Angela Nelson

Angela Nelson earned a high school diploma from Coon Rapids High School. She earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Minnesota, Duluth, in 2000 and a graduate degree from Hamline University. Her career experience includes working as an elementary school principal.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I’m an elementary school principal, a mom to two teenagers, and a lifelong Coon Rapids neighbor. My roots in this district run deep. This is where I grew up and where I chose to raise my own family, just down the road from the home my grandparents built in 1959. I’m already in our community every day—in the grocery store, at high school sporting events, and at local gatherings—listening to families share their concerns about rising costs, burnout in our schools, and the daily challenge of making ends meet. I’ve spent my career in public education creating schools where students feel a sense of belonging and are set up to succeed. I’m running for the Minnesota State Senate because our community deserves a leader who listens, shows up, and puts people over politics.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

LOWER COSTS FOR FAMILIES: My top priority is lowering everyday costs so families don’t have to make impossible choices between housing, transportation, and food. This includes expanding access to affordable childcare and providing free, high-quality public preschool for all four-year-olds—giving kids a strong start while offering direct financial relief to parents. We must also invest in early intervention programs that reduce long-term expenses for families and taxpayers. Supporting targeted tax breaks for working families and caregivers raising children or caring for aging parents is essential. Additionally, we need to fund public schools efficiently at the state level to ease property tax burdens on homeowners and renters.AFFORDABLE, ACCESSIBLE HEALTHCARE: Healthcare should be centered on people—not profit. No one should have to delay care, ration medication, or face discrimination when seeking help. Everyone deserves the care they need to live healthy, full lives, regardless of income or zip code. My priorities include lowering premiums and copays for working families and seniors, while broadening MinnesotaCare coverage options so people can access preventative care early. Lowering prescription drug prices so residents can get life-saving medications without cutting pills or skipping doses is critical. Finally, protecting access to essential care—including reproductive healthcare—is vital to our community's well-being.A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT: Protecting our environment is about caring for our future and lowering costs today. Smart, local clean-energy investments reduce utility bills, generate revenue for cities, and protect our air and water. We can take meaningful action on climate while strengthening our economy and keeping costs down for families. I will support local clean-energy projects—including modernizing hydropower at existing sites like the Coon Rapids Dam—while reducing reliance on large energy corporations through community-based solutions. Preserving Minnesota’s natural resources while using clean energy to lower utility costs and ease property tax pressures directly benefits our environment and neighbors.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

STRONG PUBLIC SCHOOLS: Strong public schools are the backbone of our communities. As a principal, I know what works in classrooms. I’ll fight for safe, inclusive schools where students belong and thrive. My priorities include competitive pay and support to retain educators, expanded mental health resources like counselors, and campaign finance transparency for school board elections.

SAFE & FAIR COMMUNITIES: Public safety works best through prevention, fairness, and trust. To keep neighborhoods safe, I support common-sense gun safety like background checks, expanding mental and chemical health services, and ensuring the right professionals respond to crises so law enforcement can focus on violent crime.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

I have been endorsed by:

DFL Senior Caucus

MAPE

Inter Faculty Organization

DFL Senate District 35

Stonewall

DFL Environmental Caucus

BWCA Action Fund

Feminist Caucus

Fairvote MN

Women Winning

MN Young DFL

AFSCME

Planned Parenthood

Moms Demand Action

Anoka/ Hen. Education MN

North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters

States Win

NMRCC

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