What's on the CANDIDATES page? (updated 9/4/23)
We win when everyone votes. SD47 endorsed (14) democratic candidates and won (14) elections in 2022. 

1 Online training from NDTC; free, via zoom or independent study
2 School Board candidates (CD2 has jurisdiction on these contests)
a ISD833
b ISD834
c ISD200
d ISD2144
e ISD 282
f ISD 621
g ISD 623
h ISD 625
3 Letter of Support/ Endorsement process by CD2
4 Run for Something
5 Candidate update 47A
6 Candidate update 47B
7 Early Voting: 2022 Washington & Ramsey County
8 Convention in 2022 that endorses Candidates
9 Candidate zoom call in 2022 for ISD622 and City of Woodbury

 

Want to run for elected office? A good place for Democrats to begin is through the National Democratic Training Committee. Watch 60-min zoom calls and ask questions in the live chat, or Study on your own in (9) 10-min sessions anytime.  https://traindemocrats.org/ A recommended (not required) course to take in our Online Academy is Getting Your Campaign off the Ground.  Have accessibility questions? Let NDTC know.  Hosted by the National Democratic Training Committee.

Compare.  How do Candidates align - with MN Democratic Party platform? 

The MN Legislature hears bills in (24) Committees, so proposed laws are listed under the headings that match the MNleg committees. Democrats propose bills across 4 or more Congressional districts, then approve by  60% vote, every two years.
https://dfl.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/DFL-Ongoing-Platform.pdf

Education

We believe a vigorous and universally available system of public education is basic to a productive, democratic society. We Support:

1• A strong system of public education at all levels, with stable funding and equal educational opportunities.
2• Academic freedom, student and faculty rights, and church-state separation in public school curriculum and educational funding.

3• Moderate class sizes and a safe, suitable environment for both students and teachers.
4• A broad curriculum of liberal arts, technology, social issues, vocational, and physical education.

5• High standards for teachers and compensation that reflects the responsibilities society places on them.
6• Effective services in the areas of health, counseling, careers, and nutrition.

7• Publicly accessible, high quality libraries and information systems.
8• High quality, well-funded post-secondary education, affordable for everyone.
9• Continuing education and adult literacy programs.

SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES Sept 22 - Nov 7, 2023
Washington and Ramsey Counties; Filed by Aug 15, 2023 deadline. Source is MN Secretary of State :
https://candidates.sos.state.mn.us/

ISD833, Teacher's Union UTSWC endorsed Melinda Dols, Satonia Moore, Simi Patnaik. Source: President Margy Fridgen, www.UTSWC.org 
 

SOUTH WASHINGTON COUNTY SD # 833
	School Board Member at Large (ISD #833) (Elect 3)
		Candidate Name	Party	Website	File Date
		Fekadu Kassa Ayichew	Nonpartisan		8/14/2023
		Chad Borseth	Nonpartisan		8/15/2023
		Ryan Clarke	Nonpartisan		8/3/2023
		Priscilla Kathryn Dimbo	Nonpartisan	priscillafor833.com	8/15/2023
		Melinda Dols	Nonpartisan	dolsforschoolboard.com	8/7/2023
		Randall J Johnson	Nonpartisan		8/3/2023
		Jaime KoKaisel	Nonpartisan	jaimekokaisel.com	8/1/2023
		Anthony Marmood	Nonpartisan		8/14/2023
		Satonia Moore	Nonpartisan	www.satoniaforstudents.com	8/1/2023
		Simi Patnaik	Nonpartisan	votesimi833.com	8/7/2023
		Molly Schaefer	Nonpartisan		8/11/2023

 

 

STILLWATER SD # 834
	Special Election for School Board Member at Large (ISD #834)
		Candidate Name	Party	Website	File Date
		Jessica L Johnson	Nonpartisan	www.votejessica834schools.com	8/14/2023
		Chris Lauer	Nonpartisan		8/1/2023

 
ISD200 SEIU MN endorses Matt Bruns, Mariah Ring, Matt Seeger, Brandy Wentzler; in Hastings, ISD200. Source: Instagram post 9/18/23. 
 

