From Dismissed to Elected: Why I Ran for Public Office
Propelled into politics by a series of harrowing family medical crises, I drew on my background in community organizing to turn personal struggle into a fight for systemic change.
Despite having insurance, mounting medical bills nearly bankrupted my family. When my child required a $60,000 operation, the insurer refused to cover it. We received supplemental insurance assistance under a program limited to families called TEFRA (Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act). This program has income and asset limits that put families under financial distress, and like millions of Americans, my family became trapped in Medicaid poverty.
“Madore, working as an advocate for special-needs families, became disgusted with the system and went to the state Capitol to talk with legislators about fixing it. That’s how she met a lawmaker who inspired her. By royally ticking her off.
When Madore told the guy (he’s no longer in office) that many families are forced to pay hundreds per month for supplemental insurance policies, he said such policies are a discretionary expense, much like his decision to pay for the cost of his son’s hockey ice time.
“I went through the roof,” Madore says. “I told him, ‘This is wrong, and some day I’m going to come up here and change the system.’ He looked at me and said, ‘Good luck with that, dear.’ Well, that was all I needed. I went home and said, ‘I’m running for the Legislature.’”
Madore won the District 37A seat.”¹
My family’s medical and financial crises fueled my legislative run and victory in the Minnesota House of Representatives. In office, I championed single-payer health solutions as part of the Minnesota Health Plan.
I am running for Minneapolis City Council with the same principles that have guided me for decades: inclusion, collaboration, and service. I am a fierce believer in investing in public services, whether that involves expanding access to transportation in underserved neighborhoods, providing safe and affordable housing options, or supporting families with disabilities.
Real investment in public services is deeply personal to me because our government should work for everyone. I’ll never forget the moment an elected official dismissed my concerns. That experience pushed me to run for public office, and I have always listened to the people I serve.
Our campaign is about listening to our community, and it is about Minneapolis. I hope to represent you on the Minneapolis City Council to be an advocate for our community.
¹Coleman, N. (2008, February 12). Nick Coleman: Health care ills close to heart of riled legislator with a mission. Star Tribune. https://www.startribune.com/nick-coleman-health-care-ills-close-to-heart-of-riled-legislator-with-a-mission/15531347