WHY I’M RUNNING:
I’m running for Minnesota House seat 66A because I’m worried about the future.
As a woman, I’m worried about a future without reproductive rights. That’s why I’m committed to the fight to protect abortion in Minnesota. As a parent, I’m worried about how COVID will impact my children’s generation now, and in to the future. We must commit to making life after COVID even better for their futures. I also see the harm that the COVID pandemic has done to our public education system, and I am dedicated to improving our schools, especially with mental health professionals and social workers. Our kids well-being cannot wait.
As a trans woman, I’m worried about the organized national campaign to hurt trans kids. I’m committed to expanding protections for trans, queer and LGBTQ people of all ages.
There are also many community-wide threats that we can not afford to ignore. Our policing and public safety system must work for all, and deeply rooted historical systems of oppression built into our police networks must ended. White supremacy must be named and eliminated wherever it is found.
The climate crisis is spiraling out of control, and faster than anyone predicted. I’ve worked in renewable energy policy and studied climate policy. I understand the challenges of energy transition, and the necessity of it, and am committed to solving what has moved from a scientific challenge to a moral one.
There is so much more to worry about. Economic inequality, the housing shortage, the failure of our government to function for the people.
Like many voters in the state, I’m worried. But I also believe that the state government is capable of addressing these challenges. If I did not believe that committed public servants could solve these problems, I would not run. Everyone deserves a chance. Not just to live, but to thrive. I believe we can all find room to thrive in Minnesota.
How do we make a state where everyone can thrive? We work our butts off.
That’s what I will do. I’ve been involved in politics and advocacy for over 20 years. I jumped into this work at Bethel University in Arden Hills, and I’ve never stopped advocating for our communities.
I’ve done that in the streets, and I’ve done it in spreadsheets. I love to collaborate, organize, and bring people together. And I also love poring over budget details and policy language. I am a passionate advocate for healthcare autonomy: abortion rights and trans healthcare. Working on behalf of women and LGBTQ people who are threatened by politically motivated attacks is the motivation for all of my work. That work is by nature anti-racist and equity-driven. I believe that serving our most vulnerable community members—our trans youth of color—is the most direct path to creating a world where every person can thrive.