WASHINGTON — The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee announced 20 Spotlight candidates in Minnesota, where Democrats only need to pick up two Senate seats to turn the legislature blue and solidify another Democratic trifecta. Democrats are poised to flip the Senate and make gains in the Democrat-controlled House this year thanks to early investments in the state and impressive Democratic recruitment.
“This is the first time the Minnesota Senate is on the ballot since Trump’s election, and this lineup of stellar candidates and legislators will help us flip it blue in November,” said Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee President Jessica Post. “Democrats are fresh off of flipping the House in 2018, so the momentum is on our side this year. We look forward to working with these candidates to win big across the state — giving Democrats another trifecta.”
Meet the veterans, small business owners, educators, and community advocates who will keep the House and flip the Senate blue this year:
- Aric Putnam (SD 14), a teacher of over 25 years who is committed to ensuring that every child in Minnesota has access to opportunities for success.
- Sara Flick (SD 25), whose experience connecting people to the resources they need to succeed has fueled her passion for public education, job training, and health care.
- Aleta Borrud (SD 26), a doctor with a passion for improving access to quality, affordable health care — especially in the midst of the pandemic.
- Bonnie Westlin (SD 34), a small business owner and family lawyer determined to make sure the Senate works for all Minnesotans.
- Senator John Hoffman (SD 36), who has spent his time in the Senate fighting for working families, quality public education, and improved infrastructure.
- Senator Jerry Newton (SD 37), an Army veteran, community stalwart, and fierce advocate in the Senate for education, veteran security, and senior care.
- Justin Stofferahn (SD 38), a union member and advocate for working families dedicated to ensuring that all Minnesotans get their fair shot at success.
- Ann Johnson Stewart (SD 44), a civil engineer, teacher, and small business owner dedicated to improving infrastructure and passing common-sense gun reform.
- Senate Minority Leader Susan Kent(SD 53), the first woman caucus leader in the history of the Senate and an active community leader who is focused on lifting up all Minnesotans.
- Lindsey Port (SD 56), the co-founder and executive director of a nonprofit that trains leaders in underrepresented communities.
- Representative Dan Wolgamott (HD 14B), a freshman football coach and Sunday School teacher who helps welcome new members into his community as a dedicated realtor.
- Randy Brock (HD 26B), a meteorologist and realtor who has a passion for listening to his neighbors and confronting the most pressing issues they face.
- Representative Kelly Morrison (HD 33B), an obstetrics and gynecology physician who will be a voice for science- and evidence-based policy in the capitol.
- Amir Malik (HD 37B), an attorney who specializes in wage theft investigations and works tirelessly to put hard-earned money back into the pockets of working Minnesotans.
- Representative Ami Wazlawik (HD 38B), who has spent her adult life giving back by working with AmeriCorps, public schools, and nonprofit advocacy organizations.
- Representative Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn (HD 48B), a community volunteer with experience in both the private and public sectors who made history by flipping her seat blue in 2018 as a first-time candidate.
- Representative Anne Claflin (HD 54A), an environmental policy scientist who has helped move Minnesota towards a more equitable, thriving future in the House.
- Kelsey Waits (HD 54B), a school board chair, organizer, and military spouse who isn’t waiting to ignite change in the state legislature and has the courage to stand up for everyday Minnesotans.
- Jess Hanson (HD 56A), the first person in her family to graduate from college who is now working to help others by finishing her Master’s degree in public policy.
- Kaela Berg(HD 56B), a lifelong Minnesotan and union flight attendant who is committed to addressing some of the state’s most pressing issues and getting real results for working families.
The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee is the official Democratic organization dedicated to winning state legislative seats. Earlier this year, the DLCC unveiled its unprecedented $50 million campaign to “Flip Everything” this November. Since Trump’s election, the DLCC and state partners have flipped over 450 seats and 10 chambers from red to blue.
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