Why are you running for office?

My family fled to the United States from a country in which they were not allowed to vote, which is why free and fair elections are so important to me. I’ve served in office since my first election to the Minnesota House in 2004. During my legislative service, I focused on improvements to our election system and eventually served as Chair of the Elections Committee. I’ve served as Secretary of State since 2014 and I’m the best equipped candidate to keep Minnesota a national leader in election participation and integrity. My mission is simple: protecting the freedom to vote for eligible Minnesotans.

What experiences have prepared you to serve effectively in this role?

Before becoming Minnesota Secretary of State in 2015, I served in the Minnesota House, where I focused on improving our election system and chaired the Elections Committee. I successfully enacted many election reforms, including the law allowing all eligible voters to vote from home. As Secretary of State, I’ve helped Minnesota lead the nation in voter turnout for multiple elections, and I’m proud that we were recently recognized as the best state in America for overall election performance.

What are your top three priorities if elected?

Minnesotans are concerned about having safe and secure elections free from federal interference and intimidation. They want to keep their right to cast their ballot however they choose and they want to go to the polls without fear.

How do plan to address your top priorities?

My mission is to defend and strengthen the freedom to vote for every eligible Minnesota. I’ll keep pushing back against unjustified federal interference in our elections and I’ll protect voters’ private, sensitive information from the Justice Department. I’ll also fight against assaults on the longstanding bipartisan reforms that have made Minnesota the envy of the nation, like same-day voter registration and the option to vote from home. I’ll push for even greater transparency and for more opportunities to connect voters with information about the election system.

What do you believe is the greatest challenge facing the people you hope to represent?

Unjustified federal interference in our elections is an immediate challenge that will require pushback in the courts and stepped-up planning by election administrators. We also need to confront disinformation that aims to erode well-earned trust and confidence in our election system. Modernization of databases, equipment, and cybersecurity tools is a priority. Although Minnesota leads the nation in voter turnout, we can always do better.

Public service requires collaboration. How would you work with individuals who hold different viewpoints?

I’ll work with anyone who wants to make elections in Minnesota more accessible and secure for eligible voters. I don’t think politics should play any role in this office. That’s why I don’t endorse any candidates for any office for any reason. I’m committed to being a fair, honest, and nonpartisan Secretary of State. I make judgment calls based on the law, not on politics. That’s probably why even my own political party has sued me three times (I won each time) because it disagreed with my decisions.

How will you communicate with and remain accessible to your constituents?

As Secretary of State, I pride myself on transparency. I regularly visit all 87 Minnesota counties, often meeting face-to-face with local election administrators and residents. Our office attends and hosts regular town halls where Minnesotans ask me questions, share ideas, and learn about the election process.

At the end of your term, what accomplishments would define success?

I want to continue to have high turnout. Eligible people voting is the sign of a healthy democracy. Minnesota is typically the best state in America for voter turnout. That’s no accident. It’s the product of good laws and a positive voter culture. I routinely visit all 87 counties in Minnesota as part of the statewide nonpartisan voter outreach effort that my office leads. Engaging our youngest voters will remain a priority, as will making sure eligible voters with disabilities can easily vote. Countering election misinformation is also a crucial part of ensuring high turnout.

Tell voters something about yourself outside of politics.

I love the Minnesota State Fair. I’ve only missed it once since I was 7-years-old!