Our Endorsed Candidates 2022

Stay Tuned!! We continue to endorse candidates and will add them as that happens!

The DFL Environmental Caucus has carefully screened candidates and is proud to endorse the following candidates, they are listed in alphabetical order. A searchable spreadsheet is linked below.

Each of these DFL candidates has answered detailed written questions about their environmental and environmental justice positions and has interviewed before a committee inclusive of DFL Environmental Caucus Endorsement Committee members from within and near their district. The candidates have also agreed to support what the DFL Environmental Caucus stands for. Each candidate has a viable campaign.

Representative Patty Acomb is endorsed by the DFL Environmental Caucus! The current chair and founding member of the House Climate Action Caucus, Rep. Acomb is a natural resources professional and has served on state and national boards related to the environment. It’s no exaggeration to say that Patty is one of the most committed and effective environmentalist elected officials in Minnesota.

Representative Esther Agbaje is running for reelection in House District 59B, she is endorsed by the DFL Environmental Caucus.

Rep. Esther Agbaje has been a strong advocate for climate action and environmental justice in her Minneapolis community. As a renter and transit rider, Esther stands for clean transportation and clean buildings. She has also stood firmly against the destructive fossil fuel industry.

Representative Becker-Finn seeks reelection to the House in District 40B, she is endorsed by the DFL Environmental Caucus.

Rep Becker Finn is the Vice Chair of the Environment & Natural Resources Policy Committee and serves on the Outdoor Heritage Council to make recommendations regarding spending of Legacy dollars. Jamie supports: a) enforcing our environmental protection laws and holding polluters accountable – The costs of clean-up shouldn’t fall on tax payers; b) working proactively to address threats like aquatic invasive species and chronic wasting disease – These threats affect our Minnesota traditions and impact our billion dollar outdoors economy; c) accepting the realities of climate change and promoting transitions to renewable energy, including bringing more renewable energy jobs to Minnesota; d) protecting our public land and resources – These resources belong to all of us and Jamie works to make sure our great outdoors are accessible to all Minnesotans; and e) as chief author of the No Child Left Inside grant program to schools and community organizations, fighting to provide meaningful outdoor experiences for kids.

Kaela Berg is running for the Mn House of Representatives in 55B, she is endorsed by the DFL Environmental Caucus.

Addressing climate change is one of Kaela’s top priorities with the fight to move us away from fossil fuels and into cleaner energy options her focus. This has earned Kaela’s endorsement by the DFL Environmental Caucus. Kaela recognizes the opportunity to create good jobs with fair wages in clean energy. One example of her commitment is her chief authorship of a bill to assess carbon emissions of companies and use that money to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. @KaelaBerg

Representative Robert Bierman is running for reelection in House District 56A, he is endorsed by the DFL Environmental Caucus.

Representative Bierman is a member of the House Climate and Energy Finance and Policy committee and a leader in fighting the climate crisis. He has introduced legislation to establish tax credits for the purchase and installation of solar energy systems, fund the installation of pre-weatherization measures in eligible low-income households, and require the installation of electric vehicle charging station in state parks.

Representative Liz Boldon is running for Senate in District 25. Liz states that the climate crisis is an existential threat to our state and our health. This crisis compounds every problem in our community in addition to creating new and bigger problems. We are experiencing higher temperatures, more extreme storms, increased health costs, and increased costs for infrastructure repair and maintenance. We are witnessing the collapse of irreplaceable ecosystems that power our economies. This crisis affects all Minnesotans. The rich are able to shield themselves from the worst consequences while the rest of us and a disproportionate number of Black, brown, and indigenous communities suffer the most serious aspects of the climate crisis. Bold action now can effectively change these outcomes. 

We have the power, ingenuity, and resources needed right now to mitigate, manage, and mount a successful and economy building response to the climate crisis. Solutions are ready now, they only need to be implemented. I am all in on proposing and passing climate crisis mitigation and adaptation legislation. I believe that all Minnesotans deserve clean air to breathe, clean water to drink, and a healthy place to call home. All of these are threatened by the climate crisis and all can be addressed in an impactful way building resilience, creating jobs, and raising the standard of living for Minnesotans.   

I will fight to bring Minnesota to the front of the alternative energy economy with bold ideas and legislation. I will boldly fight to make Minnesota a climate crisis solution state. My Minnesota solutions to the climate crisis will effectively provide jobs, protect ecosystems, empower people and grow the economy. 

Aleta Borrud is running for Senate in SD 24 and is endorsed by the DFL Environmental Caucus!

Aleta is a physician with public health training with the Mayo clinic. This and her extraordinary ties to the land distinguish her candidacy. She witnessed land being destroyed by the Bakken oil fields while living on the North Dakota prairie and, after inheriting the family farm, learned about the importance of soil health in her involvement with the Land Steward Project. She now shares regenerative farming techniques with North Dakota farmers dealing with soil erosion, droughts and floods, skills that will help her succeed in the agricultural areas of her new district – Aleta lost her 2020 election bid by just 900 votes. Aleta impressed us with her knowledge of the environmental justice issues her district faces, and the solutions. She also wants Minnesota to become an EV leader, building an electric truck fleet to provide good paying union jobs and improve air quality. And she would love to serve on the Agriculture Committee and pass legislation that helps farmers improve their soil. We would love to see her do just that!

Nathan Coulter for House 51 B Energy and Environment – Climate change is an existential threat. We need bold action that reduces greenhouse gas emissions and puts us on a path to mitigating it – frankly, we needed it years ago. I was proud to support a resolution on the City Council declaring a climate emergency and committing the City of Bloomington to take those bold actions. The State of Minnesota can make bold energy infrastructure investments in electric vehicle charging stations and solar and wind facilities, and reduce the need for Minnesotans to drive cars everywhere they go. We have made it easier in Bloomington for residents to put solar panels on their homes, and are working to do so on city facilities. We’ve also adopted a Time of Sale Energy Disclosure ordinance, giving residents the information needed to make their own homes more energy efficient. The House DFL Climate Action Plan is an exciting proposal, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance it. There is absolutely no reason that we have to choose between good-paying jobs and protecting our environment, and we shouldn’t be stuck with this false dichotomy.

Congresswoman Angie Craig, CD 2, she is endorsed by the DFL Environmental Caucus.

Angie is running for reelection to Congress. Angie believes we can lower our carbon emissions, build an energy infrastructure that relies less on fossil fuels and attract and advance the industries of the future — and become a world leader in green innovation at the same time. She has worked across the aisle to find solutions that make progress for the environment, the economy and for future generations. Her first bill is a bipartisan effort to give local communities the funding they need to address runoff pollution enhanced by rapidly melting snow and rain. She is also co-sponsoring the bipartisan Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act, which will reduce the nation’s carbon emissions, unleash technological innovation and create new jobs.

Mary Frances Clardy HD53A (Inver Grove Heights, West St. Paul, Mendota Heights, Sunfish Lake)

Mary Francis considers climate change an existential threat to life on our planet and believes we must pursue all forms of clean energy ASAP. She supports mandating that our utilities be carbon free by 2040. She understands that low income and BIPOC communities remain underrepresented in environmental policy discussions and will work to change that. Mary Francis is also a strong supporter of “Prove it First” legislation, arguing that Minnesotans should not be “guinea pigs” for foreign-owned mining interests.  The DFL Environmental Caucus proudly endorses Mary Frances Clardy for House District 53A.

Jackie Craig is running for Senate in District 57, she is endorsed by the DFL Environmental Caucus.

Ms Craig brings great enthusiasm to her candidacy and a commitment to engaging and winning people over on environmental issues. She is well informed and will help the DFL Environmental Caucus meet it’s goals.

Kari Dorry is running for Senate in District 12,she is endorsed by the DFL Environmental Caucus.

Kari is an early childhood educator. Water quality and habitat preservation are her top priorities, and she is interested in working with rural agrarian communities on the best practices for farming and restoring waterways. She is a strong supporter of tribal communities in her district.

Senator Dziedzic is running for reelection in Minnesota Senate District 60, she is endorsed by the DFL Environmental Caucus.

Sen. Kari Dziedzic has been a champion on many climate issues important to her district, including transit, clean energy, and carbon pricing. She is keenly interested in consumer and environmental protection, and has authored bills to eliminate lead ammunition and allow cities to regulate pesticides.

