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2027 · MINNESOTA · U.S. SENATE (SPECIAL)

MINNESOTA · 2027 U.S. SENATE SPECIAL

A WIDER BENCH FOR A SPECIAL ELECTION.

MUGWUMPS · ATLAS · MINNESOTA · MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2026

Published by Langhorne P. Breedlove · 4:01 PM ET · Expanded convergence edition

01 | THE SEAT AND THE ELECTION

Governor-elect Amy Klobuchar is expected to vacate her Class I U.S. Senate seat on assuming office in January 2027. The appointing governor depends on the actual resignation date; an interim appointment and the November 2027 election are distinct. For an early-2027 vacancy, the statutory calendar points to August 10, 2027 for the primary and November 2, 2027 for the special general election. The winner completes the term ending January 3, 2031. (Source 1) (Source 2)

The separate 2026 Class II Senate race was won by Peggy Flanagan over Michele Tafoya. The same November 2026 election chose Klobuchar as governor. Neither the appointment nor the 2027 candidate field is finalized in the reviewed November 9 record. Official results provide history, not predictions of voter behavior. (Source 3)

02 | MINNESOTA POLICY LANDSCAPE

HOUSING & REGIONAL SUPPLY · Twin Cities affordability, development capacity and local zoning; Atlas match: Safe, Dignified Public Housing (New Dealers/Greenbacks). (Source 4)

CHILDCARE & CAREGIVING · Family costs, care availability and workforce shortages; Atlas match: Maternity, Childcare & Caregiving (New Dealers/Farmer–Labor). (Source 4)

NITRATE EXPOSURE IN WELLS · Agricultural watershed runoff, drinking-water testing and farm conservation; Atlas match: Punish Polluters, paired with conservation (Greens/Farmer–Labor). (Source 4)

RURAL HEALTHCARE · Provider access, maternal services, hospital staffing and transport; Atlas match: Universal Comprehensive Healthcare (New Dealers/Blue Dogs). (Source 4)

TRIBAL RIGHTS & LAND/WATER · Treaty duties, sovereign authority and Nation-specific infrastructure; Atlas match: Fulfill Tribal Treaties & Restore Sovereignty (Federalists/Libertarians). (Source 4)

03 | EXPANDED RESEARCH-APPROVED DIRECTORY

The register retains civic, occupational and geographically diverse figures with meaningful documented service. Prior party office, electoral experience and the distinction between workplace location and residence are identified in individual profiles. Public-record inclusion does not imply candidacy, agreement, nomination or endorsement.

AGRICULTURE & RURAL LIVELIHOODS

01 | GARY WERTISH | West-central/southwest Minnesota · agricultural and lakes regions

Family farmer; Minnesota Farmers Union president; township supervisor for decades

02 | REBECCA WHITING | North-central Minnesota · Iron Range/Itasca/Bemidji regional network

2026 Libertarian Senate nominee and former Army medic; farmer

03 | ROB KUPEC | Western Minnesota · Fargo–Moorhead/Red River Valley

Minnesota Senate, January 2023–present (about 3 years 10 months); earlier professional meteorology career, whose precise employment timeline requires confirmation.

LABOR & WORKER SERVICES

04 | BERNIE BURNHAM | Northeast Minnesota · Duluth–Superior/Arrowhead

Former elementary teacher; Minnesota AFL-CIO president since 2022

05 | JEN MCEWEN | Northeast Minnesota · Duluth–Superior/Arrowhead

Minnesota Senate, January 2021–present (about 5 years 10 months); prior attorney and public defender experience; Senate labor committee leadership during 2023–2026.

06 | MARY C. TURNER | Twin Cities metro and surrounding suburbs

ICU nurse; Minnesota Nurses Association president 2015–2024; University of Minnesota regent from 2023

TRIBAL & INDIGENOUS INSTITUTIONS

07 | ERIN STRESOW | North-central Minnesota · Iron Range/Itasca/Bemidji regional network

Leech Lake Tribal College president. President since July 7, 2026; roughly two decades in tribal and higher education leadership.

08 | HEATHER KEELER | Western Minnesota · Fargo–Moorhead/Red River Valley

Minnesota House, January 2021–present (about 5 years 10 months); higher-education multicultural recruitment and local commission service preceded state office; announced but did not file for 2026 U.S. House race.

09 | MAGGIE LORENZ | Twin Cities metro and surrounding suburbs

Wakaŋ Tipi Awaŋyaŋkapi executive director. Current Metro Urban Indian Directors leadership; start date unverified.

10 | MARY K. KUNESH | Twin Cities metro and surrounding suburbs

Minnesota House, 2017–2020 (4 years); state Senate, January 2021–present (nearly 6 years); earlier career in education.

11 | NICOLE MATTHEWS | Twin Cities metro and surrounding suburbs

Minnesota Indian Women's Sexual Assault Coalition CEO. Current co-chair of Metro Urban Indian Directors; CEO start date unverified.

12 | TRAVIS EARTH-WERNER | Twin Cities metro and surrounding suburbs

American Indian Community Development Corporation CEO. Current co-chair of Metro Urban Indian Directors; CEO start date unverified.

13 | TULEAH PALMER | North-central Minnesota · Iron Range/Itasca/Bemidji regional network

Blandin Foundation president and CEO. Over 30 years across nonprofit, tribal and public systems; current CEO start not verified.

14 | WINONA LADUKE | Minnesota statewide / precise regional base to confirm

Green Party national vice-presidential campaigns in 1996 and 2000; Indigenous land and environmental advocacy spanning several decades. Current organizational tenure requires updated records.

HEALTH SYSTEMS

15 | ALEXANDER ABBOTT | Southeast/south-central Minnesota · Rochester–Owatonna corridor

Northfield Hospital + Clinics CEO. Current in 2026; exact tenure start not verified.

16 | AMY JERDEE | West-central/southwest Minnesota · agricultural and lakes regions

St. Francis Regional Medical Center president and CEO. Since June 2019, about seven years in executive role.

17 | BEN DAVIS | West-central/southwest Minnesota · agricultural and lakes regions

Glencoe Regional Health president and CEO. Current in 2026; tenure start not independently verified.

18 | GREG RUBERG | Northeast Minnesota · Duluth–Superior/Arrowhead

Lake View Hospital president and CEO. Current in 2026; hospital association board chair.

19 | JASON CARON | North-central Minnesota · Iron Range/Itasca/Bemidji regional network

Sanford Health Bemidji president and CEO. CEO since January 2026; physician at hospital since 2004.

20 | LISA BJERGA | Central Minnesota · St. Cloud and surrounding counties

Lakewood Health System president and CEO. Current in 2026; start date not verified.

21 | PATRICIA BANKS | Northeast Minnesota · Duluth–Superior/Arrowhead

Ely-Bloomenson Community Hospital CEO. Current hospital association board executive; tenure start unverified.

22 | PAULA MESKAN | West-central/southwest Minnesota · agricultural and lakes regions

River's Edge Hospital CEO. Current in 2026; executive tenure start not verified.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & PHILANTHROPY

23 | BENYA KRAUS | Southeast/south-central Minnesota · Rochester–Owatonna corridor

Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation president and CEO. Since June 16, 2025; formerly Resource Rural and Lead for America.

24 | BRIAN VOERDING | Central Minnesota · St. Cloud and surrounding counties

Initiative Foundation president. Current in 2026; exact tenure not verified.

25 | CHANDA SMITH BAKER | Twin Cities metro and surrounding suburbs

Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation president and CEO. Since August 25, 2025; previously executive roles at Minneapolis Foundation and Pillsbury United Communities.