HASTINGS SD # 200
	School Board Member (ISD #200) (Elect 4)
		Candidate Name	Party	Website	File Date
		Philip Biermaier	Nonpartisan		8/15/2023
		Nancy Blanchard	Nonpartisan		8/14/2023
		Matt Bruns	Nonpartisan		8/1/2023
		Melissa Millner	Nonpartisan		8/15/2023
		Pamela J. Onnen	Nonpartisan	PamOnnenForSB.squarespace.com	8/10/2023
		Mariah Ring	Nonpartisan		8/2/2023
		Matt Seeger	Nonpartisan		8/1/2023
		Brandy Wentzler	Nonpartisan		8/2/2023
		Jenny Wiederholt-Pine	Nonpartisan		8/15/2023
CHISAGO LAKES SD # 2144
	Special Election for School Board Member (ISD #2144)
		Candidate Name	Party	Website	File Date
		Sarah Aadland	Nonpartisan		8/8/2023
		Aaron Olson	Nonpartisan		8/1/2023

 
ISD Bloomington, SEIU endorses Heather Starks, Mia Olson, Nelly Korman. 
 

ST. ANTHONY-NEW BRIGHTON SD # 282
	School Board Member (ISD #282) (Elect 3)
		Candidate Name	Party	Website	File Date
		Laurel Hood	Nonpartisan		8/14/2023
		Cassandra Palmer	Nonpartisan		8/7/2023
		Ben Phillip	Nonpartisan	benforschoolboard.com	8/7/2023
		Eric Sonnenberg	Nonpartisan		8/9/2023
MOUNDS VIEW SD # 621
	School Board Member at Large (ISD #621) (Elect 4)
		Candidate Name	Party	Website	File Date
		Heidi Caccamo	Nonpartisan	heidi4moundsview.com	8/2/2023
		Alissa Daire Nelson	Nonpartisan		8/1/2023
		Heidi Danielson	Nonpartisan	heididanielson.com	8/1/2023
		Jim DeMay	Nonpartisan		8/1/2023
		Mark Kelliher	Nonpartisan	www.MarkFor621Schools.com	8/8/2023
		Andre M. Koen	Nonpartisan	www.votekoen.com	8/15/2023
		Art Mills	Nonpartisan	www.millsmovement.com	8/4/2023
		Rich Priore	Nonpartisan	rich4mvschools.org	8/11/2023
		Jon VanOeveren	Nonpartisan	jonvanoeveren.com	8/7/2023
		Jonathan Weinhagen	Nonpartisan	www.jonathanweinhagen.com	8/1/2023
		Paul Wikstrom	Nonpartisan	http://www.wikstromforschoolboard.com	8/1/2023
ROSEVILLE SD # 623
	School Board Member at Large (ISD #623) (Elect 3)
		Candidate Name	Party	Website	File Date
		Todd Anderson	Nonpartisan	https://www.facebook.com/tandersonforrschools/	8/1/2023
		Mike Boguszewski	Nonpartisan	mikebforschools.com	8/1/2023
		Rose Wan-Mui Chu	Nonpartisan	https://www.facebook.com/rose.w.chu	8/1/2023
		Karl Crump	Nonpartisan	Karl4Roseville.com	8/4/2023
		Alan Holasek	Nonpartisan	alan4roseville.com	8/1/2023
		Vaughn Klingenberg	Nonpartisan		8/14/2023
		Adam Maier	Nonpartisan	maierforschoolboard.com	8/15/2023
ST. PAUL SD # 625
	School Board Member at Large (ISD #625) (Elect 4)
		Candidate Name	Party	Website	File Date
		Chauntyll Allen	Nonpartisan	chauntyllforschoolboard.com	8/2/2023
		Yusef Carrillo	Nonpartisan	yusef4spps.org	8/1/2023
		Zuki Ellis	Nonpartisan	neighborsforzuki@gmail.com	8/15/2023
		Carlo Franco	Nonpartisan	carlofranco.org	8/2/2023
		Abdi S. Omer	Nonpartisan		8/7/2023
		Erica Valliant	Nonpartisan	valliantforschoolboard.com	8/1/2023
		Gita Rijal Zeitler	Nonpartisan		8/15/2023

ISD196 Rosemount, SEIU endorses Jackie Magnuson, Sachin Isaacs, Cory Johnson, Anna Williams. 

