Larry Kraft
DemocraticQ1 If elected, in what capacities would you refer to scientists when you are deciding how to vote on a policy?
“I respect science and look to scientists for facts and to understand the real impacts of policy decisions.”
KEYWORDS: respect, facts, understanding
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?
“The Boundary Waters and its watershed is too precious a resource to risk with any metal sulfide mining. I was a co-author of the Boundary Waters Permanent Protection Bill (HF309 in 2025/26), and intend to support this bill in the 2027/28 session. I also applaud Governor Walz’s recent executive order to block non ferrous sulfide mining in the area.”
KEYWORDS: Ban sulfide mining
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?
“In 2023 we passed some of the nation’s strictest regulations on PFAS with Amara’s Law. We must defend this law.”
KEYWORDS: Defend Amara’s Law
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?
“Either data centers need to be done in a way that they doesn’t cause environmental harm, that doesn’t detract from our carbon free electricity goals, that doesn’t impose costs on other ratepayers, and that actually reduces costs for ratepayers, or we shouldn’t allow them. Their evaluation also should be conducted in a transparent way, meaning we should not allow NDAs to be put in place between data center companies and city officials.”
KEYWORDS: No harm allowed
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’d advocate for the federal government to continue funding research, push for adequate state funding for our MN university system, and look for ways to leverage targeted programs for research (such as the Renewable Development Account in the Energy Committee, which can fund activities that help to develop new renewable energy technologies).”
KEYWORDS: Keep funding research
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?
“Make naloxone and fentanyl test strips more and more widely available. Invest in culturally specific outreach. Invest in stable recovery housing, comprehensive mental health care, and stronger community-based health networks”
KEYWORDS: Multi tiered approach