26 | ERIK OSBERG | West-central/southwest Minnesota · agricultural and lakes regions

Public work in regional economic development, construction, media and finance; 2026 U.S. House District 7 candidate. Individual employer dates not established.

27 | HEATHER LOGELIN | Minnesota statewide / precise regional base to confirm

St. Croix Valley Foundation president and CEO. Current foundation leader in 2026; exact appointment date unverified.

28 | KAREN WHITE | North-central Minnesota · Iron Range/Itasca/Bemidji regional network

Northwest Minnesota Foundation president and CEO. Current in 2026; tenure start not verified.

29 | PETER MCDERMOTT | North-central Minnesota · Iron Range/Itasca/Bemidji regional network

Community foundation board member; former Minnesota Diversified Industries CEO. Former CEO of MDI and Itasca Economic Development Corporation; decades in northern Minnesota.

30 | SCOTT MARQUARDT | West-central/southwest Minnesota · agricultural and lakes regions

Southwest Initiative Foundation president. Current in 2026; tenure start not verified.

31 | SHAUN FLOERKE | Northeast Minnesota · Duluth–Superior/Arrowhead

Boreal Waters Community Foundation president and CEO. Listed on Minnesota Council on Foundations 2026 board; exact tenure unverified.

32 | VALERIE CASTILE | Twin Cities metro and surrounding suburbs

Philando Castile Relief Foundation community and advocacy work following Philando Castile's death in 2016; individual foundation leadership dates and formal current title need verification.

FOOD SECURITY

33 | SARAH MOBERG | Twin Cities metro and surrounding suburbs

Second Harvest Heartland CEO. Approximately five years at organization; previously 25 years at General Mills.

34 | SOPHIA LENARZ-COY | Twin Cities metro and surrounding suburbs

The Food Group executive director. Current in 2026; exact tenure start not verified.

COMMUNITY ADVOCACY & PUBLIC VISIBILITY

35 | ANNA WASESCHA | West-central/southwest Minnesota · agricultural and lakes regions

West Central Initiative president. Current in 2026; start date not verified.

36 | CHERYL REEVE | Twin Cities metro and surrounding suburbs

Minnesota Lynx basketball coach, executive and championship-winning leader

37 | LINDSAY WHALEN | Twin Cities metro and surrounding suburbs

Former Minnesota Lynx player and University of Minnesota basketball coach

EMERGING AND EXPERIENCED POLITICAL FIGURES

38 | ARIC PUTNAM | Central Minnesota · St. Cloud and surrounding counties

Minnesota Senate, January 2021–present (about 5 years 10 months); earlier teacher and college professor. Unsuccessful Minnesota House campaigns in 2016 and 2018.

39 | BECCA GOOD | Twin Cities metro and surrounding suburbs

Public community advocacy and federal-enforcement accountability statements documented in 2026; no verified prior elected-office tenure or formal political party role.

40 | ERIN K. MAYE QUADE | Twin Cities metro and surrounding suburbs

Minnesota House, 2017–2018 (2 years); Minnesota Senate, January 2023–present (about 3 years 10 months); nonprofit leadership and earlier congressional staff work, dates not fully established.

41 | GRANT HAUSCHILD | Northeast Minnesota · Duluth–Superior/Arrowhead

USDA rural development, July 2011–January 2014 (about 2½ years); U.S. Senate staff, 2014–2015; Hermantown City Council, November 2020–November 2022 (2 years); state Senate, January 2023–present (about 3 years 10 months).

42 | JAKE JOHNSON | Southeast/south-central Minnesota · Rochester–Owatonna corridor

Rochester public-school mathematics teacher; 2026 U.S. House District 1 candidate. Length of teaching tenure and final election certification require confirmation.

43 | KAOHLY HER | Twin Cities metro and surrounding suburbs

Saint Paul mayor, inaugurated January 2026; former state representative

44 | LEIGH DAWN FINKE | Twin Cities metro and surrounding suburbs

Minnesota House, January 2023–present (about 3 years 10 months); earlier media and advocacy work, full employment dates not established.

45 | LIISH KOZLOWSKI | Northeast Minnesota · Duluth–Superior/Arrowhead

Duluth community-relations officer, February 2019–December 2022 (about 3 years 11 months); Minnesota House, January 2023–present (about 3 years 10 months).

46 | MARISA SIMONETTI | Twin Cities metro and surrounding suburbs

2026 independent Senate candidate; earlier Hennepin County electoral campaigns

47 | NICK A. FRENTZ | West-central/southwest Minnesota · agricultural and lakes regions

Minnesota Senate, January 2017–present (nearly 10 years); attorney by profession; chaired energy-related Senate committee in 2023–2026.

48 | STEVE GREEN | Minnesota statewide / precise regional base to confirm

Minnesota House, January 2013–2022 (10 years); Minnesota Senate, January 2023–present (about 3 years 10 months); business and vocational background predates legislative service.

49 | TRINA SWANSON | Northeast Minnesota · Duluth–Superior/Arrowhead

Roughly 25 years of federal administrative service as reported in her 2026 campaign biography; 2026 U.S. House District 8 candidate. Exact employment start/end dates not fully independently verified.

50 | ZAYNAB MOHAMED | Twin Cities metro and surrounding suburbs

Minnesota Senate, January 2023–present (about 3 years 10 months); Minneapolis senior policy aide beginning November 2021, with final date not independently established.

04 | INDIVIDUAL PUBLIC-RECORD PROFILES

01 · GARY WERTISH

NAME · GARY WERTISH — Farmer–Labor

LOCATION · Renville County · southwestern Minnesota River Valley; reported institutional, electoral or community connection

METRO / REGION · West-central/southwest Minnesota · agricultural and lakes regions

AGE · Not independently established in these source records; verify Senate eligibility

OCCUPATION · Family farmer; Minnesota Farmers Union president; township supervisor for decades

ONLINE / SOCIAL · Public biography or professional record (Source 9); personal account not independently verified

MW POLICIES · Modern Worker Voice & Bargaining; nitrate protection

WHY INCLUDED · Recognizable public work beyond conventional party recruitment: Family farmer; Minnesota Farmers Union president; township supervisor for decades

PUBLIC-RECORD CONTEXT · Agricultural governance and local public-service experience

SOURCE · (Source 9)

02 · REBECCA WHITING

NAME · REBECCA WHITING — Libertarians

LOCATION · Bemidji / north-central · residence requires confirmation; reported institutional, electoral or community connection

METRO / REGION · North-central Minnesota · Iron Range/Itasca/Bemidji regional network

AGE · Not independently established in these source records; verify Senate eligibility

OCCUPATION · 2026 Libertarian Senate nominee and former Army medic; farmer

ONLINE / SOCIAL · Public biography or professional record (Source 10); personal account not independently verified

MW POLICIES · Modern Worker Voice & Bargaining; nitrate protection

WHY INCLUDED · Recognizable public work beyond conventional party recruitment: 2026 Libertarian Senate nominee and former Army medic; farmer

PUBLIC-RECORD CONTEXT · Statewide ballot experience, non-major-party institutional work

SOURCE · (Source 10)

03 · ROB KUPEC

NAME · ROB KUPEC — Farmer–Labor

LOCATION · Greater Minnesota · Moorhead / Red River Valley.; reported institutional, electoral or community connection

METRO / REGION · Western Minnesota · Fargo–Moorhead/Red River Valley

AGE · Not independently established in these source records; verify Senate eligibility

OCCUPATION · Minnesota Senate, January 2023–present (about 3 years 10 months); earlier professional meteorology career, whose precise employment timeline requires confirmation.

