Search Results

As we reflect on this election season, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of our endorsed candidates. Your hard work, dedication, and passion for serving your communities have been truly inspiring. Win or lose, your efforts have brought important issues to the forefront and strengthened the voice of rural Minnesota. Thank you for stepping up, leading with courage, and working tirelessly to make a difference. Together, we continue to build a brighter future for all Minnesotans. With gratitude, The DFL Rural Caucus

Read More Here   I’m very concerned about the future of our country. I am the only viable candidate in this race who will uphold the Constitution, protect liberty, and fight for our rights. We need a strong Congress as a check on executive and judicial powers. I promise to bring meaningful investments to our region and, as an economist, I will focus on tax fairness and fixing our economy so it works for everyone. I’ll represent working people, not corporate interests or political parties.   I’m a mother of two teenage boys. My husband is a criminologist. My grandparents were farmers. I grew up in a small township. My mother raised me and my older sister after divorcing my father (a firefighter, paramedic, and Vietnam veteran) due to his alcoholism. I started working at age 14 parking cars at the county fair, then at a restaurant and grocery store. I know what it’s like to work hard and still struggle to pay bills. I was lucky to get a scholarship and government loan to attend college. I’m a proud graduate of the University of Minnesota.   I have a proven track record of getting things done in a divided government where no party had total control while representing Duluth in the state Legislature. I advanced measures improving access to affordable health care, reducing drug prices, and expanding coverage for telehealth. I closed corporate tax loopholes to make our tax system more fair. I was successful in securing millions of dollars in bonding projects, including the Essentia hospital and St. Luke’s-Aspirus medical district. As a Great Lakes commissioner, I advocated for federal funds to clean up the St. Louis River and to address invasive species.   It's the most chaotic and unproductive Congress in history. Rep. Pete Stauber is part of this by aligning with an extremist faction and corporate interests. He signed the lawsuit attempting to invalidate the 2020 election and voted against investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection. Stauber is a member of the Republican Study Committee , which supports restricting Social Security and Medicare . Stauber voted against the bipartisan infrastructure bill, which brought jobs and billions in funding for the Blatnik Bridge, roads, lead-line replacement, water treatment, airport improvements, and broadband. Yet, he didn’t hesitate to take credit. Stauber voted against domestic manufacturing (CHIPS Act), against access to contraception, against helping veterans exposed to toxins, against funding law enforcement, against affordable child care, against limiting use of PFAS, against capping the price of insulin, against funding for Ukraine, against a Republican bill lowering health care prices, against labor rights, and against voting rights. He supported an amendment reducing funding to district public schools by $6 million and sponsored a bill preventing access to IVF treatment.   Stauber has failed to deliver for our region. Despite being in office five years, he has passed only two of his bills into law: naming a post office and starting a task force. Stauber’s inability to work with others has resulted in missed economic-development and job opportunities. Stauber blames others and complains about issues he should be solving, including border security.   Stauber doesn’t show up. A town hall he hosted about delisting the wolf divided two groups, the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association and Hunters for Hunters. He should be spending more time in his own district and hosting in-person town halls so he can listen to folks he’s supposed to represent.   Stauber also ranks near the top for missed votes in Congress (top 11%) and has by far the most missed votes in Minnesota’s congressional delegation.   I will prioritize affordable housing, health care, child care, jobs, education, small businesses, climate resiliency, border security, and safe communities. I will protect veterans, Social Security, Medicare, tribal sovereignty, and our rights. I will fight to keep our rural health care facilities open. I will be a leader for responsible mining. I will listen, work across party lines, put country above party, fight for working families, deliver results, and be on your side.   There is a better way forward and a future where we improve lives by investing in people and in our communities. I ask for your vote in the Aug. 13 primary and Nov. 5 election.   -- Jen Schultz, Democratic candidate for Minnesota's 8th District

Duluth, MN - The Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) Rural Caucus is honored to announce its endorsement of Mark Munger for the Minnesota State House in District 3B. With a distinguished career in law, public service, and community involvement, Mark Munger brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to serving the people of District 3B. Born in St. Paul but raised in Duluth from a young age, Mark Munger has deep roots in the community. He graduated with honors from Duluth Denfeld High School, the University of Minnesota Duluth, and the William Mitchell College of Law. With a background as a trial attorney from 1981 to 1998, including serving as Proctor City Attorney for 14 years, Munger has a proven track record of advocating for justice and upholding the law. In 1998, Mark Munger was elected as a Judge and served in that capacity until January 2019. He continued to contribute to the legal system as a senior judge during the pandemic. Munger's commitment to public service extends beyond the courtroom as he is actively involved in the community as the Co-Executive Director of Grace ELCA in Hermantown and serving on the Voyageurs Scout Council Advancement Committee. Mark Munger's extensive experience, commitment to justice, and dedication to community service make him a strong candidate for the Minnesota State House. The DFL Rural Caucus stands behind Mark Munger and encourages voters to support him in the upcoming election. Learn more about Mark at mark4mn.com ###

Duluth, MN - The DFL Rural Caucus is thrilled to announce its endorsement of Rep. Alicia “Liish” Kozlowski for re-election in Minnesota State House District 8B. Serving their first term representing eastern Duluth, Rep. Kozlowski has been a dedicated advocate for inclusive and thriving economies, affordable housing, climate justice, education equity, and critical infrastructure in Minnesota. As a member of the Capital Investment, Economic Development Finance and Policy, Housing Finance and Policy, and Labor and Industry Finance and Policy Committees, Rep. Kozlowski has been a driving force in shaping legislation that supports a more equitable and sustainable future for all Minnesotans. Their commitment to advancing gender freedom, racial equity, and inclusion has been instrumental in creating positive change within the legislature. Rep. Kozlowski made history as the first non-binary/Two Spirit person to serve in the state legislature and proudly co-created the first Queer Caucus in the DFL party. Additionally, they were elected Vice Chair of the People of Color and Indigenous (POCI) Caucus, further demonstrating their dedication to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in Minnesota politics. "We are proud to endorse Rep. Alicia “Liish” Kozlowski for re-election in District 8B," said Theresa Keaveny, DFL Rural Caucus Chair. "Their leadership and advocacy on critical issues such as affordable housing, climate justice, and education equity have made a significant impact on our community. We urge voters to support Rep. Kozlowski in the upcoming election to continue moving Minnesota forward towards a more just and inclusive future." Rep. Alicia “Liish” Kozlowski's unwavering commitment to driving positive change and advancing equity and inclusion makes them an excellent choice for re-election in District 8B. The DFL Rural Caucus stands behind Rep. Kozlowski and encourages voters to show their support at the polls. Learn more about Alicia “Liish” Kozlowski at alicia-for-duluth.com.

Park Rapids, MN - The DFL Rural Caucus is excited to announce its endorsement of Brian M. Hobson for State Representative in Minnesota House District 5A. As a dedicated 3rd-grade teacher in Laporte, MN, Brian brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to serving his community and advocating for education. Raised in Pine City with parents who were educators and lawyers, Brian Hobson learned the values of responsibility and integrity from an early age. His entrepreneurial spirit was evident when he started his own lawn-mowing business at just twelve years old. Through his diverse teaching experience across Minnesota and abroad, Brian has demonstrated a strong work ethic and a passion for nurturing young minds. "With his master's degree and dedication to education, Brian Hobson is well-equipped to serve as the next State Representative for District 5A," said Theresa Keaveny, Chair of the DFL Rural Caucus. "His commitment to his community and his district's future make him an excellent candidate to represent the interests of the residents of 5A." Brian Hobson's lifelong dedication to education and community service, coupled with his strong work ethic and passion for helping others, make him a standout candidate for the Minnesota House. The DFL Rural Caucus proudly endorses Brian Hobson and encourages voters in District 5A to support his candidacy in the upcoming election. To learn more about Brian Hobson’s campaign, visit hobsonforhouse5a.com. ###

Rochester, MN - The Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) Rural Caucus proudly endorses Rachel Bohman for Congress in Minnesota's first congressional district. A lifelong resident of Rochester, Rachel has a deep commitment to rural communities and is dedicated to creating opportunities for all Southern Minnesotans. Rachel Bohman grew up in Rochester with a single mother, facing the challenges of poverty and addiction. Through hard work, she earned degrees and served as Head of Elections for Hennepin County. Now, as a proud mother of two, Rachel is running to bring her experience and vision to Washington. "Rachel Bohman's story is one of resilience and dedication to her community," said DFL Rural Caucus Chair Theresa Keaveny. "We are proud to support her in representing the interests of rural Minnesotans in Congress." Rachel's platform focuses on issues important to rural communities, such as healthcare, education, the Farm bill and economic development. She is committed to ensuring all Southern Minnesotans have access to the opportunities she had, and to bringing prosperity to the district. The DFL Rural Caucus urges voters in Minnesota's first congressional district to support Rachel Bohman in the upcoming election. Together, we can create a brighter future for all rural residents in Southern Minnesota. For more information on Rachel Bohman’s campaign for Congress, visit bohmanforcongress.com.

