is the DFL Rural Caucus endorsed candidate running for in Back Nat Smith State Senate District 33 Stillwater, MN I’m running for the Minnesota Senate because I believe our state government works best when it focuses on practical solutions that improve people’s lives- keeping people, not politics, at the center of decision-making. My professional background as an attorney focused on combating fraud and protecting workers' rights has shaped my commitment to accountability, transparency, and responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources. My goal as a legislator will be to listen carefully, collaborate across differences, and pursue policies that deliver real results for Minnesotans, ensuring our communities remain strong, healthy, and prosperous for generations to come. info@natsmithformn.com Donate Website

Learn more about becoming a member of the DFL Rural Caucus. Membership Join the DFL Rural Caucus and be a part of shaping the future of our rural communities, whether you're a farmer or simply someone who cares about the issues that affect them. Become a Member Why join the Rural Caucus? The Rural Caucus serves as a unified voice for the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party in Minnesota, representing diverse perspectives from urban and rural areas alike. As members of the caucus, individuals have the privilege of voting at all membership and committee meetings. The caucus holds quarterly full-membership meetings and elects executive committee members, who in turn meet on a monthly basis. Members are encouraged to actively participate in committees, which meet on a varying schedule. All meetings are open to the public and guests are welcome. Additionally, the caucus appreciates any additional contributions, as 100% of contributions are directed towards supporting rural outreach efforts and electing rural candidates for various offices throughout Minnesota. Become a Member Membership FAQ Questions for a Committee? Click Here Click the button to see our committee roster and contact the appropriate committee chair.

is the DFL Rural Caucus endorsed candidate running for in Back Rep. Lucy Rehm State House District 48B Chanhassen, MN State Representative for District 48B, representing Chanhassen and eastern Chaska lucy@lucyrehm.com Donate Website

is the DFL Rural Caucus endorsed candidate running for in Back Heather Arndt State House District 20A Goodhue County, MN Raised on a family farm in Belle Creek Township and a graduate of Wanamingo High School, Heather Arndt is a lifelong advocate for rural Minnesota. She served 28 years in the Army National Guard, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel after two tours in Afghanistan, earning a Bronze Star and Combat Action Badge. She has led local efforts to stop Zip Rail and improve safety along Highway 52. With advanced degrees in political science, plant science, and international agriculture, she works in emergency preparedness and brings a record of bipartisan, results-driven leadership. heather.for.house20a@gmail.com Donate Website

is the DFL Rural Caucus endorsed candidate running for in Back Dan Mitchell State House District 5A Loon Lake, MN My name is Dan Mitchell, and I’m running because I believe our children deserve a future, we can be proud to pass on. One that is affordable, secure, and full of opportunity. I was born and raised right here in Cass County, growing up on a small hobby farm just west of Pequot Lakes. My parents were working-class public servants in our local school district, and from them I learned the values of hard work, dependability, and service to others. Those values have guided me throughout my life. After high school, I joined the United States Air Force, where I served for 20 years as a computer/communications specialist. My service took me across the globe, from Germany and Japan to the Middle East, where I supported operations including Desert Storm, Desert Shield, and missions in the Balkans and Iraq. Those experiences gave me a firsthand understanding of global instability, national security, and the importance of strong, steady leadership. After retiring from the Air Force, I continued serving as a cybersecurity engineer in government contracting for nearly two decades. In that work, I saw how quickly threats evolve and how important it is to stay ahead of them. Today, I live just outside of Pequot Lakes with my wife, Catherine, and our youngest son, who attends Pequot Lakes Middle School. Like many families in our community, we’re thinking about grocery bills, energy costs, our mortgage, and what kind of future we’re building for our kids. My oldest son, 23, is preparing to join the United States Air Force later this month. Right now, too many families are struggling with the rising cost of housing, groceries, energy, and everyday life. Affordability isn’t just an economic issue, it’s about preserving the promise of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. If people can’t afford to live, work, and raise a family, that promise begins to slip away. We need to focus on the fundamentals: clean water, clean air, and clean food. These are not luxuries, but essentials. We must support affordable housing, fair-paying jobs, and strong local economies that give our children a chance to start their lives and our families the stability they deserve. We must also stand up for our small, local farms, who are the backbone of our communities. By strengthening farm-to-table opportunities and supporting local producers, we can improve food security, reduce supply chain risks, and create economic growth right here at home. Energy policy is not just about the environment, but also about national security. Our dependence on global oil markets puts American families at risk, driving up costs when conflicts or disruptions occur abroad. Investing in American-made energy like solar and wind strengthens our independence, protects our economy, and brings more stability to household budgets. We must also take data privacy and digital rights seriously. As technology advances, Minnesotans deserve protection that keeps their information safe and ensures accountability in an increasingly complex digital world of social media and AI. Additionally, data centers need to be studied and dissected for ACTUAL economic impact and any environmental concerns need to be fully mitigated prior to breaking ground. I’m not running to represent large corporations or private equity. I am running to represent the current and future citizens of district 5A. If elected I promise to be available, accountable for any vote I make while representing this district. This campaign is about building a future that works for all of us: one that is more affordable, more secure, and rooted in strong local communities. I’m ready to get to work and bring practical, service-driven leadership to St. Paul. I would be honored to earn your support. Dan4mnhouse@outlook.com Donate Website