ONLINE / SOCIAL · Public biography or professional record (Source 11); personal account not independently verified

MW POLICIES · Modern Worker Voice & Bargaining; nitrate protection

WHY INCLUDED · Existing electoral and public-service record: Minnesota Senate, January 2023–present (about 3 years 10 months); earlier professional meteorology career, whose precise employment timeline requires confirmation.

PUBLIC-RECORD CONTEXT · Documented political or electoral history must be assessed separately from any claimed independence. Greater Minnesota · Moorhead / Red River Valley.

SOURCE · (Source 11)

04 · BERNIE BURNHAM

NAME · BERNIE BURNHAM — Farmer–Labor

LOCATION · Duluth · northeast / statewide labor; reported institutional, electoral or community connection

METRO / REGION · Northeast Minnesota · Duluth–Superior/Arrowhead

AGE · Not independently established in these source records; verify Senate eligibility

OCCUPATION · Former elementary teacher; Minnesota AFL-CIO president since 2022

ONLINE / SOCIAL · Public biography or professional record (Source 12); personal account not independently verified

MW POLICIES · Modern Worker Voice & Bargaining; universal healthcare

WHY INCLUDED · Recognizable public work beyond conventional party recruitment: Former elementary teacher; Minnesota AFL-CIO president since 2022

PUBLIC-RECORD CONTEXT · Classroom experience and statewide worker representation

SOURCE · (Source 12)

05 · JEN MCEWEN

NAME · JEN MCEWEN — Farmer–Labor

LOCATION · Greater Minnesota · Duluth.; reported institutional, electoral or community connection

METRO / REGION · Northeast Minnesota · Duluth–Superior/Arrowhead

AGE · Not independently established in these source records; verify Senate eligibility

OCCUPATION · Minnesota Senate, January 2021–present (about 5 years 10 months); prior attorney and public defender experience; Senate labor committee leadership during 2023–2026.

ONLINE / SOCIAL · Public biography or professional record (Source 13); personal account not independently verified

MW POLICIES · Modern Worker Voice & Bargaining; universal healthcare

WHY INCLUDED · Existing electoral and public-service record: Minnesota Senate, January 2021–present (about 5 years 10 months); prior attorney and public defender experience; Senate labor committee leadership during 2023–2026.

PUBLIC-RECORD CONTEXT · Documented political or electoral history must be assessed separately from any claimed independence. Greater Minnesota · Duluth.

SOURCE · (Source 13)

06 · MARY C. TURNER

NAME · MARY C. TURNER — Farmer–Labor

LOCATION · Robbinsdale · northwest Twin Cities; reported institutional, electoral or community connection

METRO / REGION · Twin Cities metro and surrounding suburbs

AGE · Not independently established in these source records; verify Senate eligibility

OCCUPATION · ICU nurse; Minnesota Nurses Association president 2015–2024; University of Minnesota regent from 2023

ONLINE / SOCIAL · Public biography or professional record (Source 14); personal account not independently verified

MW POLICIES · Modern Worker Voice & Bargaining; universal healthcare

WHY INCLUDED · Recognizable public work beyond conventional party recruitment: ICU nurse; Minnesota Nurses Association president 2015–2024; University of Minnesota regent from 2023

PUBLIC-RECORD CONTEXT · Worker organizing and rural-urban nursing policy

SOURCE · (Source 14)

07 · ERIN STRESOW

NAME · ERIN STRESOW — Federalists

LOCATION · Cass Lake · north-central; reported institutional, electoral or community connection

METRO / REGION · North-central Minnesota · Iron Range/Itasca/Bemidji regional network

AGE · Not independently established in these source records; verify Senate eligibility

OCCUPATION · Leech Lake Tribal College president. President since July 7, 2026; roughly two decades in tribal and higher education leadership.

ONLINE / SOCIAL · Public biography or professional record (Source 15); personal account not independently verified

MW POLICIES · Fulfill Tribal Treaties & Restore Sovereignty; community infrastructure

WHY INCLUDED · Public leadership in tribal & indigenous institutions: Leech Lake Tribal College president. President since July 7, 2026; roughly two decades in tribal and higher education leadership.

PUBLIC-RECORD CONTEXT · Erin Stresow serves or has served as leech lake tribal college president. The source documents work associated with tribal colleges; credentials; education sovereignty.

SOURCE · (Source 15)

08 · HEATHER KEELER

NAME · HEATHER KEELER — Federalists

LOCATION · Greater Minnesota · Moorhead.; reported institutional, electoral or community connection

METRO / REGION · Western Minnesota · Fargo–Moorhead/Red River Valley

AGE · Not independently established in these source records; verify Senate eligibility

OCCUPATION · Minnesota House, January 2021–present (about 5 years 10 months); higher-education multicultural recruitment and local commission service preceded state office; announced but did not file for 2026 U.S. House race.

ONLINE / SOCIAL · Public biography or professional record (Source 16); personal account not independently verified

MW POLICIES · Fulfill Tribal Treaties & Restore Sovereignty; community infrastructure

WHY INCLUDED · Existing electoral and public-service record: Minnesota House, January 2021–present (about 5 years 10 months); higher-education multicultural recruitment and local commission service preceded state office; announced but did not file for 2026 U.S. House race.

PUBLIC-RECORD CONTEXT · Documented political or electoral history must be assessed separately from any claimed independence. Greater Minnesota · Moorhead.

SOURCE · (Source 16)

09 · MAGGIE LORENZ

NAME · MAGGIE LORENZ — Federalists

LOCATION · Saint Paul · Indigenous heritage work; reported institutional, electoral or community connection

METRO / REGION · Twin Cities metro and surrounding suburbs

AGE · Not independently established in these source records; verify Senate eligibility

OCCUPATION · Wakaŋ Tipi Awaŋyaŋkapi executive director. Current Metro Urban Indian Directors leadership; start date unverified.

ONLINE / SOCIAL · Public biography or professional record (Source 17); personal account not independently verified

MW POLICIES · Fulfill Tribal Treaties & Restore Sovereignty; community infrastructure

WHY INCLUDED · Public leadership in tribal & indigenous institutions: Wakaŋ Tipi Awaŋyaŋkapi executive director. Current Metro Urban Indian Directors leadership; start date unverified.

PUBLIC-RECORD CONTEXT · Maggie Lorenz serves or has served as wakaŋ tipi awaŋyaŋkapi executive director. The source documents work associated with land restoration; cultural sites; community governance.

SOURCE · (Source 17)

10 · MARY K. KUNESH

NAME · MARY K. KUNESH — Federalists

LOCATION · Metro · New Brighton.; reported institutional, electoral or community connection

METRO / REGION · Twin Cities metro and surrounding suburbs

AGE · Not independently established in these source records; verify Senate eligibility

OCCUPATION · Minnesota House, 2017–2020 (4 years); state Senate, January 2021–present (nearly 6 years); earlier career in education.

ONLINE / SOCIAL · Public biography or professional record (Source 18); personal account not independently verified

MW POLICIES · Fulfill Tribal Treaties & Restore Sovereignty; community infrastructure

WHY INCLUDED · Existing electoral and public-service record: Minnesota House, 2017–2020 (4 years); state Senate, January 2021–present (nearly 6 years); earlier career in education.

PUBLIC-RECORD CONTEXT · Documented political or electoral history must be assessed separately from any claimed independence. Metro · New Brighton.

SOURCE · (Source 18)

11 · NICOLE MATTHEWS

NAME · NICOLE MATTHEWS — Federalists

LOCATION · Metro · statewide Indigenous services; reported institutional, electoral or community connection

METRO / REGION · Twin Cities metro and surrounding suburbs

AGE · Not independently established in these source records; verify Senate eligibility

OCCUPATION · Minnesota Indian Women's Sexual Assault Coalition CEO. Current co-chair of Metro Urban Indian Directors; CEO start date unverified.

