Allen Shen
RepublicanQ1 If elected, in what capacities would you refer to scientists when you are deciding how to vote on a policy?
“Always remember one thing, all scientific theories are falsifiable, that’s why the smartest scientists in the world once believed Earth was flat. We can trust Science to a degree, but always look at where their money is coming from and who funded for certain studies. Does the funder have a motive? Just like how an Italian Wine Maker funded a study saying that drinking wine reduces the chances for heart attacks.
We should always strive to find the truth, and have discussions and even disagreements in search for the truth.
Science thrives when we have discussion, disagreements and challenging the status quo.”
KEYWORDS: Truth, Follow the Money, Discussions
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?
“Question is can we mine for critical minerals and still able to protect the environment, can we do both? I think we have the technologies that we can do both, Canada is mining on the other side currently. If we don’t mine these minerals in Minnesota, China is mining them in Africa using slave labor, and selling the minerals to the world. Do we want to encourage that?”
KEYWORDS: Technology, Environmental, America
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?
“I believe we won the law suit against 3M and asking 3M to clean up the contaminations, correct? I believe we have existing policies to protect our residents from these forever chemicals, we should just enforce them. If the CEO and the Board at the time knew about the contamination at 3M and didn’t do anything about it, I want to hold them accountable.”
KEYWORDS: Mike Roman accountability
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 don’t know enough to say if I am for or against data centers, I just think there should be more discussions about them. Why do big data centers need to be in population centers? Why can’t they be built in the middle of nowhere? Do they emission chemical pollutions? Will they have a lot of noise? Do they have technologies to reduce or eliminate their noise? Is AI critical to our national security? Do we want China to lead in the AI race? These are the questions I don’t yet know, but should be discussed. ”
KEYWORDS: China, AI Dominance
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?
“I think that’s a good thing. As long as the schools can clarify what they want to do with the fund, what research and results they want to achieve from using that fund.”
KEYWORDS: Very Clear Goals
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?
“I would like to know what caused these drug overdoses. Is it because of the doctors prescribed the wrong drugs or prescribed too much consumptions? Are these drugs too addictive? If so, are there policies to limit consumption? But I would personally want to push for natural health and healing and get people off the dependency on drugs.”
KEYWORDS: Natural Health & Healing