SD31 DFL Newsletter for 27 July 2026
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Category Archives: Candidates
More Info about Local Races
Below we have indicated the “picks” recommended by long-time DFL activist and SD31 resident, Mel Aanerud. But be sure to do your own research for the races in your area.
Anoka City Council (nonpartisan) - Elect 2
* Marissa Carroll, Member-at-Large- Mel’s Pick
* Sam Scott, Member-at-Large- Mel’s Pick
* Joelle Alvord, Member-at-Large
* Andrew Boho, Member-at-Large
Anoka Mayor (nonpartisan)
* Phil Rice
* Erik Skogquist
Ramsey City Council (nonpartisan)
* Kelly Muchowski, Member-at-Large- Mel’s Pick
* Justin Dahl, Member-at-Large
* Debra Musgrove, Member-at-Large
* Nate Truesdell, Ward 1
* Victor Jumah, Ward 3
* Dan Specht, Ward 3
St. Francis City Council (nonpartisan; elect two)
* Maralynn Kubacki, Member-at-Large- Mel’s Pick
* Mike Rodger, Member-at-Large- Mel’s Pick
* Tina Carroll, Member-at-Large
* Denny Christenson, Member-at-Large
* Kevin Robinson, Member-at-Large
St. Francis Mayor (nonpartisan)
* Aaron Hill
* Sarah Udvig– Mel’s Pick
* Mark Vogel
Anoka County Commissioners (nonpartisan)
District 1
* Wayne J. Grimmer
* John Heinrich
District 2
* Regan Birr
* Brian Kirkham
District 3
* Melissa “Mel” Lawlis, District 3 — Mel’s Pick
* Jeff Reinert
* Kevin Ryan
District 4
* Jennifer (Jenny) Geisler– Mel’s Pick
* Jerry Koch
* Michael Nordstrom
Judge- 10th District Court 38 (Non Partisan)
* Ben Lacy- Mel’s Pick
* Rebecca Waxse
*Mack Guptil
Candidates, Event, Local Events, Political Ideas, Posts & News
Town Hall Tuesday with Doug Chapin for CD 6
02
Jun
Jun
Government works best when people understand how it works and feel empowered to participate in it.
Join Doug Chapin for an open community conversation focused on civics, public policy, and the real-world impact government decisions have on our daily lives. This Town Hall is designed to be approachable, informative, and interactive. No political insider knowledge required. Just curiosity, questions, and a shared interest in building a stronger community together.
An informed citizenry is the foundation of meaningful change. If you’ve ever wondered how decisions get made, how to make your voice heard, or how to become more engaged locally and nationally, this conversation is for you.
We are ALL ready for better. Step one is showing up. We’ll see you at the townhall!
#FlipThe6th #ReadyForBetter
Candidates, Event, Local Events, Posts & News, Posts, Blogs, and Links
Candidates at the Ice Cream Social, June 1st
01
Jun
Jun
From left to right: Victor Jumah (Ramsey City Council Ward 3), Brian Walker (House District 31A), Marissa Carroll (Anoka City Council), Jen Bloomquist (House District 31B), Doug Chapin (Congressional District 6), Gadisa Berkessa (Senate District 31)
My name is Gadisa Berkessa. I am a proud Democrat, engineer, business owner, and community leader committed to solving problems and serving others.
I have lived in Minnesota for nearly two decades and built my life around hard work, family, and community.
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Minnesota and a Master’s degree in…
Read More about Gadisa Berkessa
Today, Amy Klobuchar has announced on Facebook her policy platform for her gubernatorial campaign. We reproduce the entire document below. She covers in depth plans to prevent and root out fraud. Other topics include simpler health care applications, lower drug prices, increased housing availability (both buying and renting), impose reviews of state programs on a regular schedule, and create more efficient online services for small businesses and the permit applications.
Amy says: “Fixing the government is the foundation for everything else. And there’s more to come. Together, we can get it done.”
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Minnesota State Sen. Torrey Westrom (R-Alexandria) says the Hennepin County Medical Center, a publicly funded hospital in Minneapolis, shouldn’t get $50 million to counteract federal budget cuts and avoid shutting down because “go woke, go broke.” “Let’s give them tough love. Tough medicine that doesn’t taste great, but it’s gonna help cure their disease…”
[Posted 3/5/2026] U.S. Rep. Angie Craig, who voted for a punitive immigration bill last year called the Laken Riley Act, reversed herself Monday, writing in a Star Tribune commentary that she regrets her “yes” vote.
Craig represents the 2nd Congressional District and is currently running in the Democratic primary for retiring Tina Smith’s U.S. Senate seat. Her strongest opponent, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, has repeatedly criticized Craig for her vote. The Laken Riley Act was named after a nursing student at Augusta University, murdered in 2024 by an undocumented immigrant, José Antonio Ibarra, a 26-year-old Venezuelan. Ibarra was convicted and sentenced to life without possibility of parole.
The Laken Riley Act was the first law signed by Donald Trump, and it became his rallying cry for a severe crackdown on immigrants both entering and living in the U.S. Primarily, the Laken Riley Act requires the mandatory federal detention of any non-U.S. national who is unlawfully present and has been arrested for, charged with, or convicted of specific offenses: any theft-related crimes, the assault of law enforcement, and crimes causing serious harm (whether or not intended). Furthermore, states are given broad powers to sue to the federal government over immigration decisions.
Current defense actions involve questioning Ibarra’s mental competency and understanding of English and American legal procedure when he waived his right to a jury trial.
Why go to Caucus?
Caucuses are the first major events of what will prove to be a very historic election year. Yes, there is some party business to do, but mainly it is a chance to meet DFL friends and get recharged for the coming campaign year. We need to do everything we can to prevent the GOP and ICE from taking over in Minnesota, and instead to strengthen our progressive influence on state and national politics.
Caucuses are the place and time where you can:
- meet your DFL neighbors— there are lots of us!
- start to get involved
- enhance your current involvement
- write a resolution to guide DFL policies and platform
- join a committee or local group to work at the grassroots level
- meet candidates
- become a delegate to upcoming conventions
- even consider running for a DFL position or as a candidate for office!
- OR: JUST COME TO MEET FRIENDS AND LEARN MORE!
This is our first reminder— please mark your calendars and plan to attend Caucus info events in January AND the Caucuses themselves on Feb 3. Read on for specifics.
Doug Chapin Runs for Congress in
Minnesota District Six
Doug Chapin
Statement from the Candidate:
“Doug Chapin is running to represent Minnesota’s Sixth Congressional District after a long career as a nationally recognized expert and media commentator on democracy and elections. He spent nine years studying politics, government and law and has over 35 years of experience working in and around public service. Doug served as an attorney in Congress, represented clients in private law practice, and worked as an advocate for federal, state and local election reform nationwide – and built the nation’s first online certificate program in election administration for the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs. Doug and his partner Stephanie Tomlinson own Sweater Vest Strategies, a Minnesota-based policy research and advocacy firm. He also is the host of Civics Anonymous, a regular series of nonpartisan discussions on the inner workings of law and government behind the current headlines. Doug is the father of three adult children and lives in Hanover.”
[Website: https://www.chapinforcongress.com/]
Emergency Protest Tonight!
This is the message sent by email to our members yesterday. If you didn’t hear about it, you can learn more below.
As many of you are aware, our school board race in Anoka-Hennepin is seeing a huge amount of outside spending by groups who want to privatize our schools and turn them into culture war battlegrounds. Our friends at Indivisible are organizing an emergency protest tonight at the Coon Rapids Civic Center over a horrible speaker that the Parents Alliance has invited. Please see below and come support!
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