ONLINE / SOCIAL · Public biography or professional record (Source 17); personal account not independently verified

MW POLICIES · Fulfill Tribal Treaties & Restore Sovereignty; community infrastructure

WHY INCLUDED · Public leadership in tribal & indigenous institutions: Minnesota Indian Women's Sexual Assault Coalition CEO. Current co-chair of Metro Urban Indian Directors; CEO start date unverified.

PUBLIC-RECORD CONTEXT · Nicole Matthews serves or has served as minnesota indian women's sexual assault coalition ceo. The source documents work associated with survivor services; tribal programs; victim rights.

SOURCE · (Source 17)

12 · TRAVIS EARTH-WERNER

NAME · TRAVIS EARTH-WERNER — Federalists

LOCATION · Metro · urban Native housing; reported institutional, electoral or community connection

METRO / REGION · Twin Cities metro and surrounding suburbs

AGE · Not independently established in these source records; verify Senate eligibility

OCCUPATION · American Indian Community Development Corporation CEO. Current co-chair of Metro Urban Indian Directors; CEO start date unverified.

ONLINE / SOCIAL · Public biography or professional record (Source 17); personal account not independently verified

MW POLICIES · Fulfill Tribal Treaties & Restore Sovereignty; community infrastructure

WHY INCLUDED · Public leadership in tribal & indigenous institutions: American Indian Community Development Corporation CEO. Current co-chair of Metro Urban Indian Directors; CEO start date unverified.

PUBLIC-RECORD CONTEXT · Travis Earth-Werner serves or has served as american indian community development corporation ceo. The source documents work associated with urban housing; homelessness; indigenous services.

SOURCE · (Source 17)

13 · TULEAH PALMER

NAME · TULEAH PALMER — Federalists

LOCATION · Grand Rapids · north-central; reported institutional, electoral or community connection

METRO / REGION · North-central Minnesota · Iron Range/Itasca/Bemidji regional network

AGE · Not independently established in these source records; verify Senate eligibility

OCCUPATION · Blandin Foundation president and CEO. Over 30 years across nonprofit, tribal and public systems; current CEO start not verified.

ONLINE / SOCIAL · Public biography or professional record (Source 19); personal account not independently verified

MW POLICIES · Fulfill Tribal Treaties & Restore Sovereignty; community infrastructure

WHY INCLUDED · Public leadership in tribal & indigenous institutions: Blandin Foundation president and CEO. Over 30 years across nonprofit, tribal and public systems; current CEO start not verified.

PUBLIC-RECORD CONTEXT · Tuleah Palmer serves or has served as blandin foundation president and ceo. The source documents work associated with rural capital; housing; workforce.

SOURCE · (Source 19)

14 · WINONA LADUKE

NAME · WINONA LADUKE — Federalists

LOCATION · Greater Minnesota · White Earth Reservation.; reported institutional, electoral or community connection

METRO / REGION · Minnesota statewide / precise regional base to confirm

AGE · Not independently established in these source records; verify Senate eligibility

OCCUPATION · Green Party national vice-presidential campaigns in 1996 and 2000; Indigenous land and environmental advocacy spanning several decades. Current organizational tenure requires updated records.

ONLINE / SOCIAL · Public biography or professional record (Source 20); personal account not independently verified

MW POLICIES · Fulfill Tribal Treaties & Restore Sovereignty; community infrastructure

WHY INCLUDED · Existing electoral and public-service record: Green Party national vice-presidential campaigns in 1996 and 2000; Indigenous land and environmental advocacy spanning several decades. Current organizational tenure requires updated records.

PUBLIC-RECORD CONTEXT · Documented political or electoral history must be assessed separately from any claimed independence. Greater Minnesota · White Earth Reservation.

SOURCE · (Source 20)

15 · ALEXANDER ABBOTT

NAME · ALEXANDER ABBOTT — New Dealers

LOCATION · Northfield · southeast; reported institutional, electoral or community connection

METRO / REGION · Southeast/south-central Minnesota · Rochester–Owatonna corridor

AGE · Not independently established in these source records; verify Senate eligibility

OCCUPATION · Northfield Hospital + Clinics CEO. Current in 2026; exact tenure start not verified.

ONLINE / SOCIAL · Public biography or professional record (Source 21); personal account not independently verified

MW POLICIES · Universal Comprehensive Healthcare; maternal and rural care

WHY INCLUDED · Public leadership in health systems: Northfield Hospital + Clinics CEO. Current in 2026; exact tenure start not verified.

PUBLIC-RECORD CONTEXT · Alexander Abbott serves or has served as northfield hospital + clinics ceo. The source documents work associated with clinical staffing; rural-adjacent services; health cost.

SOURCE · (Source 21)

16 · AMY JERDEE

NAME · AMY JERDEE — New Dealers

LOCATION · Shakopee · southwest metro; reported institutional, electoral or community connection

METRO / REGION · West-central/southwest Minnesota · agricultural and lakes regions

AGE · Not independently established in these source records; verify Senate eligibility

OCCUPATION · St. Francis Regional Medical Center president and CEO. Since June 2019, about seven years in executive role.

ONLINE / SOCIAL · Public biography or professional record (Source 22); personal account not independently verified

MW POLICIES · Universal Comprehensive Healthcare; maternal and rural care

WHY INCLUDED · Public leadership in health systems: St. Francis Regional Medical Center president and CEO. Since June 2019, about seven years in executive role.

PUBLIC-RECORD CONTEXT · Amy Jerdee serves or has served as st. francis regional medical center president and ceo. The source documents work associated with hospital partnerships; crisis services; capital projects.

SOURCE · (Source 22)

17 · BEN DAVIS

NAME · BEN DAVIS — New Dealers

LOCATION · Glencoe · central-south; reported institutional, electoral or community connection

METRO / REGION · West-central/southwest Minnesota · agricultural and lakes regions

AGE · Not independently established in these source records; verify Senate eligibility

OCCUPATION · Glencoe Regional Health president and CEO. Current in 2026; tenure start not independently verified.

ONLINE / SOCIAL · Public biography or professional record (Source 23); personal account not independently verified

MW POLICIES · Universal Comprehensive Healthcare; maternal and rural care

WHY INCLUDED · Public leadership in health systems: Glencoe Regional Health president and CEO. Current in 2026; tenure start not independently verified.

PUBLIC-RECORD CONTEXT · Ben Davis serves or has served as glencoe regional health president and ceo. The source documents work associated with community hospitals; budgets; care access.

SOURCE · (Source 23)

18 · GREG RUBERG

NAME · GREG RUBERG — New Dealers

LOCATION · Two Harbors · northeast; reported institutional, electoral or community connection

METRO / REGION · Northeast Minnesota · Duluth–Superior/Arrowhead

AGE · Not independently established in these source records; verify Senate eligibility

OCCUPATION · Lake View Hospital president and CEO. Current in 2026; hospital association board chair.

ONLINE / SOCIAL · Public biography or professional record (Source 23); personal account not independently verified

MW POLICIES · Universal Comprehensive Healthcare; maternal and rural care

WHY INCLUDED · Public leadership in health systems: Lake View Hospital president and CEO. Current in 2026; hospital association board chair.

PUBLIC-RECORD CONTEXT · Greg Ruberg serves or has served as lake view hospital president and ceo. The source documents work associated with hospital management; rural emergency care; staffing.

SOURCE · (Source 23)

19 · JASON CARON

NAME · JASON CARON — New Dealers

LOCATION · Bemidji · northwest; reported institutional, electoral or community connection

METRO / REGION · North-central Minnesota · Iron Range/Itasca/Bemidji regional network

AGE · Not independently established in these source records; verify Senate eligibility

OCCUPATION · Sanford Health Bemidji president and CEO. CEO since January 2026; physician at hospital since 2004.

