Vanessa Davenport
DemocraticQ1 If elected, in what capacities would you refer to scientists when you are deciding how to vote on a policy?
“I would consult scientists and subject-matter experts when legislation involves technical or scientific issues, particularly energy, water, environmental protection, public health, and emerging technologies. I would use their expertise to understand the evidence, risks, uncertainties, and potential unintended consequences before voting. Good policy should be informed by evidence, while elected officials remain 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 responsible mining in Minnesota, but I believe the Boundary Waters watershed deserves a higher level of protection because contamination could have long-lasting and potentially irreversible consequences. The federal environmental review underlying the previous withdrawal specifically identified risks to the watershed, wildlife, Tribal interests, and recreation economy.
I would support strong science-based environmental review, water-quality protections, financial assurance for cleanup and reclamation, and holding mining companies—not taxpayers—responsible for environmental damage. Some places require us to weigh the economic benefits of development against risks that may be impossible to undo.”
KEYWORDS: Watershed Protection, Responsible Mining, Accountability
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 support strong PFAS monitoring, testing, and cleanup of contaminated drinking water, while holding polluters accountable for the costs whenever responsibility can be established. Minnesota should also help communities upgrade treatment systems and continue reducing unnecessary PFAS exposure at the source. Clean drinking water is a basic responsibility, and taxpayers should not be left paying for contamination caused by others.”
KEYWORDS: Clean Water, Polluter 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?
“I support a temporary pause on new hyperscale data center approvals until Minnesota has stronger safeguards in place. Data centers can bring investment and jobs, but projects of this scale can also place significant demands on our electric grid, water resources, and local infrastructure. I support transparent public review, strong water and energy standards, long-term financial assurance, and requiring corporations to cover the project-specific infrastructure costs they create rather than shifting those costs to taxpayers or ratepayers.”
KEYWORDS: Ratepayer Protection, Resource Responsibility, 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 continued investment in scientific research that improves public health, strengthens Minnesota’s economy, and drives innovation. While NIH funding is primarily a federal responsibility, at the state level I would support partnerships with Minnesota universities and research institutions, competitive research programs, and investments that help turn research into new technologies, businesses, and jobs. Research funding should be evidence-based, transparent, and accountable for results.”
KEYWORDS: Innovation, Investment, Accountability
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?
“I support continuing proven overdose-prevention efforts, including access to naloxone, treatment and recovery services, and stronger mental health and addiction resources. We also need to address the significant disparities affecting Indigenous and Black Minnesotans by working directly with communities to identify barriers to treatment and effective prevention. At the same time, we should hold drug traffickers accountable and continually evaluate programs to ensure they are actually reducing deaths.”
KEYWORDS: Prevention, Treatment, Accountability