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What are you doing for Juneteenth!

Aside from celebrating Black History and Culture, we’ll be door knocking to advance human rights and equity.

I join every decent person in our community to mourn the tragic loss of Minneapolis Police Officer Jamal Mitchell, a decorated hero. Our thoughts go out to his family and loved ones, as well as all others impacted by this tragedy.

This is the first death of a Minneapolis Police Officer in two decades, but police officers across the state face this sort of danger every day, and this is not the first deadly incident in Minnesota in recent months. Our neighbors in Burnsville continue to mourn the loss of officers Elmstrand and Ruge, and firefighter Finseth, earlier this year.

Last night’s events in South Minneapolis were confusing and chaotic, and we await further information. In the meantime, we must seek better solutions to address crime and violence in every part of our community, and support our first responders.

… as well as those who served in myriad other ways.

Memorial Day makes me think of my dad, a WWII vet. Every spring, he sold Buddy Poppies for the American Legion to raise money for military veterans and their families. As we spend time with loved ones (and maybe enjoy a good brat and some potato salad), I hope we also remember the service members who didn’t get to come home, and the families who are missing them.

On this Memorial Day, may we remember the service members who gave their lives, and honor them with a renewed commitment to democracy and peace.

My friends at Friends (of the Boundary Waters) have endorsed me for the House. They endorse “…candidates who have proven themselves to be strong champions for the environment and clean water. We need bold leaders like these at the Capitol to ensure Minnesota’s most treasured clean water, like the Boundary Waters and Lake Superior, remain clean for future generations.”

As a long time supporter of Friends, and champion for preservation of our northern water rich natural environment, including the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, I couldn’t be prouder of this endorsement.

Check out the Friends site for more information about threats to this amazing ecosystem.

For me, Earth Day 2024 marks two special occasions: My retirement from a job I love, teaching science in a public school, working with amazing kids and amazing colleagues, and beginning my campaign to represent House District 57A in the Minnesota Legislature.

I also get to thank Bill McKibben, climate activist and founder of 350.org and Third Act, for his kind and generous endorsement of my campaign!

Also, thank you Bill for the tremendous work you do, and your role as a founder of the modern climate change movement. You are an inspiration to us all.

Please consider volunteering for my campaign, or making a modest donation. Thanks!

I am proud to announce that I have been endorsed by Women Winning, Minnesota’s largest political organization of, for, and by women.

“Women Winning is proud to endorse four extraordinary new candidates for the Minnesota House of Representatives. These candidates represent the absolute best of their communities, through years of service, dedication, and leadership, and we are thrilled that they have stepped up to run on behalf of them,” said Britta Moen, Women Winning Political Director. “We are confident that when these candidates are elected to the Minnesota House they will be champions of reproductive freedom and accessible healthcare for Minnesotans in Saint Paul. We are thrilled to stand beside them on their journeys to the State House.”

I was proud to be endorsed by my fellow DFLers at the SD 57 convention last Saturday. Here is the event, including my acceptance speech: