Sam Rosemark
DemocraticQ1 If elected, in what capacities would you refer to scientists when you are deciding how to vote on a policy?
“I want good policy to be grounded in good information. I would rely on scientists and other subject-matter experts to understand the evidence, potential impacts, and tradeoffs of legislation. That includes listening to researchers at institutions like the University of Minnesota, state agency scientists, and experts working directly in our communities.”
KEYWORDS: Evidence, Expertise, Collaboration
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?
“I oppose sulfide-ore mining in the watershed of the Boundary Waters. Once polluted, these waters would be incredibly difficult, if not impossible, to restore. I support restoring long-term federal protections for the watershed and Minnesota’s Prove It First legislation, requiring companies to demonstrate that this type of mining has been done elsewhere without polluting surrounding water before doing it here. Mining is important to Minnesota, but some places are simply too valuable and too vulnerable to risk.”
KEYWORDS: Clean Water, Prove It First, Sacred
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?
“PFAS is personal to me. I grew up in Oakdale near the 3M Superfund site and have seen what these chemicals can mean for communities. Minnesota should continue testing our water, help communities remove PFAS from drinking water, hold polluters accountable for cleanup costs, and prevent unnecessary PFAS from entering our environment in the first place. I also support continued research into the health effects of PFAS exposure.”
KEYWORDS: Clean Water, Accountability, Prevention
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?
“Data centers are needed, but they must be developed responsibly and with care for the communities where they are built. I support full transparency with no NDAs that prevent communities from understanding proposed projects. We must protect our water, prevent noise pollution, and require these facilities to be powered by renewable energy. Data centers should also pay the full cost of the energy and infrastructure they require rather than passing those costs on to existing ratepayers. Any public incentives should come with clear economic, environmental, and community benefits.”
KEYWORDS: Transparency, Sustainability, Accountability
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?
“For four years, I served as Director of Advocacy for the University of Minnesota Alumni Association, where I advocated for state and federal investment in the University and its research mission. Minnesota’s universities and research institutions drive medical breakthroughs, innovation, jobs, and economic growth. I support strong state investment in research and would advocate for continued federal funding through agencies like NIH and NSF. Cutting scientific research ultimately costs us opportunities, jobs, and discoveries.”
KEYWORDS: Research, Innovation, University of Minnesota
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?
“The decline in overdose deaths is encouraging, but there is much more work to do, particularly given the disparities facing American Indian and Black Minnesotans. I support expanding access to naloxone, evidence-based treatment and recovery services, mental health care, and harm-reduction programs. We also need to address the underlying factors that contribute to addiction, including housing instability and barriers to healthcare. Our response should be driven by evidence and focused on keeping people alive and helping them recover.”
KEYWORDS: Prevention, Treatment, Recovery