Keith Ellison for Attorney General. The DFLEC proudly endorses MN Attorney General Keith Ellison. While in office as Attorney General, he has joined a coalition of 22 states, territories, and local governments in filing a lawsuit that challenges the Trump Administration’s unlawful final rule curtailing environmental review of federal actions under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The DFLEC has been a staunch opponent to any rollbacks of the environmental review and permitting process and we commend him for his action on this lawsuit. Also, in another great feat of environmental advocacy, his office has sued Exxon, Koch Industries, and the American Petroleum Institute over claims that the oil and gas companies violated Minnesota laws against consumer fraud, deceptive trade practices and false statements in advertising.

Senator Omar Fateh is seeking reelection in Minnesota Senate District 62 he is endorsed by the DFL Environmental Caucus.

Sen. Omar Fateh is a climate champion, supporting clean electricity, carbon pricing and vehicle electrification, while opposing new fossil fuel infrastructure. He supports Prove it First legislation, wild rice protection, and the Move on from Polymet campaign. In his community, Omar supports an environmentally just use of the Roof Depot site in the East Phillips neighborhood. #OmarFateh @OmarFatehMN

Representative Sandra Feist

Representative Sandra Feist is an incumbent Representative running for reelection in HD 39B in the New Brighton-Columbia Heights area. She is an immigration attorney and civil rights advocate who has previously earned this caucus’s endorsement, and has been a strong voice on environmental justice issues like Line 3. We look forward to continuing to work with Sandra as she continues her service in the House.

Clarice Grabau SD58 (Northfield, Farmington, Hampton, Lonsdale, parts of New Prague)

As a member of the Northfield City Council and a past member of the Northfield Climate Action Plan Advisory Committee, Clarice played a key role in the city’s landmark efforts to develop one of the state’s most ambitious climate action plans. She understands well that successful state and national actions will require a multifaceted, multijurisdictional approach involving local, state and federal collaboration to move first to carbon-free electricity and then to carbon-free energy. She also understands that climate change affects people of color, low income residents, and vulnerable populations disproportionately, and that our transition to a carbon-free economy must include initiatives that lessen these impacts. The caucus wholeheartedly endorses her candidacy.

Heather Gustafson is running for Senate in District 36

Heather is a high school history teacher with 4 kids of her own. When she tried to get her city council to become a Green Step City and the mayor blocked it, Heather decided it was time for more people to get “political.” She is connected with the NE Metro Climate Action group and is a strong community organizer who will be a great asset in the senate. As Heather put it,  “This is no time to be scared, we have to get to work.” We agree.

Representative Rick Hansen HD 53 B, he is endorsed by the DFL Environmental Caucus. As chair of House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy, Rick chief authors a number of bills crucial to the environment, including: a) Omnibus environment, natural resources, and tourism policy and finance; b) Environment and natural resources trust fund money; c) Clean water fund funding; d) Climate resiliency program funding; and e) Aquatic invasive species grant funding. As a legislative leader on the environment, he also authored bills to impose stiff fees on pollinator lethal insecticides with the revenues going to pollinator research; prohibit pesticide and fertilizer coatings that are not readily biodegradable; and requiring cities to allow native landscapes on private land. Rick Hansen understands the urgency of fighting the climate crisis and the range of related environmental concerns.

Representative Jessica Hanson is running for reelection in House District 55A, she is endorsed by the DFL Environmental Caucus. Representative Hanson can be counted on to support sound environmental initiatives. For example, she has signed on to bills to move promotion of mining out of the DNR, to establish revenue neutral carbon emission assessments with the proceeds dedicated to energy efficiency and renewable energy project loans, and the Clean Energy First Act bill to shift priorities of the Public Utilities Commission.

Frank Horstein, 61A

Addressing the climate crisis by promoting safe, clean renewable energy, and lessening our reliance on fossil fuels are high priority in my legislative service. I am a strong proponent of the Green New Deal, which I developed in consultation with Minnesota climate justice advocates including many students. I have authored legislation to increase the state’s renewable energy standard, and incentivize the use of electric and hybrid vehicles. I will continue to support Minnesota’s moratorium on building additional nuclear power plants.

