding funding, and indirect funding through agency grants. I was proud to carry such funding by securing $2 million in bonding for Woodbury’s improvements to La Lake.

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Diversity & Inclusion

Minnesota's population is becoming increasingly diverse. What responsibility does state government have to ensure that policies and services effectively serve communities with different backgrounds, experiences, and needs?

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As a state, we need to ensure that our policies serve our students, families, and seniors equitably no matter their zip code or income. We expect our agencies delivering services to do so with a lens for equity and by engaging with communities. We expect our leaders to represent their communities, recognizing the array of lived experience within their community. I am proud of my record in supporting policies that acknowledge and address gaps in state policies.

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Democratic Norms & Democracy

What responsibilities do elected officials have to uphold democratic institutions, constitutional protections, and the rule of law, particularly when those principles may conflict with political pressures? What specific policies would you support to strengthen democracy in Minnesota?

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As an elected leader, my utmost responsibility is to uphold the Constitutions of Minnesota and the United States and the rules of law. In 2025, I was one of the 66 House Representatives that denied quorum to prevent an illegal unseating of a fellow Representative and unconstitutional power grab by the minority party. It was an extremely difficult time, but I knew I had to uphold my oath to my community. Policies to strengthen our democracy include an independent redistricting commission, protecting and expanding voting rights, expanding unions and workers’ rights, and supporting strong campaign finance laws.

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Campaign Finance

Do you accept campaign contributions from sources other than individuals (e.g., PACs, corporations, party committees)? If so, from whom, and why?

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Yes, I accept contributions from PACs and party committees that share the values of my campaign and my community. These organizations include those that advocate for reproductive and LGBTQIA2S+ rights, environmental protections, unions and workers’ rights, protecting democracy, accessible and affordable healthcare, and education. I am grateful that Minnesota campaign finance law does not permit contributions from corporations as they have no place in our politics.

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Personal

What are you most passionate about, and why did you choose to run?

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I have a unique blend of education and experience in laboratory science and policy, which allows me to evaluate any policies fully and comprehensively before voting to implement them. I believe in bringing people together, listening to understand, gathering as much information and perspectives as possible, and leading with community input to make the best policy decision together. My previous political experience includes leadership positions in my union, MAPE, where I lobbied to pass paid parental leave for state employees. I was elected to the Minnesota House and recently to the Minnesota Senate to represent south Maplewood and Woodbury because of my passion for advocating for families of all generations and for my analytical approach. I am a determined legislator that always puts the needs of my district first.

 

I have been proud to serve the communities of south Maplewood and Woodbury in the Minnesota House for three years, and in the Senate for one year through a special election. My voice for women's rights, labor protections, access to affordable healthcare, addressing climate change, and caring for the environment are important for my community. I've been honored to be a part of the success of the legislature in tackling tough issues to make life better for Minnesotans, including the 100% by 2040 law, enacting Minnesota Paid Leave, earned sick and safe time, and labor protections. I appreciate the trust and support from my community, and look forward to continuing my leadership for District 47.