Sarah Kruger is the DFL Rural Caucus endorsed candidate running for MN House of Representatives in House District District 26A Back Sarah Kruger MN House of Representatives House District District 26A Winona, Minnesota Sarah's passion for politics stems from her belief that government should improve people's lives, a perspective shaped by her global experiences in places like the Dominican Republic and Spain. Her roots in Winona, along with the values instilled by her family, inspire her to serve her community. With a background in political science, Sarah has worked at the Capitol, learning the complexities of lawmaking and the potential for change through thoughtful leadership. As Chief of Staff at FairVote MN, she advocates for democratic reforms and practical, bipartisan improvements. She has a proven track record, defeating a Republican incumbent in Winona precincts and leading a successful congressional campaign in a challenging district. Sarah’s campaign is a movement for common-sense government, bringing together diverse voices to fight for meaningful change in areas like education, housing, and environmental protection. Info@KrugerMNHouse.com Donate Website

is the DFL Rural Caucus endorsed candidate running for in Back Nathan Schmig State House District 15A Minneota, MN Nathan graduated from Canby High School and has lived in Minneota for about 30 years. He’s married and has four kids. He grew up on the farm and has been a garbage truck driver for about fifteen years. nathanschmigformn15a@gmail.com Donate Website

is the DFL Rural Caucus endorsed candidate running for in Back Trina Swanson U.S. House District 8 Hermantown, MN Trina Swanson is running for Congress in Minnesota’s 8th District. She recently retired from a 25-year career as a public servant with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. She grew up in Hermantown and attended the University of St. Thomas and law school at Mitchell Hamline. Swanson is running to ensure universal healthcare and an economy that allows folks to comfortably support their families, afford groceries, and help their kids reach their goals. She isn't afraid of holding an in-person town hall and engaging with both sides of the aisle. Swanson will be the representative who advocates for our community, rather than voting with blind loyalty to a party or president. campaign@trinaforcongress.com Donate Website

Heather Holmes is the DFL Rural Caucus endorsed candidate running for MN House of Representatives in House District 24A Back Heather Holmes MN House of Representatives House District 24A Byron, Minnesota I grew up outside of Superior, WI and earned my Bachelor's degree in biology from UW-Superior in 2005. My husband, Amos, and I moved to Byron in 2006. We share a home with our daughter, Gabby, our tortoise, and two tree frogs. I have worked in my current position in a medical research lab for over 17 years. I have over two decades of experience working in a variety of fields of scientific research. Our family is involved deeply in our community. I currently serve on the school board for Byron Public Schools. Amos is a firefighter with the Byron Fire Department, and all three of us serve on the Diversity and Inclusion Council in Byron. We are proud to call southeastern Minnesota our home! heatherholmes4mnhouse@gmail.com Donate Website

Jen Schultz is the DFL Rural Caucus endorsed candidate running for U.S. House of Representatives in Congressional District 8 Back Jen Schultz U.S. House of Representatives Congressional District 8 Duluth, Minnesota Jen Schultz, a dedicated candidate for Congress in Minnesota's 8th Congressional District, is a passionate advocate for positive change. With a background in public service and a commitment to community well-being, Schultz champions accessible healthcare, economic revitalization, and educational opportunities. Her focus on grassroots solutions and inclusivity reflects a deep understanding of the district's diverse needs. Endorsed by the DFL Rural Caucu s, Jen embodies the values that resonate with Minnesota's 8th. Support Jen Schultz for Congress to ensure thoughtful and effective representation, where community voices are amplified, and a brighter future is built for all. info@jenschultzforcongress.com Donate Website

is the DFL Rural Caucus endorsed candidate running for in Back Aaron Schweiger State House District 3B Hermantown, MN Hi, I’m Aaron Schweiger, a proud 5th generation Northlander, business owner, husband, and father. I live in Hermantown with my wife, two daughters, and our dogs. I graduated from Duluth East High School in 1999, before attending the University of Minnesota for undergrad, and then on to Western Michigan University and the University of Notre Dame Law Schools. Since 2014, I’ve worked as a real estate developer to build and support housing across Minnesota and Wisconsin. My wife is a fifth grade teacher for the Duluth Public Schools. After both living abroad and in other states, we are happy to be back in the Northland with our friends and relatives, raising our family. Throughout my life I have witnessed the power of public service, hard work, and sacrifice. I have had the honor and privilege of working alongside amazing leaders like Congressman James Oberstar and Senator Amy Klobuchar, who taught me that true leadership is about listening to the voices of those we serve with compassion and delivering results that make a meaningful impact in their lives. I believe we can build a brighter future together—where our children can dream big and achieve even bigger. info@aaronformn.com Donate Website