ONLINE / SOCIAL · Public biography or professional record (Source 24); personal account not independently verified

MW POLICIES · Universal Comprehensive Healthcare; maternal and rural care

WHY INCLUDED · Public leadership in health systems: Sanford Health Bemidji president and CEO. CEO since January 2026; physician at hospital since 2004.

PUBLIC-RECORD CONTEXT · Jason Caron serves or has served as sanford health bemidji president and ceo. The source documents work associated with rural hospitals; health workforce; mental health.

SOURCE · (Source 24)

20 · LISA BJERGA

NAME · LISA BJERGA — New Dealers

LOCATION · Staples · central; reported institutional, electoral or community connection

METRO / REGION · Central Minnesota · St. Cloud and surrounding counties

AGE · Not independently established in these source records; verify Senate eligibility

OCCUPATION · Lakewood Health System president and CEO. Current in 2026; start date not verified.

ONLINE / SOCIAL · Public biography or professional record (Source 23); personal account not independently verified

MW POLICIES · Universal Comprehensive Healthcare; maternal and rural care

WHY INCLUDED · Public leadership in health systems: Lakewood Health System president and CEO. Current in 2026; start date not verified.

PUBLIC-RECORD CONTEXT · Lisa Bjerga serves or has served as lakewood health system president and ceo. The source documents work associated with rural care; workforce; outpatient services.

SOURCE · (Source 23)

21 · PATRICIA BANKS

NAME · PATRICIA BANKS — New Dealers

LOCATION · Ely · northeast; reported institutional, electoral or community connection

METRO / REGION · Northeast Minnesota · Duluth–Superior/Arrowhead

AGE · Not independently established in these source records; verify Senate eligibility

OCCUPATION · Ely-Bloomenson Community Hospital CEO. Current hospital association board executive; tenure start unverified.

ONLINE / SOCIAL · Public biography or professional record (Source 23); personal account not independently verified

MW POLICIES · Universal Comprehensive Healthcare; maternal and rural care

WHY INCLUDED · Public leadership in health systems: Ely-Bloomenson Community Hospital CEO. Current hospital association board executive; tenure start unverified.

PUBLIC-RECORD CONTEXT · Patricia Banks serves or has served as ely-bloomenson community hospital ceo. The source documents work associated with remote healthcare; clinical staffing; regional costs.

SOURCE · (Source 23)

22 · PAULA MESKAN

NAME · PAULA MESKAN — New Dealers

LOCATION · St. Peter · south-central; reported institutional, electoral or community connection

METRO / REGION · West-central/southwest Minnesota · agricultural and lakes regions

AGE · Not independently established in these source records; verify Senate eligibility

OCCUPATION · River's Edge Hospital CEO. Current in 2026; executive tenure start not verified.

ONLINE / SOCIAL · Public biography or professional record (Source 21); personal account not independently verified

MW POLICIES · Universal Comprehensive Healthcare; maternal and rural care

WHY INCLUDED · Public leadership in health systems: River's Edge Hospital CEO. Current in 2026; executive tenure start not verified.

PUBLIC-RECORD CONTEXT · Paula Meskan serves or has served as river's edge hospital ceo. The source documents work associated with community hospital access; care quality; health budgets.

SOURCE · (Source 21)

23 · BENYA KRAUS

NAME · BENYA KRAUS — Greenbacks

LOCATION · Owatonna · south-central / southeast; reported institutional, electoral or community connection

METRO / REGION · Southeast/south-central Minnesota · Rochester–Owatonna corridor

AGE · Not independently established in these source records; verify Senate eligibility

OCCUPATION · Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation president and CEO. Since June 16, 2025; formerly Resource Rural and Lead for America.

ONLINE / SOCIAL · Public biography or professional record (Source 25); personal account not independently verified

MW POLICIES · Safe, Dignified Public Housing; community investment

WHY INCLUDED · Public leadership in community development & philanthropy: Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation president and CEO. Since June 16, 2025; formerly Resource Rural and Lead for America.

PUBLIC-RECORD CONTEXT · Benya Kraus serves or has served as southern minnesota initiative foundation president and ceo. The source documents work associated with childcare; rural investment; local business.

SOURCE · (Source 25)

24 · BRIAN VOERDING

NAME · BRIAN VOERDING — Greenbacks

LOCATION · Central Minnesota · St. Cloud region; reported institutional, electoral or community connection

METRO / REGION · Central Minnesota · St. Cloud and surrounding counties

AGE · Not independently established in these source records; verify Senate eligibility

OCCUPATION · Initiative Foundation president. Current in 2026; exact tenure not verified.

ONLINE / SOCIAL · Public biography or professional record (Source 26); personal account not independently verified

MW POLICIES · Safe, Dignified Public Housing; community investment

WHY INCLUDED · Public leadership in community development & philanthropy: Initiative Foundation president. Current in 2026; exact tenure not verified.

PUBLIC-RECORD CONTEXT · Brian Voerding serves or has served as initiative foundation president. The source documents work associated with regional investment; small businesses; childcare.

SOURCE · (Source 26)

25 · CHANDA SMITH BAKER

NAME · CHANDA SMITH BAKER — Greenbacks

LOCATION · Saint Paul · east metro; reported institutional, electoral or community connection

METRO / REGION · Twin Cities metro and surrounding suburbs

AGE · Not independently established in these source records; verify Senate eligibility

OCCUPATION · Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation president and CEO. Since August 25, 2025; previously executive roles at Minneapolis Foundation and Pillsbury United Communities.

ONLINE / SOCIAL · Public biography or professional record (Source 27); personal account not independently verified

MW POLICIES · Safe, Dignified Public Housing; community investment

WHY INCLUDED · Public leadership in community development & philanthropy: Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation president and CEO. Since August 25, 2025; previously executive roles at Minneapolis Foundation and Pillsbury United Communities.

PUBLIC-RECORD CONTEXT · Chanda Smith Baker serves or has served as saint paul & minnesota foundation president and ceo. The source documents work associated with community wealth; housing; nonprofit capital.

SOURCE · (Source 27)

26 · ERIK OSBERG

NAME · ERIK OSBERG — Greenbacks

LOCATION · Greater Minnesota · Wadena / west-central.; reported institutional, electoral or community connection

METRO / REGION · West-central/southwest Minnesota · agricultural and lakes regions

AGE · Not independently established in these source records; verify Senate eligibility

OCCUPATION · Public work in regional economic development, construction, media and finance; 2026 U.S. House District 7 candidate. Individual employer dates not established.

ONLINE / SOCIAL · Public biography or professional record (Source 28); personal account not independently verified

MW POLICIES · Safe, Dignified Public Housing; community investment

WHY INCLUDED · Existing electoral and public-service record: Public work in regional economic development, construction, media and finance; 2026 U.S. House District 7 candidate. Individual employer dates not established.

PUBLIC-RECORD CONTEXT · Documented political or electoral history must be assessed separately from any claimed independence. Greater Minnesota · Wadena / west-central.

SOURCE · (Source 28)

27 · HEATHER LOGELIN

NAME · HEATHER LOGELIN — Greenbacks

LOCATION · St. Croix Valley · east-central; reported institutional, electoral or community connection

METRO / REGION · Minnesota statewide / precise regional base to confirm

AGE · Not independently established in these source records; verify Senate eligibility

OCCUPATION · St. Croix Valley Foundation president and CEO. Current foundation leader in 2026; exact appointment date unverified.

