is the DFL Rural Caucus endorsed candidate running for in Back Denise Slipy State Senate District 6 Brainerd, MN Denise Slipy was born into a working family on a farm in Indiana and raised by her adoptive grandparents. From a young age, she developed a deep sense of advocacy for those in need. Growing up in a conservative household and church, Denise was instilled with a strong commitment to service— a value she continues to live by! Denise is running for State Senate because she knows families across Minnesota are faced with tough choices all too often. Denise will fight to bring down costs, create more good paying jobs, expand access to quality health care and improve education in rural communities. Denise will fight for us, because she is one of us. Slipy4senate@gmail.com Donate Website

Veda Kanitz is the DFL Rural Caucus endorsed candidate running for MN House of Representatives in House District 57A Back Veda Kanitz MN House of Representatives House District 57A Lakeville, Minnesota Veda Kanitz is a high school science teacher, Climate Reality Leader, Citizens’ Climate Lobby member, and one of the founding members of the DFL Environmental Caucus. She received the DFL’s Willard Munger award for Distinguished Environmental Stewardship in 2020. Her love of the natural world and desire to leave a healthy environment for her children and grandchildren inform her life’s work. vedaformn@gmail.com Donate Website

Angie Craig is the DFL Rural Caucus endorsed candidate running for U.S. House of Representatives in Congressional District 2 Back Angie Craig U.S. House of Representatives Congressional District 2 Eagan, Minnesota I was raised by a single mom and grew up in a mobile home park. I watched my mom work hard and complete her teaching degree over nine years while raising three kids with the help of my grandmother, who herself worked in a union shoe factory well into her 70s. These strong women showed me what grit and determination look like. Like my mom, I worked two jobs and took out a little in student loans to put myself through state college. I started my career as a newspaper reporter and worked my way up over 20 years in business to lead a workforce of 16,000 for a major Minnesota manufacturer. Today, my wife and I are moms to four amazing young men and I am honored to serve in the U.S. Congress. campaign@angiecraig.com Donate Website

is the DFL Rural Caucus endorsed candidate running for in Back Julie Henslin State House District 16B Willmar, MN My name is Julie Vossen-Henslin, and I am honored to announce my candidacy for the Minnesota House of Representatives in District 16B. While I never imagined I would be writing an inaugural political post, I believe that our community is ready for a fresh perspective—and that change begins with leadership rooted in experience and hard work. My foundation was built on a farm in Raymond. Growing up in a family of nine children, I learned the true meaning of labor and responsibility early on. Whether I was working the fields, driving tractors, or loading trucks, my dedication was never questioned. Those formative years instilled in me a profound respect for our land and the agricultural roots that sustain our region. After earning my degree from the University of Minnesota Morris, I returned to Willmar to serve as an administrator of a long-term healthcare facility. Eventually, life led me on a ten-year adventure to Alaska with my best friend and husband, Steve. Together, we built a beautiful life and family—a partnership that is still going 40 years strong. When it came time to decide where to raise our children, Kyler and Zoe, our hearts led us back home to Willmar. Upon returning, I continued my career in Social Services. The individuals I served during those years shaped my worldview; their stories and resilience gave me far more than I could ever give them, and they remain the "why" behind my commitment to advocacy. Driven by grit and determination, Steve and I eventually stepped into entrepreneurship, starting and operating two small manufacturing businesses right here in Willmar: Ductcap Products and KZ Sales. As a small business owner, I understand the challenges our local economy faces and the tenacity required to thrive. Volunteering has been a cornerstone of my life—a lifelong passion dedicated to serving my community, from our local schools and healthcare facilities to community closets and meal-packing initiatives. As a dedicated advocate, serving on the Board of Directors for the Willmar Stingrays and Willmar Pride has reinforced my belief that active community engagement is not just a duty, but an integral part of who I am. While I have been a consistent voter since I was eligible, I never considered myself a "politician." However, that changed when Donald Trump entered the arena. Faced with unprecedented uncertainty, I felt compelled to act, attending the 1st Women's March in D.C. That experience ignited a new, fiercer desire to speak up and fight for the good people of our community. Which brings us to the present. Over the past year, amid deep reflection, I’ve asked myself: Is now the time? Can I do this? The winter of 2025 was a season of enlightenment for me—the anxiety, fear, and intimidation affecting our neighbors became too much to witness silently. A new fire was lit, one ready to take on a new fight: running as a candidate for the Minnesota House of Representatives. We must do better for ourselves, our planet, and for one another. Too often, common sense has been replaced by chaos. My campaign is built on putting people over politics. I am fighting for law and order, fairness for our farmers, stability in our healthcare systems, due process for all, and a common-sense approach to immigration reform. My values have always guided my heart and decisions. I believe in people. I believe we are always stronger together. I am ready to be a source of strength for our community and state—sharing authentic, candid conversations to create lasting and meaningful change. Long before I knew I would be here, I was practicing for this position: as a mom, a wife, a sister, and a local business owner. I have been a cheerleader, a carpooler, a volunteer, and a fierce advocate. It has all led me here. I am Julie Vossen-Henslin, and I am running for the Minnesota House of Representatives in District 16B to serve you! I am ready to stand firm in my values and fight for the underdog by leading with compassion, empathy, and persistence. If you believe in this vision, I invite you to join me. 'Real People. Real Change.' is more than a slogan—it is my personal promise to you. I would be honored to have your support as we move forward together. Let’s get to work, Minnesota! With gratitude, Julie Donate Website

