Trina Swanson
DemocraticQ1 If elected, in what capacities would you refer to scientists when you are deciding how to vote on a policy?
“Good policy starts with good information, and scientists are the key experts in their fields. I would rely on scientists, career agency experts, and other subject-matter experts to help establish the facts, identify risks, and explain the likely consequences of policy choices. That is especially important on issues involving public health, the environment, energy, agriculture, technology, and national security. Science should inform our decisions, while elected officials remain responsible for weighing competing priorities, listening to affected communities, and being accountable for the final decision.”
KEYWORDS: Evidence, Expertise, 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?
“I support mining in northern and central Minnesota when it can be done responsibly, meet strong environmental standards, and create good union jobs. But the Boundary Waters watershed deserves special protection, because contamination there could cause lasting, irreversible harm. I support restoring the protections overturned by H.J. Res. 140 and establishing permanent protections for the watershed. I also support rigorous environmental review, meaningful Tribal consultation, strong water-quality standards, and financial assurance requirements so mining companies, not taxpayers, are responsible for cleanup.”
KEYWORDS: Ban, Responsibility, Water
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?
“Every Minnesotan should be able to trust the water coming from their tap. I will continue to support the Investing in America funding for drinking water and clean water infrastructure upgrades, along with the Minnesota Department of Health’s Clean Water Fund to ensure the safety of Minnesota’s water systems. I support strong, science-based federal drinking-water standards for PFAS, continued testing of public water systems, and federal assistance to help communities install treatment systems without placing the entire cost on local ratepayers. Companies responsible for PFAS contamination should also be held accountable for cleanup costs. We should continue investing in research on the health effects of PFAS and technologies that can safely remove and destroy these chemicals.”
KEYWORDS: Water, Accountability, Cleanup
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 theoretically could bring investment and good construction and technology jobs to Minnesota, but families should not be asked to subsidize their enormous demands for electricity, water, and infrastructure. Local government leaders should not be allowed to enter into NDAs to conduct secret negotiations with AI companies. AI companies must prove the benefits of a data center before they are permitted to break ground. I support requiring data centers to disclose projected energy and water use, and pay for any necessary grid and infrastructure upgrades. Regulators should ensure these projects do not drive up utility bills for residential customers or threaten grid reliability. Public incentives should be tied to measurable benefits for Minnesota workers and communities.”
KEYWORDS: Ratepayers, Resources, 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?
“I strongly support continued federal investment in scientific and medical research through agencies such as NIH and NSF. These investments lead to medical breakthroughs, new technologies, good-paying jobs, and economic growth, and Minnesota has benefited enormously from them. Research funding should be stable, competitive, peer-reviewed, and based on scientific merit. I would oppose arbitrary cuts that disrupt promising research, clinical trials, or the ability of Minnesota universities and medical centers to attract talented researchers and remain leaders in innovation.”
KEYWORDS: Research, Innovation, Jobs
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 should continue investing in approaches that are saving lives, including widespread access to naloxone, evidence-based addiction treatment, prevention, recovery services, and mental-health care. We also need to address the severe disparities affecting Indigenous and Black Minnesotans by working directly with Tribal Nations and community organizations on effective, culturally appropriate programs. In rural Minnesota, we need more treatment and recovery options where providers are scarce. These public-health efforts should be paired with strong law enforcement focused on the traffickers bringing fentanyl and other dangerous drugs into our communities.”
KEYWORDS: Naloxone, Treatment, Prevention