I support efforts to promote clean water by reducing agricultural runoff through buffer strips, and reducing the use of chemical herbicides and pesticides. I support efforts to protect pollinators. I oppose the Line 3 dirty oil pipeline and copper-nickel mining.

María Isa Pérez-Hedges for House 65B is endorsed by the DFL Environmental Caucus. María Isa Pérez-Hedges combines her artistic ability with her passion for environmental justice. María Isa currently directs the mentorship program for the Twin Cities Mobile Jazz Project, which empowers young people through music and a cultural curriculum. She also serves on the Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board Public Engagement Advisory Task Force, working to ensure the Capitol is a welcoming space for community. Maria will advocate for honoring treaty rights, utilizing solar to make electricity accessible, developing affordable transit options, and including environmental justice in educational curriculum at all levels. She is endorsed by AG Keith Ellison, Mayor Melvin Carter and many others. She is running unopposed.

Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger for House 47A, she is endorsed by the DFL Environmental Caucus, she brings a science-based, data-driven approach to everything she does. She currently serves as a Legislative and Policy Analyst with the Office of Inspector General at the Department of Human Services. She worked as a forensics scientist earlier in her career. She is an excellent communicator with a penchant for bringing her love of nature to others. She will be a force to be reckoned with in the Legislature. Amanda is running unopposed for the DFL endorsement.

John Hest is endorsed by the DFL Environmental Caucus. John is an educator, he teaches history and is an academic advisor. John comes from a multigenerational farming family. John is a member of the Minnesota Farmers Union and a graduate of their New Leader Academy.

Josiah Hill is endorsed by the DFL Environmental caucus he is running for House in district 33 B.

Athena Hollins is running for House in District 66B she is endorsed by the DFL Environmental Caucus. Ms Hollins calls for immediate action against the existential threat of climate change, which disproportionately impacts the economically disadvantaged and communities of color. She fights for bold policy initiatives, including a statewide commitment to 100% clean energy; a green economy founded on good, accessible union jobs; electric school buses and public transportation; and collaboration with communities of color to end the cycle of our neighbors being disproportionately burdened by the effects of climate change.

Samakab Hussein

Samakab Hussein for House 65A is endorsed by the DFL Environmental Caucus! The caucus applauded Samakab’s support of getting the lead out of our drinking water, the Prove it First initiative, and a new deal on clean energy that addresses the climate crisis while providing good jobs. His campaign is impressive, as is the number of endorsements this 2016 national DNC delegate has received. The DFLEC Executive Committee is pleased to endorse Samakab unanimously.

Rep. Sydney Jordan represents 60A, which includes parts of northeast Minneapolis, she is endorsed by the DFL Environmental Caucus.

Rep. Sydney Jordan lives and breathes environmental advocacy. She has been a champion on numerous Environmental Caucus priorities including mining, clean water, toxic substances, climate and fossil fuels. Sydney serves as Vice Chair of the Legacy Finance committee and is on the Environment and Natural Resources committee.

Alicia Kozlowski for 8 B, Alicia has been active in the Duluth community over the past 12 years; first as a community organizer before joining the city’s Leadership Team in 2019.  She highlights her heritage as strengths for her candidacy.  That includes being an Anishinaabe-Ojibwe direct descendent of the Grand Portage Band of Ojibwe, a third-generation Mexican-American, and a member of the LGBTQ+ community.

Larry Kraft for House 46A addressing climate change is what inspires me to be involved in public service. If we don’t get climate right, it will continue to make every other issue worse. Climate change is also a tremendous opportunity to generate good jobs, to clean our water and air, to improve our health, and to deepen and restore our relationship with the natural world. As the impacts of climate change fall disproportionately on the least advantaged among us, climate investments also must address the inequalities caused by the fossil fuel economy.

Senator Mary Kunesh is running for reelection in Minnesota Senate District 39, she is endorsed by the DFL Environmental Caucus.

Senator Mary Kunesh has been a champion on environmental justice issues, including opposition to Line 3 and leadership on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives. She serves as the ranking member of the Mining and Forestry Policy Committee.