ONLINE / SOCIAL · Public biography or professional record (Source 27); personal account not independently verified

MW POLICIES · Safe, Dignified Public Housing; community investment

WHY INCLUDED · Public leadership in community development & philanthropy: St. Croix Valley Foundation president and CEO. Current foundation leader in 2026; exact appointment date unverified.

PUBLIC-RECORD CONTEXT · Heather Logelin serves or has served as st. croix valley foundation president and ceo. The source documents work associated with community grants; local nonprofits; cross-border region.

SOURCE · (Source 27)

28 · KAREN WHITE

NAME · KAREN WHITE — Greenbacks

LOCATION · Bemidji · northwest; reported institutional, electoral or community connection

METRO / REGION · North-central Minnesota · Iron Range/Itasca/Bemidji regional network

AGE · Not independently established in these source records; verify Senate eligibility

OCCUPATION · Northwest Minnesota Foundation president and CEO. Current in 2026; tenure start not verified.

ONLINE / SOCIAL · Public biography or professional record (Source 25); personal account not independently verified

MW POLICIES · Safe, Dignified Public Housing; community investment

WHY INCLUDED · Public leadership in community development & philanthropy: Northwest Minnesota Foundation president and CEO. Current in 2026; tenure start not verified.

PUBLIC-RECORD CONTEXT · Karen White serves or has served as northwest minnesota foundation president and ceo. The source documents work associated with rural homelessness; childcare; small enterprise.

SOURCE · (Source 25)

29 · PETER MCDERMOTT

NAME · PETER MCDERMOTT — Greenbacks

LOCATION · Grand Rapids · Itasca; reported institutional, electoral or community connection

METRO / REGION · North-central Minnesota · Iron Range/Itasca/Bemidji regional network

AGE · Not independently established in these source records; verify Senate eligibility

OCCUPATION · Community foundation board member; former Minnesota Diversified Industries CEO. Former CEO of MDI and Itasca Economic Development Corporation; decades in northern Minnesota.

ONLINE / SOCIAL · Public biography or professional record (Source 29); personal account not independently verified

MW POLICIES · Safe, Dignified Public Housing; community investment

WHY INCLUDED · Public leadership in community development & philanthropy: Community foundation board member; former Minnesota Diversified Industries CEO. Former CEO of MDI and Itasca Economic Development Corporation; decades in northern Minnesota.

PUBLIC-RECORD CONTEXT · Peter McDermott serves or has served as community foundation board member; former minnesota diversified industries ceo. The source documents work associated with disability employment; industrial operations; grants.

SOURCE · (Source 29)

30 · SCOTT MARQUARDT

NAME · SCOTT MARQUARDT — Greenbacks

LOCATION · Southwest Minnesota; reported institutional, electoral or community connection

METRO / REGION · West-central/southwest Minnesota · agricultural and lakes regions

AGE · Not independently established in these source records; verify Senate eligibility

OCCUPATION · Southwest Initiative Foundation president. Current in 2026; tenure start not verified.

ONLINE / SOCIAL · Public biography or professional record (Source 26); personal account not independently verified

MW POLICIES · Safe, Dignified Public Housing; community investment

WHY INCLUDED · Public leadership in community development & philanthropy: Southwest Initiative Foundation president. Current in 2026; tenure start not verified.

PUBLIC-RECORD CONTEXT · Scott Marquardt serves or has served as southwest initiative foundation president. The source documents work associated with rural jobs; housing; childcare.

SOURCE · (Source 26)

31 · SHAUN FLOERKE

NAME · SHAUN FLOERKE — Greenbacks

LOCATION · Duluth · northeast; reported institutional, electoral or community connection

METRO / REGION · Northeast Minnesota · Duluth–Superior/Arrowhead

AGE · Not independently established in these source records; verify Senate eligibility

OCCUPATION · Boreal Waters Community Foundation president and CEO. Listed on Minnesota Council on Foundations 2026 board; exact tenure unverified.

ONLINE / SOCIAL · Public biography or professional record (Source 27); personal account not independently verified

MW POLICIES · Safe, Dignified Public Housing; community investment

WHY INCLUDED · Public leadership in community development & philanthropy: Boreal Waters Community Foundation president and CEO. Listed on Minnesota Council on Foundations 2026 board; exact tenure unverified.

PUBLIC-RECORD CONTEXT · Shaun Floerke serves or has served as boreal waters community foundation president and ceo. The source documents work associated with regional grants; climate resilience; community services.

SOURCE · (Source 27)

32 · VALERIE CASTILE

NAME · VALERIE CASTILE — Greenbacks

LOCATION · Metro · Saint Paul area.; reported institutional, electoral or community connection

METRO / REGION · Twin Cities metro and surrounding suburbs

AGE · Not independently established in these source records; verify Senate eligibility

OCCUPATION · Philando Castile Relief Foundation community and advocacy work following Philando Castile's death in 2016; individual foundation leadership dates and formal current title need verification.

ONLINE / SOCIAL · Public biography or professional record (Source 30); personal account not independently verified

MW POLICIES · Safe, Dignified Public Housing; community investment

WHY INCLUDED · Existing electoral and public-service record: Philando Castile Relief Foundation community and advocacy work following Philando Castile's death in 2016; individual foundation leadership dates and formal current title need verification.

PUBLIC-RECORD CONTEXT · Documented political or electoral history must be assessed separately from any claimed independence. Metro · Saint Paul area.

SOURCE · (Source 30)

33 · SARAH MOBERG

NAME · SARAH MOBERG — New Dealers

LOCATION · Brooklyn Center · statewide food network; reported institutional, electoral or community connection

METRO / REGION · Twin Cities metro and surrounding suburbs

AGE · Not independently established in these source records; verify Senate eligibility

OCCUPATION · Second Harvest Heartland CEO. Approximately five years at organization; previously 25 years at General Mills.

ONLINE / SOCIAL · Public biography or professional record (Source 31); personal account not independently verified

MW POLICIES · Maternity, Childcare & Caregiving; food access

WHY INCLUDED · Public leadership in food security: Second Harvest Heartland CEO. Approximately five years at organization; previously 25 years at General Mills.

PUBLIC-RECORD CONTEXT · Sarah Moberg serves or has served as second harvest heartland ceo. The source documents work associated with hunger; food logistics; family income.

SOURCE · (Source 31)

34 · SOPHIA LENARZ-COY

NAME · SOPHIA LENARZ-COY — New Dealers

LOCATION · Twin Cities · statewide food network; reported institutional, electoral or community connection

METRO / REGION · Twin Cities metro and surrounding suburbs

AGE · Not independently established in these source records; verify Senate eligibility

OCCUPATION · The Food Group executive director. Current in 2026; exact tenure start not verified.

ONLINE / SOCIAL · Public biography or professional record (Source 32); personal account not independently verified

MW POLICIES · Maternity, Childcare & Caregiving; food access

WHY INCLUDED · Public leadership in food security: The Food Group executive director. Current in 2026; exact tenure start not verified.

PUBLIC-RECORD CONTEXT · Sophia Lenarz-Coy serves or has served as the food group executive director. The source documents work associated with food banks; farm access; nutrition.

SOURCE · (Source 32)

35 · ANNA WASESCHA

NAME · ANNA WASESCHA — Mugwumps

LOCATION · Fergus Falls · west-central; reported institutional, electoral or community connection

METRO / REGION · West-central/southwest Minnesota · agricultural and lakes regions

AGE · Not independently established in these source records; verify Senate eligibility

OCCUPATION · West Central Initiative president. Current in 2026; start date not verified.

ONLINE / SOCIAL · Public biography or professional record (Source 25); personal account not independently verified

MW POLICIES · Independent public oversight; community services

WHY INCLUDED · Public leadership in community advocacy & public visibility: West Central Initiative president. Current in 2026; start date not verified.

