BACKGROUND

 

If you haven't met me, I grew up in St. Paul. My mom was a special education teacher; my dad sold insurance. I attended public schools and then I attended Mayo Medical School, where I helped pay my tuition by waiting tables. I work at Mayo Clinic, after years of working at Hennepin Healthcare. Since 2017 I have served in the state senate. It has been the experience of a lifetime. Every day I enter the Capitol I am inspired to learn more about the issues confronting Minnesotans and work with all legislators to find solutions. 

 

My wife Kristine and I have been married 30 years, and we have five young adult children. They are the inspiration for my work. 

 

During my first two terms of office, I have championed a public option for health insurance, regulation of the pharmaceutical industry to ensure affordable medications, legislation to become a carbon-free state, workers' rights, gun violence legislation, and other initiatives. 

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I am determined to be a voice of reason and truth, defending scientific integrity in a time when it is under assault as never before.