Minnesota

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minnesota is home to many of the 20th century's most progressive leaders and most civic-minded citizens. Progressives from diverse backgrounds such as Hubert Humphrey, Eugene McCarty, Walter Mondale, Paul Wellstone, Betty McCollum and Keith Ellison have represented Minnesota. Yet, counter to that progressive tradition, there has been a long standing conservative movement, augmented in the last several decades by suburban population booms. In electing Rudy Boschwitz (U.S. Senate 1978-1990), Arne Carlson (Governor 1990-1998), and Jesse Ventura (Governor 1998-2002), to Norm Coleman (US Senate 2002-present) and Tim Pawlenty (Governor 2002-present), Minnesota voters demonstrated their willingness to choose conservatives when they are not given a strong progressive choice.

Minnesota Legislature
Senate
Democrats
Republicans
2004 35 31
2006 38 29
2008 45 22
Today
30
37
House
Democrats
Republicans
2004 53 81
2006
66
68
2008
85
49
Today
62
72

Recent elections have reflected a progressive trend, but a continued effort is necessary to nurture and sustain the strong and deeply-rooted progressive movement in the state. Progressive Majority is uniquely suited to the task of finding, training, and supporting progressive candidates who appeal to the state's rich progressive history. After all, we see our job to bring more "Paul Wellstones" into office.

Run For Office
You can do better than those conservatives in office. Run for office today!
 
Important Dates
Go to the Minnesota Secretary of State website to find out important dates and filing deadlines. 
Becky Fink

Minnesota
Anoka County Board - District 5
2010
Open Seat
Anoka County
http://sommerfink.web.officelive.com/default.aspx

Becky Fink is lifelong Anoka County resident and has been an anti-homelessness advocate, DFL activist and volunteer for more than 30 years. Becky is running for Anoka County Board in 2010. Becky is running to replace conservative incumbent Scott LeDoux - who has resigned his post due to progressive ALS. Becky has a terrific vision to ensure that everyone in Anoka County can thrive and would be an outstanding addition to the Anoka County Board.
Rena Moran

Minnesota
State House - District 65A
2010
Open Seat
Ramsey County
http://www.vote4rena.org/

Rena Moran is a community organizer and dynamic progressive. If elected she will become the only African-American woman in the legislature. Rena has been at the forefront of organizing in the African-American community in St. Paul and the immediate suburbs. She is a former Wellstone Organizing Fellow and a graduate of the Organizing Apprenticeship Project. She is a true grassroots leader in her community and faces both primary and general election challenges from moderates of both parties.Rena has a remarkable life story and an unrivaled commitment to grassroots organizing. If she wins, she would be the only woman of color in the 134 member Minnesota House.
Hussein Samatar

Minnesota
Minneapolis School Board - District 3
2010
Open Seat
Hennepin County
http://www.samatarforschoolboard.org/

Hussein Samatar is a banker and community organizer and the founder and executive director of the African Development Center (ADC). ADC is an entrepreneurial nonprofit organization that works with the African communities in Minnesota to start and sustain businesses, build wealth, and promote community reinvestment. Hussein formerly served on the now defunct Minneapolis Library Board and is a leader in Minneapolis. If elected, he will become the first Somali-American to serve on a Minnesota school board.
Eric Peterson

Minnesota
Mayor
2010
Challenger
Wyoming
http://wyomingforachange.com/

Eric Peterson is an artist, web designer, and real estate agent in Wyoming, MN. He has decided to run for Mayor because he believes that Wyoming has lacked leaders who actually listen to the needs and concerns of residents. Eric has been one of the leading progressives in his community for many years, and this race presents an important opportunity to bring new leadership in this northern suburban city.
Doug Schroeder

Minnesota
City Council
2010
Open Seat
Otsego

Doug Schroeder is a union member and a pro-labor progressive running for City Council in Otsego, MN. Doug is a member of the Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Union, and currently serves as their Business Representative. Doug has been extremely involved locally in his community, helping with numerous local projects and building a strong reputation as a community leader.