Darci Smith
DemocraticQ1 If elected, in what capacities would you refer to scientists when you are deciding how to vote on a policy?
“I believe experts that follow the scientific method and use proven data combined with experience to make informed recommendations pertaining to policy should always be included in the conversation. I don’t know what I don’t know, and should always gather as much information as possible before making any decisions as a legislator.”
KEYWORDS: Informed Scientific Collaboration
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 protecting our boundary waters and the waters of our state is of utmost importance while we continue to evolve and innovate job opportunities for the workers in our state. I believe both can happen if we look at additional opportunities outside the BWCA and explore upskilling programs for our workers.”
KEYWORDS: Protect. Innovate. Upskill.
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 support any policy that reduces single-use plastics and PFAS in our environment. I recognize this is an enormous environmental issue and would work with experts in the area to produce effective legislation.”
KEYWORDS: Reduce, Refer, Protect
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 support a slow-down in production if not a full moratorium if we cannot produce scientifically backed plans to build data centers in a way that protects the surrounding environments and communities.”
KEYWORDS: Plan, Prioritize Environment
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?
“U of M continues to be a leader in innovation regarding environmental stewardship, and I support funding additional programs that improve our ability to generate jobs, economic activity, and knowledge. Education and research is the key to every approach in legislation. The two are mutually beneficial.”
KEYWORDS: Growth, innovation, education
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?
“This is a continuing issue. BIPOC community members continue to benefit at lower levels from nearly every effort to improve any issue. We must work together to create policy that takes this into account and intentionally work together to understand why this is, and how we offset this imbalance. We must be accountable to inclusivity in policy.”
KEYWORDS: Fairness, Access, Accountability