Monique Doward
IndependentQ1 If elected, in what capacities would you refer to scientists when you are deciding how to vote on a policy?
“My background in biology, public health, and social services shapes how I approach policy. I would consult scientists when evaluating legislation affecting drinking water, environmental protection, healthcare, energy, agriculture, and emerging technologies. I would seek testimony from independent researchers, university scientists, public health professionals, and Tribal experts. I would ask about the quality of the evidence, funding sources, uncertainties, and potential consequences for rural communities. Scientific expertise should inform a bill’s development, guide my vote, and help evaluate whether the policy delivers its intended results. I would support transparent research and public access to findings, while considering community experiences alongside scientific evidence. As an independent senator, I would work across party lines and revise my position when credible evidence warrants it.”
KEYWORDS: Evidence, Transparency, Accountability
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?
“ oppose sulfide-ore copper mining within the Boundary Waters watershed and support restoring durable protections for this region. Protecting clean water, treaty rights, wildlife, and livelihoods that depend on healthy lakes must guide our decisions.
As a state senator, I would support legislation restricting this mining within the watershed, rigorous independent environmental review, and enforceable water-quality protections. Reviews should evaluate cumulative impacts and long-term contamination risks, rather than examining each project in isolation.
I would also support meaningful government-to-government Tribal consultation, public access to monitoring results, and financial assurance requirements that prevent cleanup costs from falling on taxpayers.
Minnesota can support workers and economic development through reclamation, infrastructure, research, and other industries while protecting waters that future generations will depend on.”
KEYWORDS: Watersheds, Protection, Stewardship
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?
“Safe drinking water is a basic public health responsibility. I support implementing and enforcing Amara’s Law to reduce avoidable PFAS use and prevent additional contamination.
I would support funding for regular testing of community water systems, assistance for private-well owners, and clear public reporting. Residents should receive timely explanations of results and practical guidance when contamination is detected.
I would advocate for grants to help communities install and maintain effective treatment, with priority based on contamination levels, health risks, and financial need. Assistance must include ongoing operating costs so small communities can sustain protection.
I also support holding responsible polluters accountable for investigation and cleanup costs. Minnesota should fund research on exposure, safer alternatives, and treatment methods while maintaining protective standards grounded in current science.”
KEYWORDS: Prevention, Testing, 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 a five-year statewide moratorium on approvals for new large-scale and hyperscale data centers while Minnesota establishes enforceable safeguards.
During that pause, I would support independent studies of water demand, grid capacity, utility rates, public subsidies, environmental impacts, and permanent employment. A state advisory board should include scientists, Tribal representatives, utility experts, workers, local governments, and residents, with public findings and recommendations to the Legislature.
I support requiring developers to disclose projected resource use, fund infrastructure costs attributable to their projects, and provide financial guarantees for closure and cleanup. Residents should not bear those costs through higher utility bills or taxes.
Existing and already-approved facilities should face enforceable monitoring and reporting requirements. Any proposal to shorten the pause should require legislative review and evidence that adequate protections are in place.”
KEYWORDS: Moratorium, Oversight, Transparency
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 support sustained investment in independent scientific research because it strengthens public health, creates skilled jobs, and helps Minnesota solve practical problems.
As a state senator, I would support competitive research grants, public university research infrastructure, and partnerships with rural healthcare providers and Tribal institutions. Priorities should include environmental health, clean water, chronic disease, long COVID, and emerging public health threats.
I would support targeted bridge funding, subject to available resources and transparent criteria, to help protect valuable research interrupted by federal funding disruptions.
Federal appropriations are outside a state senator’s authority, but I would advocate with Minnesota’s congressional delegation for stable NIH and other federal research funding.
Public investment should include rigorous peer review, conflict-of-interest disclosure, responsible financial oversight, and accessible findings while protecting participant privacy and Tribal data sovereignty.”
KEYWORDS: Research, Investment, Independence
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?
“My public health and social services experience reinforces the need for accessible treatment, prevention, and long-term recovery support.
I support expanding naloxone access, overdose-response education, and timely access to medications for opioid use disorder. Rural residents need transportation, mobile services, and connections to treatment after an emergency visit or release from incarceration.
I would support sustained funding for Tribal-led and culturally responsive programs, including organizations serving Black Minnesotans. Communities experiencing the greatest harm should help design services and determine priorities.
I also support peer recovery specialists, stable housing, mental healthcare, and family support. Opioid settlement funds should advance evidence-based prevention, treatment, and recovery, with transparent reporting of expenditures and outcomes.
We should measure progress by lives saved, treatment access, and reductions in disparities. Every Minnesotan deserves the opportunity to recover with dignity.”
KEYWORDS: Prevention, Treatment, Equity