Steve Cwodzinski, SD 49

As someone who enjoys spending his free time in a canoe or hiking, Steve has an intimate knowledge of the beauty and importance of Minnesota’s natural landscape and resources. Climate change threatens many of the things that make Minnesota such a great place to live from our 10,000 lakes to our farmable land and fresh air. 

As a member of the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Policy and Legacy Finance Committee, Steve passionately works to maintain and protect our environment through policies that invest in conservation, reduce emissions and promote clean energy solutions. He is committed to helping Minnesota achieve its goal of 100% renewable energy by 2050. We owe it to future generations to act now to protect our climate so they enjoy our environment as well. 

Ron Latz for SD 46 Clean Energy Future and a Healthy Climate In the land of 10,000 lakes and so much more, our environment needs champions who will protect our precious land by standing up against special interests and corporate greed. Climate change stands as an existential threat to our world. We must act now to pass progressive measures that will reduce emissions, grow clean energy solutions, and lessen our human footprint through changes in our everyday lives, while still supporting jobs that will place Minnesota at the forefront of the next generation of clean jobs.

Liz Lee is proudly endorsed by the DFL Environmental Caucus for Representative from HD 24B

Representative Tina Liebling running for reelection in HD 24B, she is endorsed by the DFL Environmental Caucus. Many of Representative Liebling’s House committee assignments have been in the health and human services area, but she has also served on tax, law, and appropriations committees. She chaired the House’s Health and Human Services (HHS) Policy Committee from 2013-2015. She was the DFL health care lead on the HHS Finance Committee (2015-2017) and the DFL lead on the HHS Reform Committee (2017-2018). She was chair of the HHS Finance Division, which controlled a third of the state’s budget, from 2019-2020. After a reorganization of the HHS committees, she now chairs the House’s Health Finance and Policy Committee. Tina expressed a strong commitment to protecting our water and voiced opposition to the proposed Polymet mine in her 2018 run for governor.

Representative Jamie Long is running for reelection to the Minnesota House of Representatives in House District 61 B, he is endorsed by the DFL Environmental Caucus.

Rep. Jamie Long is one of the House’s foremost climate champions, and Minnesotans are fortunate to have him as Chair of the Climate and Energy Committee. He has been leading the way on an equitable energy transition for Minnesota and authored numerous clean energy bills.

Senator John Marty District 40, is endorsed by the DFL Environmental Caucus. Senator Marty is Minnesota’s long-standing champion of the environment, whether it’s fighting climate change or those who would damage our precious natural resources. We particularly cheer his legislation this Session to require the state to plan for an equitable, sustainable and 100 percent renewable energy future designed with Minnesota’s economy at net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. Senator Marty’s experience and strong record of bills and advocacy for our key issues make him the clear choice.

Congresswoman Betty McCollum Congressional District 4 is endorsed by the DFL Environmental Caucus The caucus recognizes that Betty McCollum has spent her career fighting for the protection of Minnesota’s Boundary Waters and is a proud co-sponsor of the Green New Deal, which would not only address the climate crisis, but create jobs and reduce economic inequality. The DFLEC Executive Committee is proud to endorse her re-election as the climate and environmental champion we need representing the Fourth District in Congress.

Samantha Sencer-Mura for House 63A

Dr. Alice Mann for SD 50

Minnesota is home to some of the most picturesque and well-known lands in the country. We need to protect our lakes and wetlands, as they provide so much of our way of life. We need to reduce our dependence on plastic, and reduce our carbon footprint.

Our state can spur investment in green energy and climate-positive solutions, in order to give the best Minnesota we can to our future generations.

Senator Jen McEwen is running for reelection in Senate District 8 and is endorsed by the DFL Environmental Caucus.

Sen. Jen McEwen represents the Duluth area and is a leader in the Senate on environmental issues. She is the chief author of the Prove it First legislation and she educates, advocates, and fights for strong environmental policies.

Nancy McLean is running for Minnesota Senate in SD 33 and is endorsed by the DFL Environmental Caucus.

Nancy is a strong supporter of Prove It First and is passionate about reducing barriers for underrepresented communities and helping people access renewable energy. She managed an organization with an environmental justice component and if elected, she would like to join the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators. She is eager to learn from experts about environmental issues as she works towards environmental justice.

