Brian Cohn
DemocraticQ1 If elected, in what capacities would you refer to scientists when you are deciding how to vote on a policy?
“As an engineer, my career has been built on evaluating evidence and making data-driven decisions. I bring that same analytical problem-solving mindset to public service. When deciding how to vote on any policy or legislative question, I will actively seek out and consult relevant technical experts, scientists, and peer-reviewed research. Complex state challenges—from climate adaptation and public health infrastructure to clean energy and education—demand expert guidance rather than political rhetoric. If elected, I will ensure Minnesota policies are effective, sustainable, and grounded in solid, objective evidence.”
KEYWORDS: Data-driven, Evidence-based, Expertise
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 strongly oppose sulfide-ore copper mining in the headwaters of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The science is unambiguous: sulfide-ore mining risks acid mine drainage that can permanently contaminate fragile aquatic ecosystems.
As an engineer who relies on data and technical risk assessment, I believe some places are simply too ecologically sensitive for high-risk extraction. With federal safeguards rolled back, Minnesota must step up. I support thoroughly reviewing existing state mineral leases in the watershed, strengthening MPCA water quality standards, demanding full financial assurance from mining companies, and enacting state-level protections to safeguard the Rainy River watershed for future generations.”
KEYWORDS: Protection, Conservation, Risk Management
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 approach contamination through risk reduction and root-cause solutions. To safeguard Minnesota families, I support a three-part policy framework:
Water Infrastructure Funding: Provide state grants and low-interest loans to help affected municipalities install advanced filtration systems without shifting the burden onto local taxpayers.
Upstream Prevention: Strictly enforce and accelerate implementation of Amara’s Law to phase out non-essential PFAS in consumer products and prevent pollution at the source.
Polluter Accountability: Hold chemical manufacturers financially responsible for remediation costs so that impacted communities and ratepayers aren’t left holding the bill.
Clean water is non-negotiable.”
KEYWORDS: Remediation, Prevention, 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 view AI governance through two key lenses: managing infrastructure impacts and ensuring transparent, safe deployment.
Data Center Infrastructure & Transparency: Hyperscale data centers place significant demands on local water aquifers and our energy grid. I support requiring mandatory environmental reviews before construction, ensuring facilities are powered by 100% new clean energy, and enforcing strict DNR water-use permits. Crucially, I support banning or strictly limiting non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) between local government officials and tech developers. Public trust requires transparency—local officials should not be bound by secret corporate agreements when deciding on major economic and environmental impacts in their communities.
AI Safety Guardrails: Regarding AI technology, I support enforcing Minnesota’s bans on non-consensual deepfake pornography and election manipulation, while extending protections against AI “nudification” tools. Furthermore, we must establish rigorous state and federal safety testing requirements for advanced AI models before deployment—ensuring containment, preventing cybersecurity breaches, and stopping systems from escaping test environments or compromising critical infrastructure.”
KEYWORDS: Infrastructure, Transparency, Safety
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?
“Having worked on Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grants that pushed state-of-the-art technologies forward, I know firsthand that funding innovation powers local job growth and economic leadership.
To build on Minnesota’s innovation economy, I support:
Expanding State Matching Grants: Strengthening state matching programs (like Launch MN) for federal SBIR and STTR grants to help local tech startups de-risk early-stage technologies and commercialize new breakthroughs.
Academic-Industry Partnerships: Supporting state seed-grant programs that bridge university research with local engineering and manufacturing jobs.
Federal Advocacy: Working with our federal delegation to protect R&D investments, ensuring Minnesota remains a hub for cutting-edge technology.”
KEYWORDS: Commercialization, Innovation, Growth
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?
“A 28% drop in fatal overdoses is encouraging progress, but it is only the beginning—one preventable death is still too many. To sustain this momentum, our work remains incomplete until treatment, prevention, and harm reduction resources reach every community, particularly Indigenous and Black populations bearing a disproportionate burden of this crisis.
I support:
Targeted Community-Led Funding: Expanding state grants directly to culturally specific, community-based organizations serving higher-risk communities for prevention, recovery, and harm reduction (including widespread naloxone access).
Accessible Treatment Infrastructure: Eliminating administrative and financial barriers to evidence-based medication-assisted treatment (MAT) across urban and rural areas.
Addressing Root Causes: Investing in supportive housing, mental health resources, and economic security to address the social determinants of addiction.”
KEYWORDS: Equity, Access, Prevention