Mohamud Noor
DemocraticQ1 If elected, in what capacities would you refer to scientists when you are deciding how to vote on a policy?
“As someone with a Computer Science degree, I believe policy should be guided by evidence. I consult subject matter experts to evaluate data, understand the impacts of proposed legislation, and make informed decisions that best serve the public.”
KEYWORDS: Evidence based policymaking, Data driven decisions, Technology
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 is one of our greatest natural treasures. I support a prove it first approach. Any mining proposal must demonstrate it can be done safely without harming clean water. Science based review, strong environmental protections, and Tribal consultation should guide every decision.”
KEYWORDS: Prove it First, Clean Water, Science Based
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?
“Minnesota has already taken national leadership by banning intentionally added PFAS in products through Amara’s Law, with protections phasing in through 2032. I support full implementation, strong reporting requirements, testing and cleanup of contaminated drinking water, and holding polluters accountable so families have safe, clean water.”
KEYWORDS: Ban, Cleanup, 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 support AI innovation, but large data centers must be developed responsibly. I support requiring public hearings, environmental impact review, energy and water use reporting, grid and ratepayer protections, clean energy standards, water conservation, e-waste plans, host community benefits, tax incentive transparency, and prevailing wage requirements. Data centers should pay their own infrastructure costs and not shift burdens onto local residents.”
KEYWORDS: Innovation, Sustainability, Standards
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 strongly support continued science research funding at both the state and federal levels. Research investments save lives, create jobs, grow our economy, and keep us competitive. I support protecting NIH and NSF funding, expanding state matching grants, supporting early career scientists, and strengthening partnerships with universities, health systems, and innovators.”
KEYWORDS: Research, Jobs, Funding
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?
“As Chair of Human Services, I support continuing the progress in reducing overdose deaths by expanding prevention, treatment, and harm reduction. That means broad access to naloxone, fentanyl test strips, culturally specific outreach, medication-assisted treatment, recovery housing, mental health care, and stronger community-based services.
Because Indigenous and Black Minnesotans continue to face disproportionate overdose deaths, resources must be targeted to the communities most impacted, with Tribal and community leadership guiding the response.”
KEYWORDS: Harm Reduction, Equity, Treatment