Nicole Mitchell for Senate in District 47 is endorsed by the DFL Environmental Caucus and brings an impressive background of science and public communications to the table as a meteorologist and, previously, a production manager of a daily TV program on environmental impacts. She interned with Turner Broadcasting on climate change issues a decade ago. The caucus found her to be particularly well informed and well read and believes she will serve caucus interests well at the Capital. Nicole is running unopposed for the DFL endorsement.

Kelly Morrison, for MN Senate District 45

Environmental Protection
Minnesota is already on the cutting edge of renewable energy. Kelly believes that we should work to lead the nation toward a renewable energy standard, while creating thousands of 21st century jobs in wind and solar power right here in our state. We must set ambitious goals to reduce our carbon emissions as we confront the climate crisis.
As a 6th generation Minnesotan, Kelly is proud of our state’s history of protecting our lakes, rivers, and wetlands, and believes that we need to continue that legacy for generations to come.
Minnesota is already on the cutting edge of renewable energy. Kelly believes that we should work to lead the nation toward a renewable energy standard, while creating thousands of quality 21st century jobs in wind and solar power right here in our state.
Protecting pollinators and moving away from the use of dangerous pesticides are also priorities of Kelly’s.
Kelly is concerned about the proposed Glencore/PolyMet and Antofagasta/Twin Metals sulfide mining projects in water-rich Minnesota, and is working to change our mining permitting laws to better reflect the risk of sulfide mining.

Matt Norris is running for Minnesota House of Representatives in HD 37 and is endorsed by the DFL Environmental Caucus. He comes from a family of wildlife biologists and that background has led him to be passionate about protecting and restoring wildlife, natural places, and wildlife corridors. He has a deep knowledge of many environmental issues and he understands and communicates the interconnectivity between the environment, the economy, and education.

Senator Sandy Pappas is running for Senate in District 65, Sandy is proudly endorsed by the DFL Environmental Caucus. Sandy Pappas has served in the Legislature since 1991. She has introduced legislation phasing out dangerous chemicals in household products, requiring the State Board of Investment to divest from fossil fuel investments, and funding the replacement of lead water pipes. Pappas is currently the ranking minority member in the Senate Capital Investment Committee. She hopes that will change and that Senate DFLers gain the majority needed to pass a strong capital investment bill supporting ecologically sustainable infrastructure, mass transit, and wastewater treatment. We look forward to her leadership as Capital Investments Chair and the initiatives she will help pass when that happens.

Senator Lindsey Port is running for reelection to the MN Senate in District 55 and is endorsed by the DFL Environmental Caucus.

Lindsey understands that climate change threatens the very things that make Minnesota a great place to live and that we must protect our environment and natural resources for our children, and our children’s children. She supports a 100% carbon-free standard for electricity generation by 2050 and sustained investment in statewide public transit, including light rail, buses, and more bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. And she considers protecting the clean water of the Boundary Waters and the Great Lakes absolutely vital, realizing we must not let short term economic gain for multinational mining conglomerates prevail. She believes that investing in green economy jobs, telework careers, and increasing tourism can help build a stable economy for all Minnesotans without risking our most sacred resources. She is lead author of a bill requiring climate justice instruction in school districts and charter schools.

Erin Presse for HD 57B Endorsed by DFLEC!!!

HD 57B Erin Presse (Northern Lakeville)

Erin Preese is an ELL teacher in Lakeville and a mom who cares deeply about the future we leave our children. She believes the time is right to push the move to clean energy. “It’s clear that we need to reduce our fossil fuel use, not only for the survival of our planet, but for national security and economic reasons as well.” She believes this is a good time to invest some of Minnesota’s budget surplus into infrastructure projects that would move us toward a clean energy future. Her school was the first in Lakeville to install solar panels and the solar energy is already making the district money. We think Erin will be an excellent addition to the Minnesota House and represent Lakeville well.

Kristi Pursell is running for the office of House of Representatives for District 58A and and is endorsed by the DFL Environmental Caucus.

