What I Learned from My Congressional Run

In 2010, I was called to run for the U.S. House of Representatives in the 2nd Congressional District. My community’s needs for federal investment in our infrastructure, clean energy funding, and health care disparities were not being addressed. The incumbent was known for valuing politics over community, not responding to constituent concerns, and legislating to benefit a select few in our community. Given my years of experience and dedication to our community, I was endorsed as the DFL candidate to face the challenge.

To begin my race, I met each city mayor and their representatives to understand their most pressing needs involving the federal government. We had primary infrastructure needs, including a major highway intersection that had the highest number of fatalities in the district. The federal match, which was desperately needed, was promised but never delivered. 

Clean energy funding bills were stalled as well. As Minnesota was moving forward with these initiatives, our representatives needed to deliver these much-needed resources. This funding would have assisted Minnesota in delivering much-needed union jobs to our area and supporting our growing needs.

Healthcare reform was desperately needed for our citizens as well. The incumbent voted against the Affordable Care Act and continued to vote against funding. On a MPR radio show, Access for All, I confronted him about his votes against cancer screenings. He chose not to answer my question to explain his position on these critical health needs and instead quoted misinformation based on his party’s platform.

These needs were significant, and as I analyzed the costs, I learned that the incumbent helped to make Minnesota a state that gives more to the federal government than it gets back. I realized that for every dollar Minnesotans paid in federal income taxes, only 35 cents were returned to their communities. That idea grew into the 35 Cent Tour. By recognizing the needs of the community first, I addressed every project in every city that needed federal matches.

I came into the race with deep knowledge of policy, and I left it with a more substantial commitment to our community. I saw firsthand how some elected officials do not legislate to benefit everyone in their community.

While the incumbent focused on a party message, I focused on real solutions. That experience grounded my belief that representation is about getting things done that improve people’s daily lives. That’s why I’m running for Minneapolis City Council.