"Senator Bakk is a personal friend and mentor to me.  He leaves a legacy that is neither Democrat nor Republican, but as a statesman for Northeastern Minnesota," Johnson said. "He is an exception to the rules in politics."

"Voters in Northeastern Minnesota are frustrated with the status quo in Saint Paul. We’re tired of watching kids struggle to learn after years of ‘virtual learning.’ We’re tired of seeing prices soar.  We’re tired of seeing taxes continue to increase.  We’re tired of losing out on jobs and economic growth to the metro.  We’re tired of waiting for high-speed internet.  We’re tired of worrying about paying for healthcare.  We’re tired of being terrified by increased crime and homelessness.  We’re tired of worrying about the next shutdown.  That’s why I’m running, I’m ready for a change.”

She explained, “I’m running to bring a brighter day for northern Minnesota, border country and the Northshore.  I’m running to ensure a more stable educational system, one that focuses on the basics and enables high achievement.  I’m running to create more jobs and a prosperous economy.  I’m running to send a message: we aren’t taking a backseat anymore.  I’m running to cut taxes for working families, small businesses and to bring more financial freedom for all of us in Northeastern Minnesota.”

Johnson, a lifelong resident of St. Louis County, lives on the property her family has owned for nearly 80 years. Kelsey spent her early days at her parent’s small business in Pike Lake.  While there, she learned the value of hard work and taking good care of employees and the community.  An avid outdoor enthusiast, Kelsey makes a point of fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, ATVing and boating regularly and is a lifetime member of the NRA. 

For more information about Johnson and her priorities for our region, visit http://kelsey4mn.us

To see the original story and read related reporting, follow this link to the WDIO-TV website. https://www.wdio.com/news/kelsey-johnson-state-senate-campaign-announcement-legislature/6460469/