Ms Pursell believes that rural and greater Minnesota citizens are key to fixing Minnesota’s environmental problems and addressing climate change. Her position as the Executive Director of Clean River Partners, with clean water her “wheelhouse,” and as a former farmer gave credence to this position and made her description of climate change as an existential threat all the more compelling. Pursell will add an important dimension to the Legislature and serve as a solid replacement for Representative Todd Lippert.

Lucy Rehm is running for House in District 48B, She is proudly endorsed by the DFL Environmental Caucus. Lucy believes this is the year to flip this seat! She has served on the Chanhassen City Council for over a year where she has been a voice for future generations. She is passionate about our clean water, marshes, wetlands, and lakes. Her time teaching in Japan opened her eyes to living with less, and she is a zero-waste advocate. She supports a transition to electric vehicles while recognizing that we need to lessen our dependence of cars. She wants to see more emphasis placed on public transportation options and bikeable and walkable communities. Lucy comes highly recommended by the committee.

Kari Rehrauer is running for Senate in District 37 and is endorsed by the DFL Environmental Caucus.

Kari supports education and strong regulations to protect Minnesota waterways. She supports changing our energy systems to support a Minnesota Green New Deal, and is concerned about Invasive species, and supporting Minnesota parks and natural places as a means for people and wildlife to thrive..

Liz Reyer for HD 52A

Liz Reyer is a first term member of the MN House who has worked for 30 years in research and as a leadership coach.  She is an active hiker and biker, a mom, and a new grandmother, who wants her granddaughter to know and experience our beautiful planet as she has. Liz is laser focused on helping to build that future in an equitable manner, and so she asks with each new bill, “does it move us towards our climate goals?” Also, “how does it impact disadvantaged communities?” This is demonstrated by the bills she has authored and co-authored. She supports bills to test and remove lead from our homes and schools. Liz sees this as “a fundamental equity issue that disproportionately affects BIPOC and lower income communities. She is a co-author of Prove it First and will continue to advocate for a hearing and passage of the bill. She is lead author of a bill to provide reliable funding to our SWCDs to support local work on erosion control, water quality management, and soil carbon sequestration. She supports the $1 billion House Climate Caucus package and is lead author on a bill to establish grants for solar systems on public buildings. Liz supports a state goal of carbon neutral energy production by 2030, and would  incorporate education, grants, loans, and tax incentives to local governments, and landowners to help achieve it.  She also supports a federal and state carbon fee and dividend program. Liz really impressed us with her communication skills, and the initiative she has taken to lead on climate and environmental justice issues.

Judy Seeberger for Senate in Senate District 41, Endorsed by DFL Environmental Caucus.

Judy is a teacher, a fire department paramedic, and a former trial lawyer. She loves the St. Croix River Valley, where she lives, and has a strong understanding of the environmental issues her community faces. She is a strong supporter of Prove it First, increased tax incentives for those who invest in renewable energy, and eliminating subsidies for fossil fuels. She will continue to push renewable energy and the infrastructure we need to support it, and believes our future depends on it. Judy will be a strong voice and a partner with the caucus.

Jen Schultz, US House of Representatives CD 8 Jen states:

Global climate change is affecting every part of the world, including Minnesota. In the last several years, Northern Minnesota has dealt with significant drought, massive forest fires and damaging floods. The science is clear: these issues will get worse unless we take urgent action.

I see an amazing opportunity for Northern Minnesota to be at the forefront of addressing climate change.

Andy Smith for HD 25B

All my life I’ve heard politicians calling for climate action to preserve the world for their “kids and grandkids.” Unfortunately, previous generations have not taken the steps needed to prevent climate change’s catastrophic impacts. Environmental change is no longer a theoretical or future problem, but an existential threat. We need to take drastic action as a state to divest from fossil fuels, invest in green technologies that create new jobs, support infrastructure encouraging public transportation, and protect the beautiful Minnesota environment.

I promise that in office I will prioritize immediate action, challenging even my DFL colleagues to better address climate change. https://www.andysmithmn.com/climate-action

Laurel Stinson HD20A (Red Wing, Lake City, Wabasha, Goodhue, Cannon Falls)

As a member of the Red Wing City Council, Laurel helped craft a city resolution declaring racism a public health emergency, with the goal to draw attention to the ways marginalized people often lack a seat at the table, including on environmental matters. She believes we must invest in the infrastructure of clean water and clean energy, as well as housing, public transportation, and agriculture if we are to make our rural communities and small farms sustainable. We agree with Laurel and proudly endorse her candidacy to the Minnesota House.

