Abena McKenzie
DemocraticQ1 If elected, in what capacities would you refer to scientists when you are deciding how to vote on a policy?
“Science helps to prove or dispute applications for quality of life for all living organisms, including humans.”
KEYWORDS: Science is necessary for theory into facts, and practice.
Q2 Recently H.J. Res 140 passed, overturning a 20-year mining ban in the National Forest System land surrounding the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. What is your position on mining projects in this region and what policies, if any, would you support to protect the surrounding watershed?
“I believe in protecting our beautiful State of Minnesota, and our environment from harmful mining practices which include financial benefits, harmful chemicals and gasses that disrupt the natural cycles of earth we live on, also this effect all animals too.”
KEYWORDS: We should continue to implement the ban to protect the kand, and thise whoe live near it.
Q3 Contamination from PFAS and other “forever chemicals” in 21 community water systems in Minnesota exceed national regulations, putting residents at risk of negative health impacts. What policies, if any, do you propose to protect Minnesota residents from the potential impacts of PFAS?
“We as a state should support eliminating PFAS, by continuing testing, eliminating products that carry high levels of PFAS, plastics, do more of organic materials, paper products, and glass as safer alternatives.”
KEYWORDS: Eliminate harmful products, improve quality of life
Q4 There have been multiple hyperscale data centers proposed throughout the state, including one currently under construction. What policies and regulations, if any, do you support to assess and act on the potential impacts of these data centers?
“I do not support Data centers, not enough information on cause and effects.”
KEYWORDS: Data centers may be harmful to the environment and to humans.
Q5 In 2025 alone, the National Institute on Health (NIH) awarded over $700 million for research grants and contracts to Minnesota universities, which directly supported over 7,000 jobs and $1.79 billion of economic activity in Minnesota. What policies, if any, do you plan to implement or support regarding funding for continued science research either at the state or federal level?
“We will continue to support Science Funding with research grants and contracts to Minnesota University’s, to improve research regarding Science for State and Federal levels.”
KEYWORDS: Science Funding is necessary.
Q6 Fatal drug overdoses in Minnesota have significantly declined in recent years, representing a 28% drop from a record peak of 1,392 overdose deaths in 2022. However, compared to White Minnesotans, Indigenous Minnesotans are 7 to 15 times more likely to experience a fatal drug overdose, while Black Minnesotans are 2 to 3 times more likely to die from a drug-related overdose. What policies, if any, do you support to continue the downward trend of overdose deaths for Minnesotans?
“We need to move from voluntary treatment rehabilitation, to involuntary treatment after 3 months to decline drug impact on human life, and to improve quality of life and longterm, for all communities affected.”
KEYWORDS: Treatment, rehabilitate, longterm.