is the DFL Rural Caucus endorsed candidate running for in Back Zack Meyman State House District 19B Waseca, MN I am a life-long resident of Waseca, with deep roots in the community as my parents, grandparents and extended family also lived in the area. Growing up, my parents taught me the importance of empathy and kindness, of reading and education, and from our annual camping trips at our beautiful state parks, an appreciation of the forests, waterways and wildlife that our state has to offer. In my years of working in manufacturing leadership roles, I have worked with a wide variety of our neighbors and seen how our state and federal policies have affected regular Minnesotans. Too many of the social services that our most vulnerable populations rely on have been cut in favor of tax breaks for the wealthy. We all deserve better from our government, but especially our children, our seniors and our veterans. If I am chosen to serve as your state representative, I promise to work hard to achieve results that will benefit all Minnesotans, not just those at the top. My priorities include: increasing coverage of rural healthcare after recent cuts to our services and quality of care that our elders receive. making sure that every student in our state has access to the same quality of education no matter where they attend classes, including state-wide broadband internet access. Ensuring that the treasures of our Minnesotan wildlife and waterways are cared for, so our future generations can enjoy them as we do now. meymanformn@gmail.com Donate Website

Find rural caucus resolutions, view the DFL platform, and get in touch with our committee. 2026 Resolutions Thank You for Supporting Our Caucus resolutions! The following resolutions highlighted in Green were passed at the 2026 DFL State Convention and prioritized by the DFL Rural Caucus membership. The number and title are as they appeared in the Platform Report submitted to delegates for adoption. #20 Groundwater Quality Supports policies that protect the health of all Minnesotans by ensuring access to clean, safe drinking water and providing free water testing, education, and remediation for private wells. [30 OUs, 8 CDs] #24 Farm Bill Supports passage of a new, comprehensive Farm Bill that includes a strong farm safety net with effective payment limitations, restored nutrition programs providing greatly increased SNAP and food assistance, strong Federal competition provisions, strong investments in local food, conservation, climate smart agriculture and research. [15 OUs, 5 CDs]. #27 Regional Food Systems Supports the development of regional food systems that provide nourishing foods, food processing infrastructure such as small-scale meat processing, community commercial grade kitchens and food storage and transportation, and marketing of goods and specialty crops that have environmental and economic benefits. [10 OUs, 5 CDs] #29 Social Security Expansion Act Supports the passage of the Social Security Expansions Act (SSEA) to make Social Security solvent, fair and equitable for the next 75+ years, by applying the SS tax on incomes and earnings above $250,000, providing cost of living increases tied to actual inflation, and improving Social Security benefits. [35 OUs, 8 CDs] #46 Tariffs - Congressional Control Supports Congress exercising its authority over tariffs. [11 OUs, 4 CDs] #59 State Authority to Prosecute Federal Agents Supports the state’s authority to arrest and prosecute federal agents who commit crimes or violate constitutional rights within Minnesota. Federal agents must be held to the same standards as state law enforcement. [ 19 OUs, 7 CDs] #79 Fair Competition Act Supports a fair, open marketplace by halting corporate consolidation and monopoly control across all economic sectors, aggressively enforcing federal and state anti-trust laws, and passing the Fair Competition Act to strengthen Minnesota’s price discrimination protections. [12 OUs, 4 CDs] #82 Medicare for All Supports a health care system that puts patients over profits by enacting the Medicare for All Act at the national level. [47 OUs, 8 CDs] #83 Minnesota Care for All Supports Minnesota's adoption of a universal, single-payer system of health care insurance for all, such as the Minnesota Health Care Plan. [24 OUs, 8 CDs] #100 Equal Rights Amendment Supports a constitutional amendment to guarantee equality under the law and prevent discrimination based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression. [60 OUs, 8 CDs]