International Falls, MN - The DFL Rural Caucus is pleased to announce its endorsement of Mayor Harley Droba for the Minnesota State House in District 3A. Mayor Droba, a dedicated advocate for veterans' rights and community empowerment, brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to service to his campaign. Raised in International Falls, MN, Mayor Harley Droba's passion for service was shaped during his time in the Army and further strengthened through his advocacy for veterans' rights. As a prominent voice for veterans within the VFW and the Minnesota State VFW Council of Administration, Mayor Droba has demonstrated his dedication to supporting and representing those who have served our country. In addition to his advocacy for veterans, Mayor Droba has been a catalyst for positive change in his community. From revitalizing a local bowling alley for youth to promoting unity within the city council, his efforts have fostered a sense of community spirit and hope in International Falls. As a co-founder of IFalls Nice, Mayor Droba has worked to bring people together and advance progress in his community. Mayor Harley Droba's unwavering dedication to service, his advocacy for veterans, and his track record of community involvement make him a strong candidate for the Minnesota State House. The DFL Rural Caucus enthusiastically supports Mayor Droba and encourages voters to rally behind him in the upcoming election. Learn more about Harley Droba’s campaign at HarleyDroba.com. ###

Bemidji, MN - The DFL Rural Caucus proudly announces its endorsement of Reed Olson for the Minnesota State House in District 2A. Reed Olson, a small business owner and former Beltrami County Commissioner, brings a deep understanding of rural communities and a commitment to representing the interests of his constituents in St Paul. Coming from a proud Farmer's Union family in Litchfield, MN, Reed Olson's early experiences working in agriculture and his tenure as a Bemidji City Council member and Beltrami County Commissioner have equipped him with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively advocate for rural issues. "For over fifteen years, Reed Olson has been a small business owner in rural Minnesota, giving him a firsthand understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our rural communities," said Theresa Keaveny, DFL Rural Caucus Chair. "We are thrilled to endorse him in his bid for the State House and are confident that he will be a strong voice for rural Minnesotans in St Paul." Reed Olson's dedication to his community, experience in local government, and commitment to small business ownership make him an excellent choice to represent District 2A in the Minnesota State House. The DFL Rural Caucus urges voters to support Reed Olson in the upcoming election to ensure that rural voices are heard at the state level. For more information on Reed Olson's campaign, visit votereedolson.com.

We are thrilled to announce our endorsement of Jen Schultz for Congress (MN-08)! Her track record of community engagement and commitment to amplifying the voices of all Minnesotans make her the ideal candidate to represent the 8th Congressional District. We are confident that Jen will be a tireless advocate for rural interests and a champion for positive change in Washington. More information on this candidate visit https://www.jenschultzforcongress.com/ #dflruralcaucusendorsed #jenschultz #CD8 #Bluewave2024

Make plans to attend Precinct Caucuses on Tues. Feb. 27th and take any or all of these 10 DFL Rural Caucus resolutions for adoption.  These were chosen as priorities by Rural Caucus members in an online vote. Other resolutions that were submitted but not chosen as our Top Ten are found in the "Resolutions: Additional" attachment.

Here are some new rural caucus handouts for you to download and use! English: Spanish:

The MN Department of Agriculture just announced a new grant opportunity for secondary students in the meat industry. "A new grant opportunity from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) helps Minnesota schools looking to establish or enhance meat cutting and butchery training for secondary students. "The Meat Education and Training (MEAT) Grant Program will award about $350,000 in onetime funding from the Minnesota Legislature to secondary career and technical education programs (public or private schools or school districts) to fund equipment, facility renovation, curriculum development, faculty training, and more." For more information click on this link to the notice by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA): https://www.mda.state.mn.us/new-grant-brings-meat-cutting-butchery-training-mn-students