Julie Henslin

“Decisions made in the state legislature should be grounded in evidence, fiscal responsibility, and real-world results. Science provides a critical, objective baseline for evaluating complex technical issues—from agricultural soil health and water quality to public safety technologies and natural resource management. If elected, I will look to scientists, university researchers, and nonpartisan technical experts to ensure our laws are built on sound, peer-reviewed data rather than political assumptions.

At the same time, scientific data must be paired with practical local knowledge. The best policies emerge when empirical research is evaluated alongside the lived experiences of farmers, small business owners, and local residents. Science tells us what is technically happening, but working directly with our communities ensures that proposed solutions remain pragmatic, economically viable, and adaptable for everyday Minnesotans.

Finally, expert findings play an essential role in legislative oversight. I will rely on reports from independent scientific bodies and state agencies—such as the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Natural Resources—to measure policy outcomes, track the return on taxpayer investments, and hold programs accountable. Grounding policy in credible science ensures we protect our resources, steward public funds wisely, and build strong communities from the ground up.”

KEYWORDS: Expertise, Knowledge, Data

“I’m proudly endorsed by The Friends of The Boundary Waters and I oppose mining in the region. I whole heartedly believe in the “Prove it First” legislation and will vote “yes” on that bill when it comes up for a vote on the MN House floor. Protecting the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and its surrounding watershed is essential for Minnesota’s environment, natural heritage, and local economy. I oppose sulfide-ore copper mining in this delicate ecosystem due to the high risk of toxic runoff. I support enacting “Prove It First” legislation to ensure no mining project moves forward without hard proof that it can be done without polluting our waters. Additionally, I support strong state oversight and protective land-use policies to safeguard the watershed for future generations.”

KEYWORDS: Prove It First

“Clean water is essential to the health, safety, and vitality of every Minnesota community. With PFAS and “forever chemicals” threatening local water systems, state policy must focus on prevention, infrastructure support, and accountability to protect residents without burdening ratepayers.

First, we must support local communities by directing state clean water grants and bonding funds toward upgrading municipal filtration systems. Small towns and local water utilities should not have to bear the cost of expensive reverse osmosis or carbon filtration technologies alone. Additionally, we must ensure rural families on private wells have access to testing and filtration support.

Second, we must stop contamination at the source. Supporting the phase-out of nonessential PFAS in consumer products under Amara’s Law will keep these chemicals out of our soil and water tables.

Finally, polluters—not taxpayers—must be held responsible for remediation. Settlement funds and legal accountability must cover long-term cleanup and monitoring. By combining targeted infrastructure funding with strong state oversight, we can safeguard our drinking water, protect public health, and ensure our water infrastructure remains safe and sustainable for generations to come.”

KEYWORDS: Clean water, Prevention, Sustainable

“Hyperscale data centers bring significant technological investment to Minnesota, but before large-scale facilities are approved, developers must prove how they will protect our environment, water supplies, and energy grid.

First, comprehensive environmental reviews must be required prior to construction. Developers should be required to demonstrate that high-volume water cooling systems will not deplete local aquifers or harm drinking water for farms and surrounding residents. Encouraging closed-loop or air-cooling technologies will ensure critical water resources are preserved.

Second, we must protect families, small businesses, and agricultural producers from rising energy costs. Before groundbreaking, data centers must prove their massive power demands will not overload the local grid or shift transmission upgrade costs onto everyday ratepayers. Developers should be required to secure supplemental clean power and fund their own infrastructure upgrades.”

KEYWORDS: Citizenry, Oversight, Accountability

“A good place to start would be to vote for a Federal Administration that believes in science.

Scientific research at Minnesota universities and medical centers is a cornerstone of our state economy, driving innovation while supporting thousands of local jobs and billions in economic activity. Grounding our state’s growth in evidence and practical results requires strong policy support for research funding at both state and federal levels.

First, we must safeguard federal research investments. I will advocate to protect full federal cost reimbursements for facilities, ensuring our universities retain the operational resources necessary to maintain cutting-edge laboratories without draining state budgets.

Second, state matching grants and targeted capital bonding are essential to keep Minnesota competitive. Strategic state investments help public higher education institutions attract major federal grants, upgrade technology, and retain top scientific talent.

Third, we must bridge discovery and local economic growth. Supporting state programs that help researchers transition lab breakthroughs into commercial startups keeps technology, advanced manufacturing, and high-paying jobs in local Minnesota communities.

Finally, investing in STEM education across state colleges ensures a strong workforce pipeline. Supporting scientific research protects public health, stewards public funds, and builds a thriving economic foundation from the bottom up.”

KEYWORDS: Vote, STEM, Education

“While Minnesota’s recent 28% decline in fatal drug overdoses represents encouraging progress, severe health disparities persist across our state. Indigenous and Black Minnesotans continue to experience fatal overdose rates significantly higher than White residents. Sustaining this downward trend requires evidence-based strategies, expanded access to long-term recovery, and targeted investments in disproportionately impacted communities.

First, state funding and opioid settlement dollars must be directly allocated to Tribal nations, urban Indigenous organizations, and Black health providers. Empowering culturally specific treatment programs and peer recovery specialists ensures support directly reaches those facing the greatest disparities.

Second, we must broaden access to life-saving harm reduction tools, ensuring naloxone (Narcan) and test strips are readily available in community hubs, schools, and clinics statewide.

Third, we must eliminate artificial barriers to treatment by prohibiting sober housing facilities from turning away individuals who use prescribed FDA-approved medications for opioid use disorder.

Finally, integrating substance use treatment into local primary care centers ensures every resident has access to compassionate, long-term care. Grounding policy in evidence and equity protects public health and strengthens families from the bottom up.

We must vote for people who believe that ALL people matter, no matter the color of their skin or economic status”

KEYWORDS: Vote, Equity, Prevention