ISD Anoka-Hennepin, SEIU endorses D1 Erin Heers-McArdle, D2 Susan Witt, D5 Michelle Langenfeld, 

 

Local Candidates: CD2 "Letter of Support" 

What is this? Why would a local candidate want support to Get Out The Vote from the democratic party? 

Of the 80,000 voters, how will you reach the 50,000 people who favor:
a) funding public education > cutting all taxes
b) paying teachers and staff more > diverting funds to For-profit businesses/ Betsy DeVos
c) supporting diverse students > excluding, bullying, marginalizing 
d) science-based curriculum and vetted history > propaganda

Do you support 60% of the DFL Party Platform, updated every 2 years? Most people support most of it. 
https://dfl.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/DFL-Ongoing-Platform-2022-for-Aug-13th-Highlighted-002.pdf

Applying for a "Letter of Support" allows you to buy access to DFL Voters and Volunteers, who are eligible to vote for you or help you campaign. You can contact them with mailings, phone calls, emails, door knocking or drop off literature at their front door. 

What is the process? Fill out the interest form by the deadline. After a 5 min. interview with the DFL CD2 group, if 60+% are in favor, they vote to give you a Letter of Support

MN Secretary of State says they do not publish your political party on the ballot of a 'Non-partisan' election. Candidates probably do have a political base of support; it just won't be  listed next to the candidates name on the ballot. 

More info about CD2 DFL, Democrats in the voting area of US Congress District 2, which Rep Angie Craig holds the office.   

https://www.dflcd2.org/

5-page document explains the process, here:

Want to "Run for Something?" 
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RE: Legislative Update SD47A MN House 

Dear Neighbors of Rep. Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger,

Last week the House took a few days to be with family and friends, to catch our breath, and for some of us, to observe Passover, Easter, or Ramadan. I hope you and your families have had a joyous time.

Over the last few weeks, we’ve been assembling our budget bills. This week, we will start the process of passing budget bills off the floor. If you’re keeping track at home, here is where you can find the bills I have been working on:

• Privacy rights for direct-to-consumer genetic testing (HF1520) - Commerce omnibus bill
• Preventing home foreclosure due to stacking HOA legal fees (HF2084) - Commerce omnibus bill
• Preventing HOAs from denying solar panels on homes (HF1262) - Climate and Energy omnibus bill
• Homeowner solar energy production incentives (HF2892) - Climate and Energy omnibus bill
• Supportive arts therapy for incarcerated persons (HF2167) - Public Safety omnibus bill
• Updating regulations for hospital construction (HF1679) - Health omnibus bill
• Conforming prescription hearing aid regulations with new federal law (HF2038) - Health omnibus bill
• TIF exemption for Central Park (HF1463) - Hoping to be included in the Taxes bill

Around the District

While I took the opportunity to sleep in a little, the session break was a great time for me to check in with the community.  Here’s what I did:

• Visited a 3rd-grade class to talk about being a legislator, and held a pretend committee hearing.  I was very impressed with the intelligence, respect for each other, and collaboration the kids showed!
• Attended Iftar at Eastern Twin Cities Islamic Center, and caught up with community members
• Attended the opening of Art from the Inside’s exhibit, hosted by Antonio Espinosa (a retired correctional officer who is transforming tragedy into work that is making our prisons safer)
• Toured the White Bear Center for the Arts to learn more about their funding request to the Workforce Development Committee
• Visited with constituents at a home that provides critical disability services for their residents

You’re Invited to a Town Hall

As we progress through the last few weeks of session, I’d like to take some time to discuss your thoughts and priorities. On Saturday, April 15th from 3:30-4:30, I’ll be hosting a town hall at the Woodbury Central Park Amphitheatre. I’m looking forward to seeing you!