Rep. Luke Frederick is the DFL Rural Caucus endorsed candidate running for MN House of Representatives in House District 18B Back Rep. Luke Frederick MN House of Representatives House District 18B Mankato, Minnesota I grew up in Eagle Lake and have had a strong belief in SERVICE my whole life. It started when I joined Boy Scouts at a young age and then was further developed when I joined Civil Air Patrol. After I graduated high school, I joined AmeriCorp National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) for a 1-year term of volunteer service. NCCC took me from building a summer camp for underprivileged kids in Vermont, to building Habitat homes in Alabama, to disaster relief in Florida. campaign@frederickforhouse.com Donate Website

Sonja Buckmeier is the DFL Rural Caucus endorsed candidate running for MN House of Representatives in House District 30A Back Sonja Buckmeier MN House of Representatives House District 30A St. Michael, Minnesota Sonja grew up in the small town of Eagle Lake, MN. She earned a Business Administration degree from Mankato State University. Today, she lives in St. Michael with her husband. Together they raised 4 children. Over the last 25 + years she has actively contributed to the community’s growth. Her extensive involvement includes: serving on bond and levy committees, substitute teaching, participating in PTO boards, election judge, scout troop leadership, and church volunteer. Drawing from her professional background in both insurance and education, Sonja aims to utilize her diverse expertise to advocate for the well-being of all Minnesotans and represent her community at the state capitol. sonja@buckmeier4mn.com Donate Website

is the DFL Rural Caucus endorsed candidate running for in Back Jen Bloomquist State House District 31B East Bethel, MN I'm a wife and working mom, who chose Minnesota as my home in 2021. Making Minnesota my new home has been one of the best decisions in my life. We moved to East Bethel in 2022 to have the best of both worlds – I could stay close to my union job in Minneapolis, and we could raise our daughter in a quiet, rural home. Coming from an agricultural hub in California, I know that farmers and rural communities are the backbone of our country. That’s why I want to support the people who choose these rural communities to live, work, and play. jen@jenformnhouse.com Donate Website

Mark Munger is the DFL Rural Caucus endorsed candidate running for MN House of Representatives in House District 3B Back Mark Munger MN House of Representatives House District 3B Fredenberg Township, Minnesota I was born in St.Paul but moved to Duluth at age 4. I graduated with honors from Duluth Denfeld HS, UMD, and the William Mitchell College of Law. From 1981-1998, I was a trial attorney and also Proctor City Attorney (14 yrs). In 1998, I was elected Judge and served through 1/2019. I then worked as a senior judge thru the pandemic. I’ve been married to Rene for 45 years and am the father of four sons, grandfather of six. I have written and published 14 books. I love to ski, hunt, fish, travel, read, and chase grandkids. I am an Eagle Scout, serve on the Voyageurs Scout Council Advancement Committee, and am the Co-Executive Director of Grace ELCA in Hermantown. campaign@munger4mn.com Donate Website

is the DFL Rural Caucus endorsed candidate running for in Back Vanessa Davenport State House District 27A Big Lake, MN Veteran, logistics professional, and community-focused leader running to bring accountability back to government. Raised by a single mother and working three jobs through high school, I understand the value of hard work. I served on active duty in the U.S. Navy and now work as an analyst in the electric industry. I’m focused on protecting rural taxpayers, supporting local jobs, strengthening infrastructure, and ensuring growth benefits our communities, not corporations. vanessa@davenportmn27a.house Donate Website

Rep. Lucy Rehm is the DFL Rural Caucus endorsed candidate running for MN House of Representatives in House District 48B Back Rep. Lucy Rehm MN House of Representatives House District 48B Chanhassen, Minnesota I’m Lucy Rehm. I represent Minnesota House District 48B, and I’m running for re-election. For the past two years I’ve represented our community, Chanhassen and the eastern side of Chaska, in St. Paul. As a former Chanhassen city council member and educator, I’ve brought my knowledge and experience to the Capitol to improve the everyday lives of Minnesota families. I am a proud fourth-generation Minnesotan who has called Chanhassen home for more than 25 years. My husband Phil and I were married at Pax Christi and we chose Chanhassen as the place to raise our family. I am the mother of three children, all who attended public schools here in Chanhassen.I feel honored every day to get to represent our great community and hope I can continue to bring my life-long passion for healthy living, supported families, and a clean environment to my work. lucy@lucyrehm.com Donate Website

is the DFL Rural Caucus endorsed candidate running for in Back Rep. Betty McCollum U.S. House District 4 St. Paul, MN Congresswoman Betty McCollum is running for re-election to continue representing Minnesota’s Fourth Congressional District in Congress. Over her career representing the East Metro, Betty has been a strong voice for the environment, universal health care, quality education, economic opportunity, organized labor, human rights, a smart national security policy, and more. As Minnesota’s sole member of the Appropriations Committee in Congress, Betty is uniquely-positioned to deliver billions of dollars in federal funding each year for projects, programs, and services that save lives, create jobs, boost economic security, improve our infrastructure, and grow our local economy. info@mccollumforcongress.com Donate Website

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