I often think about my grandchildren and the kind of future they will inherit. My wife and I started with nothing, but through hard work, good education, and solid job opportunities, we were able to achieve the American Dream. Sadly, that dream feels further and further out of reach for many Minnesota families.
Today, working people worry about affording housing, accessing quality health care, and ensuring their children receive a strong education that leads to good-paying jobs. These concerns drive me to run for the Minnesota State Senate in District 54—because the future of our communities in Shakopee, Prior Lake, Jordan, Jackson, Louisville, Sand Creek, and Spring Lake depends on it.
I want to focus on solutions that matter to families. We need policies that make opportunity accessible again, not just for my grandchildren but for every child growing up in Minnesota. This means ensuring that hardworking families are supported, that good jobs remain available in our state, and that communities have the tools to thrive. I am committed to working on these issues with common-sense solutions, not partisan agendas.
Supporting Family Farmers and Strengthening Minnesota Agriculture
Minnesota’s farmers are the backbone of our state, but right now, they are under enormous pressure. Crop producers have faced years of uncertainty: falling prices, below-average yields, and rising costs for essentials like fertilizer. In 2024, the median net farm income for Minnesota farms with gross incomes over $250,000 dropped to just $21,964—the lowest level this century. While federal disaster relief may provide temporary help, farmers need long-term stability, not short-term band-aids.
Corn and soybean production, which dominate Minnesota agriculture, are a prime example. Corn prices recently dipped to lows not seen since 2020, and although yields are strong, profits remain uncertain.
Soybean yields are at record highs, but trade disputes with China—the world’s largest soybean buyer—threaten to drive down prices. Meanwhile, fertilizer costs continue to climb, eating away at farm incomes.
I’ve dedicated much of my life to agriculture. My journey began in Future Farmers of America and on local dairy farms, and it led me to degrees in Agricultural Economics. I’ve worked as a marketing analyst, agricultural loan officer, president of an agricultural cooperative, and CFO of a swine genetics company. This lifelong experience gives me a deep understanding of the challenges farmers face and the policies that can actually help them.
One major issue is the aging of Minnesota’s farming population. Nearly 62% of our farmers are over the age of 55, with a significant portion over 65. Without the next generation stepping in, the future of Minnesota agriculture is at risk. Programs like down-payment assistance for emerging farmers—already proven successful in the 2025 Agricultural Budget Bill—must be continued and expanded. We need to make it possible for young people to start farming, build businesses, and carry forward Minnesota’s agricultural heritage.
Farmers take enormous financial risks to put food on our tables. Their work is still grueling, requiring long hours during planting and harvest. Modern equipment may ease the physical toll, but the responsibility and risk remain immense. We must celebrate and support our farmers, ensuring they can succeed not only for their families but for the millions of Minnesotans who rely on them.
Common-Sense Solutions for a Stronger Minnesota
At the heart of my campaign is a simple belief: we need practical, common-sense solutions that reflect the needs of our communities, not political talking points. Families in District 54 want leaders who understand their struggles and will work to improve their everyday lives. That means tackling affordable housing, protecting access to quality education, supporting small businesses, and ensuring health care remains accessible and affordable.
But for many in our district, the strength of our communities also depends on the success of our farmers and rural economy. Agriculture doesn’t just feed us—it fuels local economies, supports jobs, and ties directly into the health of small towns and cities across Minnesota. That’s why strengthening farming isn’t just an agricultural issue—it’s a community issue.
I believe the American Dream should not be slipping away—it should be within reach for every Minnesota family willing to work hard. That requires leaders who are not afraid to roll up their sleeves, listen to constituents, and bring forward real solutions. From continuing programs that help young farmers get their start, to addressing rising costs that hit working families hardest, to making sure our children inherit a future of opportunity—this is what I will fight for in the State Senate.
My vision is clear: a Minnesota where families feel secure, where farmers thrive, and where the American Dream is alive and well for generations to come. That’s why I’m running, and that’s what I’ll work for every day on behalf of District 54.