Free Parks Day

As the weather continues to warm up and the snow starts to melt, I wanted to share that the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has announced its free park days for 2023! All entrance and vehicle permit fees will be waived on:

• Saturday, April 22
• Saturday, June 10
• Saturday, September 9
• Friday, November 24

Our state parks showcase the best Minnesota has to offer including hiking, biking, camping, swimming, skiing, birding, and more. I hope you will take the opportunity to get out and enjoy our state parks this year.

Protecting Healthcare Coverage

Each year, Minnesotans enrolled in Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare must have their eligibility reviewed to verify they still qualify for coverage. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, this renewal process was paused, and Minnesotans enrolled in these programs maintained continuous healthcare coverage. This spring, when the federal health emergency ends, the standard renewal process will resume. 

If you are among the 1.5 million Minnesotans who rely on Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare, make sure your current contact information is on file, especially if you’ve moved in the last three years. Visit mn.gov/dhs/mycontactinfo or call (800) 657-3672 to update your address, phone number, and email address. Also, be on the lookout for official information and instructions about how to renew your coverage, and be prepared with some documentation when it’s time to renew. Learn more at mn.gov/dhs/renewmycoverage.

House DFLers are committed to ensuring all eligible Minnesotans retain their public coverage when renewals restart while connecting those ineligible with other coverage options. Last month, lawmakers approved and Governor Walz signed into law a bill to ease this “unwinding” by investing resources for counties to process renewals, support for MNsure navigators, and making MinnesotaCare available with no premiums through June 30, 2024.

Keep in Touch

Do you have questions, comments, or exciting news? You can contact me at rep.amanda.hemmingsen-jaeger@house.mn.gov, by phone at 651-296-7807, or on Facebook. I appreciate the opportunity to serve our district in the legislature and look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

 

Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger

State Representative 47A MN House

RE: Update from Ethan Cha, Representative MN House 47B 
Dear SD47B Neighbors,

Last month, Governor Tim Walz, Senate Majority Leader Kari Dziedzic, and House Speaker Melissa Hortman announced an agreement on key budget decisions, taking a major step toward finalizing the two-year state budget. The agreed-upon budget framework includes historic investments for kids and families, in housing, improving health and safety, clean energy, and tax cuts for low and middle-class Minnesotans. 

We have been listening to Minnesotans, and we are drawing on thousands of face-to-face conversations we've had with people at their doors, listening tours, and town hall meetings over the last year. Whether it’s ensuring no child goes without breakfast and lunch in school, or providing some more economic security for families, this budget agreement centers the needs of our kids, families, communities and environment. This is a direct result of Minnesotans all over the state who entrusted the DFL with a governing majority.

Here’s an update about what we’ve been getting done in Saint Paul:

New PFAS Regulations 

Recently the Biden Administration announced the Environmental Protection Agency will require utilities to remove PFAS from drinking water. It is estimated as many as 200 million Americans are currently exposed to PFAS chemicals through drinking water. The EPA regulation would include testing and filtering of six PFAS chemicals.  

I’m incredibly thankful we will be seeing federal action on getting PFAS out of drinking water. Now, we need to take it a step further. It’s corporate greed that got us into this mess, and we need to turn off the faucet on PFAS in more than just water. These cancer-causing chemicals are found in products and packaging we use every single day, and they're actively harming our health, our families, and our future.

Banning Private Prisons

When private prisons are focused solely on increasing profits and cutting costs, what they sacrifice is safety, both for the inmates and the people who work there. Prison corporations put their profits ahead of public safety, and our criminal justice system deserves better.

This session, the Minnesota House of Representatives passed House File 1200, which would effectively ban private prisons in the state. A 2016 report by the Justice Department found that, in general, private prisons provide fewer correctional services at greater security and safety risk to inmates and staff, without producing substantial savings.

Minnesota joins at least five other states that have passed legislation aiming to reduce, limit, or ban private prisons. President Biden issued an executive order in January 2021 that will phase out the Justice Department’s use of private prisons, and Minnesota has not had any private prisons since the Prairie Correctional Facility in Appleton closed in 2010.

Investing in Clean Energy Projects

We passed a bill last month that ensures Minnesota is in the best position to unlock federal funds for clean energy projects, meet our climate goals, and transition to a cleaner future. The legislation invests $115 million to unlock billions in federal funds and will create good-paying union jobs, ensuring that everyone can benefit from this clean energy transition.

These federal funds would be available all across the state, in communities large and small. It aids tribal governments and disadvantaged communities, and it will make Minnesota competitive with other states to bring billions in clean energy dollars here. It will also help Minnesota meet our Climate Action Framework goals to deliver clean energy that is affordable, reliable, and safe.

Reproductive Freedom Defense Act 

The House passed HF 366, the Reproductive Freedom Defense Act. The bill protects the privacy and rights of persons receiving or providing reproductive health care in the state against legal attacks and criminal penalties imposed in other states.

When some states are doing everything they can to restrict the rights of women, in Minnesota, we value the fundamental rights of everyone to access reproductive health care without any interference from partisan, elected politicians. The Reproductive Freedom Defense Act amends existing laws, including those regarding medical privacy, licensure, extradition, and prosecutorial procedure, to reflect the reality that some states consider reproductive health care a crime and Minnesota explicitly does not. 

It is crucial to act now to protect patients and providers in Minnesota and those coming to Minnesota seeking care from the attacks enabled by last year’s Supreme Court decision.

Keep in Touch You can contact me at rep.ethan.cha@house.mn.gov or 651-296-1147. You can follow me on Facebook as well. I appreciate the opportunity to serve our district in the legislature and look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, Ethan Cha State Representative 47B

Nicole Mitchell

Website:  www.nicolemitchell.org
Email:  votenicolemitchell@gmail.com
Mailing address:  P.O. Box 25824, Woodbury, MN 55125

Briefly describe your qualifications:
I grew up in the district, and have always been active in the community. I am a mother and foster parent who will support education, a meteorologist who understands climate change, a lawyer with experience drafting legislation, and a military Commander who supports veterans.

What are your positions on 3-5 important issues?
Education: public education needs to be well-funded and accessible to all. Environment: we need to work to mitigate climate change impacts and protect the environment, especially water resources. Economy: support the economy by supporting workers with paid sick leave, more affordable and accessible childcare, and livable wages.

If you lose the endorsement, what is the #1 issue you would like the endorsed candidate to carry forward on your behalf?
Climate and the environment. Climate change is an issue that transcends many of the other issues, for example, increasing drought periods impact our farmers and food resources, pollution impacts our water supplies, etc.

What else should we know about you?
(That) I plan to be very engaged both while I'm running for Senate AND while I would serve. Some candidates are accessible only when asking for a vote. I've also been a life-long volunteer, ranging from work with abused women and the homeless to a lot of work with abused/neglected children. I also helped build and teach a Diversity and Inclusion program within the military. I want to make sure I represent EVERYONE and respect different experiences.

Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger
Website:www.amandaformnhouse.com
Email: campaign@amandaformnhouse.com; contact@amandaformnhouse.com
Mailing address:  583 Eagle Ridge Road, Woodbury, MN 55125

Briefly describe your qualifications:

• Master of Science in Science, Technology, and Environmental Policy (Humphrey School of Public Affairs, 2016)
• Master of Science in Genetics (Iowa State University, 2008)
• Business/Management Analyst (the State of Minnesota, 2020-present)
• Legislative Analyst (the State of Minnesota, 2020-2021)
• Union Member and Leader (Minnesota Association of Professional Employees, 2011-present)
  • Paid Parental Leave Organizing Committee
  • Government Relations Committee/Political Council
  • Steward
  • Board of Directors
  • Department of Public Safety Meet and Confer Team
• Metropolitan Council Transportation Advisory Board Alternate (2021-present)
• MetroTransit Gold Line Bus Rapid Transit Community and Business Advisory Committee (2020-present)
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong and passionate public speaker
• Advocate for working families
• Effective lobbying skills
• Extensive analytical experience

What are your positions on 3-5 important issues?

