Sam Powell
DemocraticQ1 If elected, in what capacities would you refer to scientists when you are deciding how to vote on a policy?
“Those questions that rely on peer reviewed research and verified facts are the area of the expert scientists. They are trained in it. Peer review mitigates against bias, which we all have. So for those policies that rely on research and facts, I will defer to the scientists for desirable outcomes”
KEYWORDS: research, peer-reviewed, outcomes
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?
“Water and air are too important to be left to the whims of billionaires. We must keep Minnesota beautiful and clean. The mining in Minnesota will not enrich Minnesotans at all. The product mined goes out of country, and the money goes out of the country. The whole thing is wrong.”
KEYWORDS: Environment, beautiful, clean
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 would support funding for continued research on ways to clean the water. Research is still continuing and new discoveries are ongoing. We also need to continue the research into the health affects.”
KEYWORDS: Research, funding, health
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 2 year moratorium to give time for the scientists to do their job and do a thorough report on environmental costs. Since companies have always purchased scientists to make the reports favorable, every report must be peer-reviewed. I am, in principle, opposed to data centers, as I believe they are detrimental to the health of society.”
KEYWORDS: Detrimental, science, peer-reviewed
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 have spoken of grants for research and their importance. We must continue to fund the universities as well as provide guidelines to guard against fraud and misuse. At the same time, we need to let scientists be scientists and not micromanage their work.”
KEYWORDS: Grants, fraud, freedom
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?
“We must support and fund task forces with indigenous Minnesotans as well as experts in trauma and abuse and have holistic solutions. Drug use is a trauma response and is dealt with by education and providing justice, hope and support. At the same time, we must enact stiff penalties against those who exploit the vulnerable by dealing in narcotics.”
KEYWORDS: Holistic, trauma, education