PUBLIC-RECORD CONTEXT · Anna Wasescha serves or has served as west central initiative president. The source documents work associated with regional planning; wastewater; housing.

SOURCE · (Source 25)

36 · CHERYL REEVE

NAME · CHERYL REEVE — Mugwumps

LOCATION · Twin Cities · Minneapolis-Saint Paul metro; reported institutional, electoral or community connection

METRO / REGION · Twin Cities metro and surrounding suburbs

AGE · Not independently established in these source records; verify Senate eligibility

OCCUPATION · Minnesota Lynx basketball coach, executive and championship-winning leader

ONLINE / SOCIAL · Public biography or professional record (Source 33); personal account not independently verified

MW POLICIES · Independent public oversight; community services

WHY INCLUDED · Recognizable public work beyond conventional party recruitment: Minnesota Lynx basketball coach, executive and championship-winning leader

PUBLIC-RECORD CONTEXT · Nationally recognized professional-team management and competitive institutional leadership

SOURCE · (Source 33)

37 · LINDSAY WHALEN

NAME · LINDSAY WHALEN — Mugwumps

LOCATION · Hutchinson origins / Twin Cities professional career; reported institutional, electoral or community connection

METRO / REGION · Twin Cities metro and surrounding suburbs

AGE · Not independently established in these source records; verify Senate eligibility

OCCUPATION · Former Minnesota Lynx player and University of Minnesota basketball coach

ONLINE / SOCIAL · Public biography or professional record (Source 33); personal account not independently verified

MW POLICIES · Independent public oversight; community services

WHY INCLUDED · Recognizable public work beyond conventional party recruitment: Former Minnesota Lynx player and University of Minnesota basketball coach

PUBLIC-RECORD CONTEXT · Sports institution and Minnesota regional recognition

SOURCE · (Source 33)

38 · ARIC PUTNAM

NAME · ARIC PUTNAM — Progressives

LOCATION · Greater Minnesota · St. Cloud.; reported institutional, electoral or community connection

METRO / REGION · Central Minnesota · St. Cloud and surrounding counties

AGE · Not independently established in these source records; verify Senate eligibility

OCCUPATION · Minnesota Senate, January 2021–present (about 5 years 10 months); earlier teacher and college professor. Unsuccessful Minnesota House campaigns in 2016 and 2018.

ONLINE / SOCIAL · Public biography or professional record (Source 34); personal account not independently verified

MW POLICIES · State housing and worker protections; institutional accountability

WHY INCLUDED · Existing electoral and public-service record: Minnesota Senate, January 2021–present (about 5 years 10 months); earlier teacher and college professor. Unsuccessful Minnesota House campaigns in 2016 and 2018.

PUBLIC-RECORD CONTEXT · Documented political or electoral history must be assessed separately from any claimed independence. Greater Minnesota · St. Cloud.

SOURCE · (Source 34)

39 · BECCA GOOD

NAME · BECCA GOOD — Progressives

LOCATION · Metro · Minneapolis.; reported institutional, electoral or community connection

METRO / REGION · Twin Cities metro and surrounding suburbs

AGE · Not independently established in these source records; verify Senate eligibility

OCCUPATION · Public community advocacy and federal-enforcement accountability statements documented in 2026; no verified prior elected-office tenure or formal political party role.

ONLINE / SOCIAL · Public biography or professional record (Source 35); personal account not independently verified

MW POLICIES · State housing and worker protections; institutional accountability

WHY INCLUDED · Existing electoral and public-service record: Public community advocacy and federal-enforcement accountability statements documented in 2026; no verified prior elected-office tenure or formal political party role.

PUBLIC-RECORD CONTEXT · Documented political or electoral history must be assessed separately from any claimed independence. Metro · Minneapolis.

SOURCE · (Source 35)

40 · ERIN K. MAYE QUADE

NAME · ERIN K. MAYE QUADE — Progressives

LOCATION · Metro · Apple Valley.; reported institutional, electoral or community connection

METRO / REGION · Twin Cities metro and surrounding suburbs

AGE · Not independently established in these source records; verify Senate eligibility

OCCUPATION · Minnesota House, 2017–2018 (2 years); Minnesota Senate, January 2023–present (about 3 years 10 months); nonprofit leadership and earlier congressional staff work, dates not fully established.

ONLINE / SOCIAL · Public biography or professional record (Source 36); personal account not independently verified

MW POLICIES · State housing and worker protections; institutional accountability

WHY INCLUDED · Existing electoral and public-service record: Minnesota House, 2017–2018 (2 years); Minnesota Senate, January 2023–present (about 3 years 10 months); nonprofit leadership and earlier congressional staff work, dates not fully established.

PUBLIC-RECORD CONTEXT · Documented political or electoral history must be assessed separately from any claimed independence. Metro · Apple Valley.

SOURCE · (Source 36)

41 · GRANT HAUSCHILD

NAME · GRANT HAUSCHILD — Progressives

LOCATION · Greater Minnesota · Hermantown / Arrowhead.; reported institutional, electoral or community connection

METRO / REGION · Northeast Minnesota · Duluth–Superior/Arrowhead

AGE · Not independently established in these source records; verify Senate eligibility

OCCUPATION · USDA rural development, July 2011–January 2014 (about 2½ years); U.S. Senate staff, 2014–2015; Hermantown City Council, November 2020–November 2022 (2 years); state Senate, January 2023–present (about 3 years 10 months).

ONLINE / SOCIAL · Public biography or professional record (Source 37); personal account not independently verified

MW POLICIES · State housing and worker protections; institutional accountability

WHY INCLUDED · Existing electoral and public-service record: USDA rural development, July 2011–January 2014 (about 2½ years); U.S. Senate staff, 2014–2015; Hermantown City Council, November 2020–November 2022 (2 years); state Senate, January 2023–present (about 3 years 10 months).

PUBLIC-RECORD CONTEXT · Documented political or electoral history must be assessed separately from any claimed independence. Greater Minnesota · Hermantown / Arrowhead.

SOURCE · (Source 37)

42 · JAKE JOHNSON

NAME · JAKE JOHNSON — Progressives

LOCATION · Greater Minnesota · Rochester / southeast.; reported institutional, electoral or community connection

METRO / REGION · Southeast/south-central Minnesota · Rochester–Owatonna corridor

AGE · Not independently established in these source records; verify Senate eligibility

OCCUPATION · Rochester public-school mathematics teacher; 2026 U.S. House District 1 candidate. Length of teaching tenure and final election certification require confirmation.

ONLINE / SOCIAL · Public biography or professional record (Source 28); personal account not independently verified

MW POLICIES · State housing and worker protections; institutional accountability

WHY INCLUDED · Existing electoral and public-service record: Rochester public-school mathematics teacher; 2026 U.S. House District 1 candidate. Length of teaching tenure and final election certification require confirmation.

PUBLIC-RECORD CONTEXT · Documented political or electoral history must be assessed separately from any claimed independence. Greater Minnesota · Rochester / southeast.