Get Out the Vote Fundraiser! You're invited to attend the DFL Rural Caucus Get Out The Vote Virtual Fundraiser featuring keynote speaker Sen. Amy Klobuchar (invited) alongside DFL leaders who attended the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Join us for an inspiring evening of shared experiences and critical updates on the Rural Caucus's efforts to elect DFL candidates in Greater Minnesota. We are seeking sponsors at the following levels: Bronze : $50 Silver : $100 Gold : $150 Platinum : $250 (includes a complimentary "Growing Democracy" Rural Caucus sign). Sponsors will be acknowledged at the start and close of the event and featured in a special loop highlighting Rural Caucus-endorsed candidates. Our goal is to raise $2,500 to sustain our efforts. Your support is vital as we continue to give financial and grassroots assistance to key races, including the Harris-Walz ticket, Sen. Klobuchar, and Congressional candidates. Register Become a Sponsor Can't attend? No worries! You can still support the Rural Caucus with a sponsorship. Sponsors Platinum : $250 Aleta Borrud Craig & Deb Maki Chuck Smith Dewey Gold : $150 Mac Erhardt Jeff Stand & Kim Jeppesen Anita Fineday Silver : $100 Theresa Keaveny Bronze : $50 Alissa Brickman Ann Bajari Aaron Heim Eugenio Lopez Lisa Schoelerman

is the DFL Rural Caucus endorsed candidate running for in Back Erik Osberg U.S. House District 7 Wadena, MN Erik Osberg grew up in rural Minnesota where hard work and community shaped his values. He graduated from Hamline before becoming a sports reporter/anchor. He later worked in financial services for a decade before starting his own marketing business highlighting the natural wonders of rural Minnesota. Since 2017, Erik has worked in the public sector promoting rural economic development. Erik is running for Congress to fight for working families and stand up for rural Minnesota. He wants to bring honesty, accountability, and compassion back to politics. Erik believes in community over self. He's not here to play politics, he's here to make a difference. Erik believes we can do better. info@erikosberg4congress.com Donate Website

< Back Senator Tina Smith Democrat - U.S. Senate Contact Form Office & Contact Information Washington, DC 720 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Phone: (202) 224-5641 Metro Office 60 Plato Blvd. East Suite 220 Saint Paul, MN 55107 Phone (651) 221-1016 Southern Office 1202-1/2 7th Street NW Suite 218 Rochester, MN 55901 Phone (507) 218-2003 Northwestern & Central Office 819 Center Avenue Suite 2A Moorhead, MN 56560 Phone (218) 284-8721 Northeastern Office 515 W. Ist Street Suite 104 Duluth, MN 55802 Phone (218) 722-2390 Committee Assignments: Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee on Finance Committee on Indian Affairs Subcommittee Ranking Member on Housing, Transportation, and Community Development Subcommittee Member on Digital Assets

is the DFL Rural Caucus endorsed candidate running for in Back Charles McConaughay State House District 27B Baldwin, MN My name is Charles McConaughay, and I am running to represent Minnesota House District 27B. I believe our communities deserve a government that works as hard as the people who live here and that fixes problems without drama. I was born on November 28, 1981, and grew up in Pine City, Minnesota, where neighbors showed up for one another and where I first learned to help out. As a teenager, I became the person friends called when a printer jammed or a computer would not boot. I did not know it at the time, but that habit of digging into a problem and making it work would shape my career. In 2005, I moved to Phoenix to start my IT career. Over more than 20 years, I worked as a Support Technician, Web Developer, Content Manager, and Support Analyst, and today I serve as a Senior Manager of IT Support. For the last seven years I have led teams and managed multi million dollar asset budgets. My work focuses on practical results. I help organizations track incidents with the right software tools, manage the full asset lifecycle, and streamline the day to day systems that people rely on. The approach is simple. Listen first. Bring the right people to the table. Measure what matters. Then ship improvements that save time and money. That is how I plan to work for District 27B in St. Paul. After nearly two decades in the desert, my family and I returned to Minnesota in 2022. We loved many things about Phoenix, but long term livability was a real concern. We also wanted our kids to grow up near aunts, uncles, and cousins. Home won. Today my wife and I live in Baldwin, Minnesota with our son, our daughter, my mom, my dad, one enthusiastic dog, and one very opinionated cat. When the weather cooperates, we head for parks, forests, trails, and any place with a good view. When it does not, I am usually in the lower level of my multi-generational home tinkering with our home network or updating a server I built. info@charlesformn.com Donate Website