Rep. Tou Xiong is running for Senate in District 44 and is endorsed by the DFL Environmental Caucus “We are only as strong as the environment we live in.” This statement by Tou perfectly summarizes his commitment to preserving and protecting the environment. Currently serving as the Representative in HD53A and a member of the POCI caucus, he believes we all must be stewards of our water and not lose sight of protecting our environment as we work for safe, just communities. His experience in the Legislature, his strong community connections, and his work for environmental justice made our endorsement an easy choice. Tou is running for the Senate in his new district, SD44.

Hanna Valento is running for House in 33A and has the proud endorsement of the DFL Environmental Caucus!

Rep Tou Xiong running for Senate in District 44

Jeremy Vinar is running for House of Representatives in 12 B and is endorsed by the DFL Environmental Caucus.

Jeremys a strong supporter of “Prove it First” and investing in renewable energy and mass transportation to reduce the state’s reliance on fossil fuel infrastructure. He believes that greater oversight and regulations of corporate activities will help to combat consumer chemicals, reduce greenhouse emissions, and deforestation of natural habitats.

Schultz, CD 8

Kozlowski, 8B

Stinson, 20A

Horstein, 61A

Westlin, 42

Morrison, 45

Latz, 46

Cwodzinski, 49

Mann, 50

Searchable Spreadsheet of DFL Environmental Caucus Endorsed Candidates.

docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/10uFXu7LkCCSMpz8BAC4mzAHZozr6ucBrWo-ecKhbZjg/edit?usp=sharing

Mary Hinnenkamp for House District 23A, Albert Lea, 24 towns, 34 townships in CD1 Mary Hinnenkamp grew up on a dairy farm in central Minnesota. She is a retired teacher, and long time DFLer who worked on the Tim Penny campaign in 1979. Mary’s passion for farming makes her an excellent fit for her district. She has a strong understanding of the benefits of regenerative agriculture and wants her district to become a model for how to do it. She knows that farmers want to protect their soil but are financially strapped and will need financial incentives to help them embrace soil health practices. She will use her deep listening skills to find common ground that is a win-win for her constituents and the environment. Mary also supports Prove it First, building infrastructure and incentives for EV cars, and wind and solar expansion that will boost rural economies. Mary states, “If elected, I think we need to take very seriously the threat of climate change, and it needs to be part of every law-making decision, how this decision will affect people in our communities, and in disadvantaged communities around the world.” Jeff Brand for HD18A in Mankato, North Mankato, St. Peter, Nicollet in CD1 Jeff is a former St. Peter City Council member and has served in the Minnesota House losing his 2020 run for reelection by just 108 votes. He has also worked as a field worker with the Minnesota Environmental Partnership on initiatives to clean up the Minnesota River. Jeff admits there is a lot of work left to do when it comes to protecting our drinking water. He spoke most passionately about the need to keep PFAS out of our water with 98 landfills leaking into rivers and streams and new safety standards of 2 parts per trillion for lifetime exposure to the toxin. He agrees with the statement that we should judge the strength of our economy based on how clean our water is. Jeff supports a multimodal approach to transportation, developing wind and solar for energy independence, and Prove it First coupled with financial assurance to protect taxpayers. He is a strong supporter of Forever Green and chief author of a 2019 bill to support continuous cover and help bring perennial crops such as Kernza to the market. Jeff works to build trust by working with people across his district and is proud of the 13 bills he passed during his term in the legislature. He does not engage in divisive politics because, “at the end of the day, we need to get things done!”

Jim Carlson for Senate District 52, Eagan, Northern Burnsville in CD2 Jim Carlson Senator Jim Carslon has a long history of support for a healthy environment. He is recognized as a legislative champion for Prove it First by Friends-BWACA. His legislative concerns include: Education, transportation, health care, economic vitality, voter access. He served as ranking minority leader on the Transportations finance and policy committee. Senator Carlson has a strong record of voting for bills to foster the transition to EVs, provide carbon free electricity by 2040, and net zero carbon emissions by 2050.