SOURCE · (Source 28)

43 · KAOHLY HER

NAME · KAOHLY HER — Federalists

LOCATION · Saint Paul · Twin Cities east metro; reported institutional, electoral or community connection

METRO / REGION · Twin Cities metro and surrounding suburbs

AGE · Not independently established in these source records; verify Senate eligibility

OCCUPATION · Saint Paul mayor, inaugurated January 2026; former state representative

ONLINE / SOCIAL · Public biography or professional record (Source 38); personal account not independently verified

MW POLICIES · State housing and worker protections; institutional accountability

WHY INCLUDED · Recognizable public work beyond conventional party recruitment: Saint Paul mayor, inaugurated January 2026; former state representative

PUBLIC-RECORD CONTEXT · Municipal administration and recent election leadership

SOURCE · (Source 38)

44 · LEIGH DAWN FINKE

NAME · LEIGH DAWN FINKE — Progressives

LOCATION · Metro · Saint Paul.; reported institutional, electoral or community connection

METRO / REGION · Twin Cities metro and surrounding suburbs

AGE · Not independently established in these source records; verify Senate eligibility

OCCUPATION · Minnesota House, January 2023–present (about 3 years 10 months); earlier media and advocacy work, full employment dates not established.

ONLINE / SOCIAL · Public biography or professional record (Source 39); personal account not independently verified

MW POLICIES · State housing and worker protections; institutional accountability

WHY INCLUDED · Existing electoral and public-service record: Minnesota House, January 2023–present (about 3 years 10 months); earlier media and advocacy work, full employment dates not established.

PUBLIC-RECORD CONTEXT · Documented political or electoral history must be assessed separately from any claimed independence. Metro · Saint Paul.

SOURCE · (Source 39)

45 · LIISH KOZLOWSKI

NAME · LIISH KOZLOWSKI — Progressives

LOCATION · Greater Minnesota · Duluth.; reported institutional, electoral or community connection

METRO / REGION · Northeast Minnesota · Duluth–Superior/Arrowhead

AGE · Not independently established in these source records; verify Senate eligibility

OCCUPATION · Duluth community-relations officer, February 2019–December 2022 (about 3 years 11 months); Minnesota House, January 2023–present (about 3 years 10 months).

ONLINE / SOCIAL · Public biography or professional record (Source 40); personal account not independently verified

MW POLICIES · State housing and worker protections; institutional accountability

WHY INCLUDED · Existing electoral and public-service record: Duluth community-relations officer, February 2019–December 2022 (about 3 years 11 months); Minnesota House, January 2023–present (about 3 years 10 months).

PUBLIC-RECORD CONTEXT · Documented political or electoral history must be assessed separately from any claimed independence. Greater Minnesota · Duluth.

SOURCE · (Source 40)

46 · MARISA SIMONETTI

NAME · MARISA SIMONETTI — Mugwumps

LOCATION · Eden Prairie / west Hennepin County; reported institutional, electoral or community connection

METRO / REGION · Twin Cities metro and surrounding suburbs

AGE · Not independently established in these source records; verify Senate eligibility

OCCUPATION · 2026 independent Senate candidate; earlier Hennepin County electoral campaigns

ONLINE / SOCIAL · Public biography or professional record (Source 41); personal account not independently verified

MW POLICIES · State housing and worker protections; institutional accountability

WHY INCLUDED · Recognizable public work beyond conventional party recruitment: 2026 independent Senate candidate; earlier Hennepin County electoral campaigns

PUBLIC-RECORD CONTEXT · Independent electoral participation and real estate professional background

SOURCE · (Source 41)

47 · NICK A. FRENTZ

NAME · NICK A. FRENTZ — Progressives

LOCATION · Greater Minnesota · North Mankato.; reported institutional, electoral or community connection

METRO / REGION · West-central/southwest Minnesota · agricultural and lakes regions

AGE · Not independently established in these source records; verify Senate eligibility

OCCUPATION · Minnesota Senate, January 2017–present (nearly 10 years); attorney by profession; chaired energy-related Senate committee in 2023–2026.

ONLINE / SOCIAL · Public biography or professional record (Source 42); personal account not independently verified

MW POLICIES · State housing and worker protections; institutional accountability

WHY INCLUDED · Existing electoral and public-service record: Minnesota Senate, January 2017–present (nearly 10 years); attorney by profession; chaired energy-related Senate committee in 2023–2026.

PUBLIC-RECORD CONTEXT · Documented political or electoral history must be assessed separately from any claimed independence. Greater Minnesota · North Mankato.

SOURCE · (Source 42)

48 · STEVE GREEN

NAME · STEVE GREEN — Blue Dogs

LOCATION · Greater Minnesota · Fosston / northwestern counties.; reported institutional, electoral or community connection

METRO / REGION · Minnesota statewide / precise regional base to confirm

AGE · Not independently established in these source records; verify Senate eligibility

OCCUPATION · Minnesota House, January 2013–2022 (10 years); Minnesota Senate, January 2023–present (about 3 years 10 months); business and vocational background predates legislative service.

ONLINE / SOCIAL · Public biography or professional record (Source 43); personal account not independently verified

MW POLICIES · State housing and worker protections; institutional accountability

WHY INCLUDED · Existing electoral and public-service record: Minnesota House, January 2013–2022 (10 years); Minnesota Senate, January 2023–present (about 3 years 10 months); business and vocational background predates legislative service.

PUBLIC-RECORD CONTEXT · Documented political or electoral history must be assessed separately from any claimed independence. Greater Minnesota · Fosston / northwestern counties.

SOURCE · (Source 43)

49 · TRINA SWANSON

NAME · TRINA SWANSON — Progressives

LOCATION · Greater Minnesota · Hermantown / Duluth.; reported institutional, electoral or community connection

METRO / REGION · Northeast Minnesota · Duluth–Superior/Arrowhead

AGE · Not independently established in these source records; verify Senate eligibility

OCCUPATION · Roughly 25 years of federal administrative service as reported in her 2026 campaign biography; 2026 U.S. House District 8 candidate. Exact employment start/end dates not fully independently verified.

ONLINE / SOCIAL · Public biography or professional record (Source 44); personal account not independently verified

MW POLICIES · State housing and worker protections; institutional accountability

WHY INCLUDED · Existing electoral and public-service record: Roughly 25 years of federal administrative service as reported in her 2026 campaign biography; 2026 U.S. House District 8 candidate. Exact employment start/end dates not fully independently verified.

PUBLIC-RECORD CONTEXT · Documented political or electoral history must be assessed separately from any claimed independence. Greater Minnesota · Hermantown / Duluth.

SOURCE · (Source 44)

50 · ZAYNAB MOHAMED

NAME · ZAYNAB MOHAMED — Progressives

LOCATION · Metro · Minneapolis.; reported institutional, electoral or community connection

METRO / REGION · Twin Cities metro and surrounding suburbs

AGE · Not independently established in these source records; verify Senate eligibility

OCCUPATION · Minnesota Senate, January 2023–present (about 3 years 10 months); Minneapolis senior policy aide beginning November 2021, with final date not independently established.

ONLINE / SOCIAL · Public biography or professional record (Source 45); personal account not independently verified

MW POLICIES · State housing and worker protections; institutional accountability

WHY INCLUDED · Existing electoral and public-service record: Minnesota Senate, January 2023–present (about 3 years 10 months); Minneapolis senior policy aide beginning November 2021, with final date not independently established.

PUBLIC-RECORD CONTEXT · Documented political or electoral history must be assessed separately from any claimed independence. Metro · Minneapolis.

SOURCE · (Source 45)

05 | ESTABLISHED ELECTORAL & APPOINTMENT FIELD

Existing DFL and Republican figures in the research include Angie Craig (lost the 2026 DFL Senate primary to Peggy Flanagan), Kelly Morrison (U.S. House), Steve Simon (secretary of state), Lisa Demuth (2026 Republican gubernatorial nominee), Bobby Joe Champion (senator), Foung Hawj (senator), Scott Dibble (senator), Michele Tafoya (2026 Republican Senate nominee), Pete Stauber and Michelle Fischbach (U.S. House), and outgoing Governor Tim Walz. Appearance in appointment reporting is not a 2027 declaration. (Source 6) (Source 7) (Source 8)