Chili Cookoff Fundraiser The DFL Rural Caucus is hosting a Chili Cook Off Fundraiser on Sun. Feb. 4th from 1 - 3pm at Bad Habit Brewing, 25 College Avenue North, St. Joseph, MN. Sen. Aric Putnam, Rep. Dan Wolgamott, Attorney General Keith Ellison (invited) and area DFL candidates will share 2024 election highlights and what's on the state legislative agenda. Bid on great silent auction items and enjoy a variety of chilis and the fixins, beer and soda, while an esteemed panel of judges picks the best chili. Get your $25 ticket today, or be a sponsor at $50, $100, $250 and $500. Help the DFL Rural Caucus kick off the 2024 election year on strong financial footing so we can help elect rural DFL legislative and Congressional candidates. Buy your ticket today! Buy Tickets Volunteer Can't attend? No worries! You can still support the Rural Caucus with a sponsorship or ticket online. If $25 is too much, give what you can or join the fun as our guest. Special Guests State Auditor Julie Blaha Senator Aric Putnam Representative Dan Wolgamott Attorney General Keith Ellison (Invited) Location Feb 04, 2024, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM Bad Habit Brewing Saint Joseph, 25 College Ave N, St Joseph, MN 56374, USA

AJ (John) Peters is the DFL Rural Caucus endorsed candidate running for U.S. House of Representatives in Congressional District 7 Back AJ (John) Peters U.S. House of Representatives Congressional District 7 Ward Township, Minnesota Grew Up and Shelby Iowa. Married, six children and eight grandchildren – avid outdoorsmen who has lived in Western Minnesota for more than 30 years. Small Business owner since 1989 – supports business growth and understands the challenges businesses, workers, and farmers face Researcher/Manager at Honeywell – worked on the Patriot Missile, Space Shuttle, and the Space Station Former High School Teacher/Coach Chair, Hands of Hope Resource Center – providing support for domestic abuse victims in Todd and Morrison Counties Chair, Todd County Broadband Coalition – helping bring more high-speed internet to rural Minnesota Past member of the National Bipolar Organization Board ajpeters@ajpetersforcongress.org Donate Website

Become a member of the DFL Rural Caucus today! Join the DFL Rural Caucus The DFL Rural Caucus invites you to become a member or renew your membership. Annual membership in the DFL Rural Caucus is free and open to anyone who completes the form below and who supports the mission and purpose of the Caucus. While not required, voluntary donations are encouraged and appreciated to support the work of the DFL Rural Caucus to advance DFL values and to elect DFL candidates up and down the ballot. The Rural Caucus membership year runs from the January annual meeting to the next annual meeting. Donate to the DFL Rural Caucus Donate to the DFL Rural Caucus to help advance DFL values in Rural Minnesota and to elect DFL candidates up and down the ballot by clicking the button below or by writing a check payable to DFL (write "Rural Caucus" in the memo field) and mail to: Lori Sellner, 221 4th Ave. - Apt. 4, Sleepy Eye, MN 56085. Donate

Josiah Ampian is the DFL Rural Caucus endorsed candidate running for MN House of Representatives in House District 16B Back Josiah Ampian MN House of Representatives House District 16B New London, Minnesota As the youngest child of four, I have always felt that family unity should come before each individuals personality(political or otherwise). From coming together for Christmas to just spending time every week, families (whether chosen or blood) are the quintessential unit that help bring us together as a community. Fostering that community takes time and patience, and a willingness to step outside of normal perceptions. As someone who has supervised and helped direct leadership in previous jobs, I am no stranger to that. It also takes responsibility that requires understanding the effects of actions taken not just directly, but also the after effects of decisions you make. In my spare time I enjoy playing video games, spending time with with my dog, nerding out to Marvel, and occasionally participating in theater. The arts and humanities are a big piece of why I love Kandiyohi/Minnesota, and it's one of the reasons I am going to stick around. josiah.d.ampian@gmail.com Donate Website

Kari Rehrauer is the DFL Rural Caucus endorsed candidate running for MN House of Representatives in House District 35B Back Kari Rehrauer MN House of Representatives House District 35B Coon Rapids, Minnesota I am the youngest of four children raised in a middle class family in Eau Claire, WI. My family had a small business where I first learned the value of hard work, kindness, compassion and how to treat those around you. I attended the University of Minnesota and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biology and a master’s in education. From there I became a life and Earth science teacher in the public schools for 20 years. I am now a city council member for Coon Rapids where I take my experience as a woman and science teacher to grow my circle of influence to help those in our community. To me, the role of a public servant is to care for and better the lives of all of their constituents. kariformn@gmail.com Donate Website