How to Craft Effective DFL Messaging for Rural Impact Register Now Sponsored by the DFL Rural Caucus in partnership with National Messaging experts from Connections Lab, George & Lisa Greene and Antonia Scatton Suggested Donation for Registration: $30 per student or $100 per unit (4 students). Classes will be recorded and made available to attendees. This is an online workshop through Zoom. Classes will be held on February 25, March 25, April 22, and May 27 from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm CST. This four-part virtual workshop will teach you how to find the value in the message and frame it for more meaningful and productive conversations that have a lasting impact on your audience. Based on field-tested and proven cognitive science research, this series of dynamic webinars is designed to equip rural Democrats with the tools, strategies, and skills needed to amplify our values and expand our influence within rural communities. Participants will gain: Effective Messaging Techniques: Learn how to communicate in a new way that resonates with rural voters, enabling them to internalize our worldview and use it to evaluate policies. This training will focus on making complex ideas relatable and accessible. Community Building for Local Organizers: Discover strategies to foster a strong sense of community within local units. This will empower organizers to draw in more supporters, build momentum, and activate local networks to spread the message. Messaging for Candidates and Elected Officials: Ensure that local candidates and current officeholders feel confident and equipped to align their messaging with our broader strategy, fostering consistency and unity in communication. Strategic Messaging for Key Rural Issues: Develop a comprehensive messaging plan for five critical rural issues, ensuring that the message is clear, compelling, and aligned with local needs and values. Optional Online Discussion Group: An optional space for participants to continue the conversation, share best practices, and exchange lessons learned from the webinars, ensuring ongoing collaboration and improvement. By the end of the series, rural Democrats will be empowered to shape the political narrative in their communities, create meaningful change, and drive collective action for a better future. While this training is not designed to give students a list of exact messages, it will give them a foundation so they can create messaging on any issue that cuts through and connects with whomever they are speaking with. Meet Your Teachers George F. Greene has trained thousands of Democrats in the practice of framing in Minnesota and around the U.S. and has worked in media, political messaging, and activist training for decades. He founded the Connections Lab hosting on-location and online training sessions for Democratic activists. They’ve trained candidates and organizers through partnerships with multiple state organizations including the Minnesota DFL and Missouri, Michigan, Washington, and Georgia State Democratic parties. George has been active in Minnesota’s Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party and is a long-standing member of the State Central Committee. His work as Chair of MN Congressional District 3 helped make it consistently a national leader in voter contact and voter turnout. Learn more about Connections Lab here: https://connectionslab.org/ In 2023, they joined forces with Antonia Scatton to create the Turnaround Project, a joint project of the Association of State Democratic Committees. For more than 25 years, Antonia has been behind the scenes, working for, training, and advising political campaigns, party committees, and advocacy organizations across the country. She is an expert in political messaging and framing. She studied cognitive linguistics with messaging guru and best-selling author, George Lakoff, and worked closely with him for more than a year to develop practical ways for people to apply his discoveries about the science of messaging in their day-to-day work. Read Antonia’s “Reframing America” Substack here: https://reframingamerica.substack.com/ TESTIMONIAL: 2024 Minnesota Election and How This Messaging Worked in the Field In October of the 2024 cycle, Antonia came to Minnesota and worked closely with the Rachel Bohman for Congress (MN01) campaign to develop and employ strategic messaging. Building off Antonia’s research and work with focus groups, she guided the Bohman team in developing a message around the economy. See this piece for the basic premise of this messaging The Bohman campaign began using this message (almost exclusively) in early October. In every situation, the response was immediate and transformative. Voters at the doors were in tears and told the campaign “that they’d never felt so understood”. Staunch Republicans would immediately agree with the messaging and at one Farm Bureau event, an older, very Republican farmer came up to Rachel and told her he couldn’t wait to tell his son what she’d just said. At a large candidate forum, the waitress at the venue started crying – and sought the candidate out afterwards – when Rachel used this messaging during her speech . This messaging created a connection with the voter which led to a better conversation and created a point of shared values and agreement. As we’ve since heard from nearly every national pundit, focusing on the economy should’ve been our topline message. The Bohman campaign truly feels that this messaging “cracked the code”.

is the DFL Rural Caucus endorsed candidate running for in Back Keith Klawitter State House District 15B Morgan, MN I’m Keith Klawitter, and I’m running to represent our community in the Minnesota House of Representatives. I’ve spent my life in rural Minnesota. I graduated from Hector High School and later from Golden Valley Lutheran College and the University of Minnesota, Morris. I moved to Morgan in 1978 to teach, and it’s been home ever since. I taught English, coached football, basketball, and track, and directed school plays in Morgan and Franklin for over 30 years before retiring in 2010. If you grew up around here, there’s a good chance we’ve crossed paths. Since retiring from teaching, I’ve stayed working and stayed connected to this community. I drove feed truck for HarvestLand (now Farmward) and sweet corn truck for Del Monte. I’ve helped with sugar beet harvest for a local Morgan farmer and spent five seasons driving for Transystems hauling beets from the pile sites to the Southern Minnesota Beet Sugar Cooperative in Renville. I also officiate football and basketball, umpire softball and baseball, and I’m looking forward to my third season working maintenance at Dacotah Ridge. contact@klawitterforhouse.com Donate Website