Hodan Hassan

Minnesota House of Representatives, District 62A

Hodan Hassan is running for MN House District 62A, one of the most diverse districts in the state. Hodan is a first time candidate, a mother, an immigrant and an activist with a background in social work and mental health, having earned her master's from Augsburg University in Minneapolis. Hodan is deeply rooted in this community with a desire to expand access to strong mental health services and affordable housing.

Visit Hodan Hassan's website here

Irene Fernando

Hennepin County Commissioner, District 2

Irene Fernando, candidate for Hennepin County Commissioner in District 2, is running to bring unheard stories to the decision-making table. At the age of 17, Irene co-founded a youth leadership nonprofit which she led for 11-years, during which time 22,000 students participated in their programs. Her vision of increased visibility, transparency, and accountability of the Hennepin County Commision, will create new pathways for community engagement in local governance.

Visit Irene Fernando's website here.

Rebecca Otto

Minnesota State Auditor

Rebecca Otto was elected Minnesota's 18th State Auditor in 2006 after receiving the endorsement of three previous State Auditors from both major political parties. She is the first woman Democrat to be elected to the post. State Auditor Otto was re-elected to a second four-year term in 2010 and a third term in 2014. Public service is important to State Auditor Otto, who was elected to the Auditor's post after service in state and local governments. She served on the Forest Lake school board and on the district's ad-hoc finance committee. State Auditor Otto holds a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Minnesota and a B.A. in Biology from Macalester College. She taught public school seventh-grade science for five years. A successful businesswoman, Otto left a career as president of a 50-employee business she had helped found to devote her time to public service and give back to the community. She has served on several boards and committees and has been an active volunteer for a number of organizations, including Warner Nature Center and Big Brother/Big Sister. She lives with her husband, screenwriter Shawn Lawrence Otto, in a wind-powered, passive solar home they designed and built with their own hands.

Kaohly Her

Minnesota House of Representatives

Kaohly Her is the DFL endorsed candidate for the Minnesota House seat in District 64A.  She is a first time candidate.  Kaohly is running for office because she has spent her life serving others, advocating for her community, and lifting up the voices of people who often are excluded from having a seat at the table.  Maya Angelou’s quote, “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story” holds a special place in her heart.  Kaohly knows that like her, we all have stories that shape our lives and who we are.  As a State Representative, She will lift up all of our stories and bring them to the Capitol to fight for investments in the state that benefit our neighbors and reflect our progressive values.

Visit Kaohly Her's website here

Maria Regan Gonzalez

Richfield Mayor

Maria Regan Gonzalez is running to be Richfield's next Mayor. Maria is currently a City Councilmember and if elected, will be the first Latinx Mayor in Minnesota. Maria is running to continue building a City government that is truly inclusive, reflective and welcoming of all its residents. Maria envisions a Richfield and city government that can serve as a model for other working class cities who want to lead and govern with equity first. Maria brings her experience as a currently City Councilmember as well as an education and background in racial justice organizing, policy and public health to the position of Mayor. Maria also brings her lived experience as a young Latina to the position in a community with a large Latino community and to a city with growing communities of color. 

Visit Maria Regan Gonzalez's website here

Toni Carter

Ramsey County Commissioner, District 4 

Elected to the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners by the voters of District 4 in 2005, Commissioner Carter’s priorities are to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of county services, eliminate disparities in outcomes for diverse populations, and raise grassroots awareness of county decision-making processes and systems. Her work on behalf of Ramsey County citizens includes local, statewide and national leadership. Commissioner Carter has worked as a school teacher; consultant in marketing and communications, systems engineer; performing artist; and founding director of the non-profit ARTS-Us.  She has received numerous awards for her work in the community and in arts and education, including an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters from Concordia University – Saint Paul, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Governor’s Commission on the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration. Commissioner Carter is the first African American ever elected to a county board in the state of Minnesota.

Visit Toni Carter's website here

Mandy Meisner

Anoka County Commissioner 

Mandy Meisner is a first time candidate running for the open Anoka County Commission seat in District 4. She is running to build civic and community resources to create a stronger Anoka County for everyone. Mandy represents the changing diversity of Anoka County and will work to promote a vibrate community that attracts young professionals and working families through promoting jobs, human services, and education.

Visit Mandy Meisner's website here

Angela Conley

Hennepin County Commissioner, District 4

Angela Conley will bring to the Hennepin County Board a perspective on governance rooted in lived experiences. Angela Conley’s lived experiences of food insecurity, housing insecurity and overcoming poverty, combined with nearly 20 years working for county and state government gives her a unique perspective to policy creation that does not currently exist on the board. Angela is educated in social work and public administration – another unique perspective that views governance through a social justice framework. In her current role within Health and Human Services, Angela has authored outcomes for contracted providers holding them accountable to reducing racial disparities in employment. Angela is no stranger to racial inequity; this is yet another lived experience she brings to the table. Angela is running for Hennepin County commissioner to bring these critical perspectives to the highest level of county leadership to best inform the path ahead.

Visit Angela Conley's website here

Brittney Johnson

Minnesota House of Representatives, District 8A

Brittney Johnson is a farmer from Underwood, MN who is running to represent District 8A in the Minnesota House of Representatives. She believes that Minnesotans work hard, take care of their neighbors, and invest for the future. She is running because she believes that we deserve a legislator who reflects those values.

Visit Brittney Johnson's website here

Yvette Marthaler

Minnesota House of Representatives, District 24B

Yvette Marthaler, resident of Faribault and Rice County public servant for 25 years, is a first time challenger for MN House of Representatives Seat 24B. As a Representative, Yvette will advocate for investment and solutions in healthcare, education and workforce development. Under Yvette's leadership, everyone will have the opportunity to succeed.

Visit Yvette Marthaler's website here