Minnesota

Ken Moen is running for State Senate in District 26. Ken has been involved in politics for a long time on
the campaign side, but when someone was needed to step up and defeat Carla Nelson Ken stepped
forward to do so. He’s running because what’s happening in Minnesota can’t continue. Republicans
forced a shutdown because they wouldn’t adopt a realistic budget and are trying to subvert the process
and avoid Governor Dayton’s veto by pushing constitutional amendments, instead of passing laws. Ken
has deep connections to his district. He earned a law degree and in 1977 he was hired by the City of
Rochester to be an assistant City Attorney. In 2001, he founded his own law firm where he works with
individuals and businesses in land use. He has represented numerous townships in his district and the
electrical cooperative that serves his district. These connections to local communities are why Ken wants
to serve in the state legislature, so get these townships the support they need.

From Tracine's experience as an involved Southwest mother of three, she knows that parents are the first educators of their children.  She believes that all families should be treated equitably and have opportunities to engage in decision-making regarding their children's education.  During Tracine's time as an MPS teacher, she employed innovative approaches to family involvement.  She worked directly with students and families in order to promote equal, accessible, high quality education.

He is a former member of the Minnesota Senate who represented District 38 (now 51).  He was first elected to the State Senate in 2006.  Jim finds the anti-women, anti-voter, anti-education agenda being pushed by Republicans repugnant.  With his background as a professional engineer at 3M and Ecolab and his experience in the State Senate, Jim is now pushing a progressive agenda in the State Senate.

Chuck Berg is running for State Representative in District 55A. Chuck owns a small business, Riverside Computers, where he provides technology solutions to non-profit organizations. In 2005, he ran for Shakopee School Board and defeated the sitting incumbent. He rose to become Chair of the School Board. During his time as School Board Chair, Shakopee Schools remained fiscally strong and the quality of education was improved. He is an active member of Rotary International, in which he served as President of his club and District Governor for Rotary International District 5950. Chuck is a veteran of the United States Navy, serving for five and a half years.

John Bruno is running for State Representative in District 39A. Bruno has worked in both the public and private sectors. Early in his career, he worked with migrant workers and at a residential house for teen boys. He has been heavily involved with the Democratic-Federal Labor Party, serving as Precinct Caucus Convener, District Director and County Chair. John is a veteran of the United States Marine Corp.

Peter Perovich is running for State Senate in District 35. Peter grew up in Anoka and worked for Dairy Fresh Foods Dairy in New Brighton. He joined the local Teamsters Union and earned his real estate license. After moving to the Twin Cities, Peter began working in the mortgage industry where he learned first-hand about the financial struggles people confront on a daily basis. Peter has led in various organizations state-wide, including serving as President of the Minnesota Bass Federation, Member of the Board of Directors for Anglers for Habitat, and Anglers for Young Anglers.

Melisa Franzen has a proven track record of bringing communities together to advance issues. An attorney, Melisa serves on the Board of Directors for the Girl Scouts of Minnesota and Wisconsin River Valleys and President of the Minnesota Hispanic Bar Association. She also volunteers with Neighborhood House, Center for Urban and Regional Affairs, Centro Legal, the Saint Paul Foundation, and Minnesota Women Lawyers.

As a resident of Spring Lake Park for 45 years, Alice has been an active member of the community. From 1986-2000, Alice Johnson served in the Minnesota House of Representatives. While in the Minnesota House, Alice chaired the K-12 Education Finance Division and served on the Transportation, Education and Tax committees. Additionally, Alice serves on the Volunteer Fire Board and on the Anoka-Ramsey Community College Foundation Board.

Zachary is a native Minnesotan, raised in Maple Grove. He graduated from St. Cloud State University with a B.A. in Community Development and a M.S. in Counseling Psychology. He has been active in Democratic politics for a number of years, working on a number of local campaigns. Zachary also ran for the State House of Representatives in 2010.

Roberta Gibbons is a lifelong Minnesotan. As an insurance agent for many years, she has advocated for individuals and small businesses by ensuring they get the best value for their dollar and avoid financial burdens.

Jeff Wilfahrt is running for State Representative in District 57B. Jeff is a lifelong Minnesotan, raised in New Ulm. He later developed a small business in 1992. Jeff came in politics after the GOP put forth a marriage definition ballot initiative for the 2012 elections. In February 2011, Jeff’s eldest son, Andrew, died serving his country in Afghanistan. He also advocated for the signing of the end of "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell."

After college, Jerry Newton enlisted in the United States Army, serving for 23 years. Upon returning, Jerry managed a small business and became heavily involved in the community. From 1994-2000, Jerry served on the Coon Rapids City Council. While serving on the Council, Jerry promoted development of local businesses and worked to improve safety. He also served on the Anoka Hennepin School Board; where he worked to raise education standards and add the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. Jerry was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2008. While in the House, he served as a member of the House K-12 Education Policy Oversight Committee, and the Agriculture, Rural Economies, and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee for the Veterans Affairs Division.

Joe Tatalovich has worked hard to help the schools in St. Louis Park. He has served as Chair of the legislative action committee and the Community Education Advisory Council. For the past seven years he has worked as a math tutor in four different schools. As Chair of the Vote Yes Committee he helped pass a bond and levy referendum in 2008, this helped him build a network of supporters for his school board campaign. Tatalovich is running to give back to his community and to ensure that his children Eli and Emma are able to attend and thrive in schools that are even better for the future.

Progressive Majority previously endorsed candidate running for re-election. 

Progressive Majority previously endorsed candidate running for re-election. 

Progressive Majority previously endorsed candidate running for re-election. 

Progressive Majority previously endorsed candidate running for re-election. 

Progressive Majority previously endorsed candidate running for re-election. 

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 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 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 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 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.