1. Advocating for Working Families_:  Minnesotans shouldn’t have to struggle to meet their basic needs.
2.  Addressing Climate Change: It’s our responsibility to take care of the planet, and protect it for future generations.
3.  Investing in Education: Education should be equitable and accessible to all.
4.  Championing Healthcare:  All Minnesotans deserve access to affordable healthcare and paid time away from work to care for themselves and their families.

If you lose the endorsement, what is the #1 issue you would like the endorsed candidate to carry forward on your behalf?

As the endorsed candidate, my main policy position is to champion paid family and medical leave for all Minnesotans.

What else should we know about you?

I am a passionate person who listens to understand.  I believe in bringing people together, gathering as much information and perspectives as possible, and leading with community input to make the best policy decision together.

Ethan Cha
Email: ethanchamnhouse@gmail.com
Website Address: www.ethanchamnhouse.com
Telephone: (651) 321.8388

Briefly, describe your qualifications:

I have a passion to serve my community.  I have served the democratic party for the last 12 years in the capacity of an organizer, appointed a democratic delegate to the state party, caucus democrat club president, volunteered, endorsed, elect, and advocate for democratic interests and goals. I currently continue to support, in my many roles, other DFL candidates in the 2022 election.
 
My lived experiences will make me a well-rounded legislator, one who listens to his community and Champions all.

What are your positions on 3-5 important issues? Explain: Childcare:
An issue close to my heart, as a stay-at-home parent I understand the needs and struggles of young families trying to find child care solutions for their children. Child care is essential to healthy and prosperous families.
 
 Environment:
With climate change, we need to ensure that the children of tomorrow have a sustainable and safe world to live in. We need to protect our water, soil, and air from pollutants that harm not just the environment but also the people who rely on them. We must fight for legacy funds to continue preserving the natural habitat of this region, expand trails and bike paths, and create parks to make our city livable. It is necessary for us to have a resiliency plan and mitigation solutions for extreme changes in our climate that will be
borne by our residents.
 
Education: 
Our children in k-12 deserve a well-rounded education that will equip them for the rigor and competitiveness of post-secondary education in the global economy that awaits them. We must fully fund education and close the achievement gap.
 
Women's rights and gender equality: 
I have raised 3 beautiful daughters and am married to a wonderful wife. Supporting women's rights and gender equality is a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable community.
 
Special needs and mental health: 
I have a deaf and blind family member, I know of the cries for help. We need to invest in families caring for those with special needs. This includes medical assistance, supplemental programming, and mental health support for caretakers.

What else should we know about you?

I appreciate all the work you do as volunteers. I started as a grassroots organizer 15 years ago, my family and I have volunteered hundreds of hours, and my daughters started phone banking and precinct walking when they were just 10 years old. They are in college now. I just want to say thank you to all of you.

State Candidates for Re-election

Top 10 reasons to vote Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger, House District 47A

10  MOVIES. Firm believer that "Back to the Future" is the greatest movie of all time
9 DANCE. Former dance teacher and high school Dance Team Coach; still practices ballet with her daughters
8 REPRO RIGHTS RALLIES. Attended three rallies in support of Women’s Right to Choose
7 CLIMATE. Believes climate change is a critical local issue and impacts not only us but our children and future generations
6 SCIENCE. Professional experience in analyzing evidence as a forensic scientist (similar to the lab scientists on "CSI")
5 PRO-UNION.  Union member and leader with the Minnesota Association of Professional Employees
4  AWESOME PARENTS. Her mom is a nursing professor, and father is a small business owner and retired DNR employee
3 PFML. Long-standing advocate for paid parental leave
2 HAPPY MOM. Mother of two beautiful children and "pet-mom" to three shelter animals - one cat and two guinea pigs
1 LOVES LIVING HERE. 14-year resident of Woodbury/Maplewood