Ann Johnson Stewart

Stewart earned a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from the University of Wisconsin at Platteville in 1986 and a master's degree in civil engineering from the University of Minnesota at Twin Cities in 1994.[1][2] Her career experience includes working as a civil engineer, as a teacher at the University of Minnesota at Twin Cities, and owning Professional Engineering Services.[1][2]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I'm the senator for Senate District 45 which includes the 14 communities that border Lake Minnetonka and St. Bonifacius. My husband and I have lived in Minnetonka since 1995; we have 4 children. I’m a civil engineer, University teacher, and former business owner. I love the work of serving in the legislature and am glad to be running for re-election.

I am Vice Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee and a member of the Capital Investment, Environment, and State and Local Government Committees. I chaired the Electricity as a Vehicle Fuel Working Group and was on the Attorney General’s Task Force on the Future of Groundwater.

I grew up in northern Wisconsin; my parents were high school teachers, and I learned from them the value of community service. I earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental and civil engineering from the University of WI-Platteville and a master’s degree in civil engineering from the University of MN-Twin Cities. In 1995, I started a small consulting business, grew it to employ over 30 people, and sold it in 2022 to focus on running for Senate, but I continue to teach at the University of MN. My real passion is for workforce development; and I spent decades mentoring and teaching BIPOC men and women in both the construction trades and civil design. As a senator, my focus is on infrastructure and the environment. I’ve been focusing on data center permitting and construction standards to create a framework that protects people and the environment.

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?

Infrastructure development and maintenance: The strength and condition of our roads, bridges, and public infrastructure impacts our economy and the everyday lives of Minnesotans. We must continue to pursue new, sustainable, and long-term infrastructure projects that keep the health of our economy, workforce and environment at the center. I will continue to ensure that we support our Minnesota workers and utilize union labor to build a Minnesota for the future.

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Secure new projects that are designed to meet the needs of the future.

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Advance policies that make public transportation more efficient.

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Ensure that our infrastructure is climate resilient.

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Provide oversight to make sure that our public dollars are spent wisely.Affordable Healthcare

Making healthcare more affordable and accessible is a cornerstone of my campaign. Everyday costs for prescription drugs are too high, and the amount of money spent on deductibles, care, and premiums is too much. I’ll advocate for policies that promote economic well-being and a high quality of life for Minnesota families. No Minnesotan should have to choose between getting the care they need and everyday costs.

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Expand affordability and quality of healthcare in Minnesota.

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Stabilize healthcare costs for working families by lowering the cost of prescription drugs.

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Promote more transparency and accessibility in our healthcare system.Preserving our Environment

We must be proactive in supporting policies that not only preserve our environment, but also policies that support sustainable infrastructure for the future. We need comprehensive solutions to our climate crisis, not only to preserve the natural beauty of this community, but to build an economy and energy infrastructure for the future.

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Take meaningful action to stem climate change and build climate resilient infrastructure.

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Preserve the quality of our drinking water supply, our historic waterways, our parks, and the natural beauty of our communities.

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Advance the well-being and quality of life of our district so Minnesota families can live and thrive in their communities.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Infrastructure and taking the politics out of providing clean drinking water for everyone; we also must maintain all sanitation and wastewater facilities to protect our surface and groundwater. I'm also very concerned about the number and scale of data centers being proposed; we must make sure the process is transparent, and our citizen's interests are heard. And, we must protect our water for drinking. I'm also working to protect the boundary waters from copper sulfide mining and looking for better ways to bring construction jobs to the region.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

ED MN, Women Winning, SEIU, MAPE, AFSCME, AFL-CIO, Carpenter's Union, IBEW, Teamsters, Planned Parenthood, OutFRONT MN, Nature Conservancy, Sierra Club, Friends of the Boundary Waters, Save the Boundary Waters, 314 Project

Campaign ads

September 12, 2024

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Video submitted to BallotpediaReleased September 12, 2024

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a former state senator, business owner, civil engineer and teacher running for state senate in Senate District 45. I grew up in a large family in Northern Wisconsin and my parents were public school teachers. I earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental and civil engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and a master’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. In 1995, I started a small civil engineering consulting business, grew it to employ 35 people, and recently sold it to focus on the upcoming election. I’ve taught both construction management and civil engineering at the University of MN for 30 years. In addition to teaching, my passion is workforce development; I’ve mentored and taught BIPOC men and women in both the construction trades and civil design. As a senator, I hope to return to the Bonding and the Transportation Policy committees to continue work on supporting and growing Minnesota's infrastructure.

My husband and I live in Minnetonka with our 2 dogs; our 4 grown children all graduated from Wayzata Public Schools. My 3 grandkids live nearby and also attend a Wayzata Public school, where I love to volunteer!

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?

It is critical that we protect our freedoms, including reproductive freedoms, and our democracyEvery one of our students deserve the opportunity to go to a great, well-funded public school and get the best education in the countryWe need to invest in our communities, in our infrastructure and clean water, and in public safety

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

The list is endless, but my background as a civil engineer means that I truly appreciate talking about infrastructure, planning, and how we build and maintain safe and livable communities

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Hard work, compassion, good listening skills, commitment, curiosity, and grit

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

As the first civil engineer to serve in the MN Senate, I brought special expertise and insight into the trillions of dollars of infrastructure assets the state owns. My experience as a construction engineer overseeing the plans, budgets and building of roads, bridges, stadiums, drinking and wastewater systems, and public buildings has developed my skills as a negotiator and advocate of public funds. I know what it takes to build and maintain these systems, and my skills as a teacher have been valuable in communicating to users and policy makers about the critical need to maintain them. This unique skill will help greatly as a member of the Bonding and Transportation committees.

As a successful business owner, I learned how to manage budgets, payrolls, employees, and growth opportunities. I grew my business to employ 35 people before I sold it, and learned a great deal about the issues facing small businesses which will be helpful in shaping legislation.

I am also a skilled mentor and teacher. I know how to create and implement workforce development programs and have worked with countless business owners and adults who are working to succeed in the highway design and construction industry. I'll use these qualities as I look to create opportunities for growing our state's skilled workforce.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The core responsibilities are to spend time in the community, to listen to constituents, to do your homework around bills and the issues before your committees, and to vote in ways you believe will better the lives of the people you serve.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

There is separation of course, but I would like to work closely with the governor, communicate about shared priorities and critical issues for our district, and partner on improving the lives of Minnesotans.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Yes, definitely. The work of the legislature is best done collaboratively. We cannot write good legislation or approach complicated budget issues alone, and we do our best work with others, in partnership, and with the benefit of not just multiple perspectives but also the challenge of ensuring we are going to do right by people all over the state. The only way to do that is by spending time together and building trust.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

No. I am passionate about the work of the MN State Legislature and believe that is where I can do the most good for Minnesotans.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

I am proud to have the support of Labor Unions, GenderJustice, Pro-Choice Minnesota, Planned Parenthood, Sierra Club, and so many more. You can see my other endorsements here: https://annjohnsonstewart.com/endorsements/

What committees interest you?

I would like to serve on the Capital Investment (Bonding) and Transportation Committees. I also would love to return to the Jobs committee.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

By trade, I'm a civil engineer. I started a successful business in my basement over two decades ago, which is now a flourishing enterprise with 15 employees. Our work has created opportunities for veterans, minorities, and people wishing to change careers. I understand the importance of government-supported infrastructure funding, and my company has worked successfully with townships, cities, counties, and the state to build publicly-funded roads, bridges, and buildings. We need an engineer like me at the Capitol who can educate fellow legislators about infrastructure issues.

I'm also a teacher. For over 20 years, I've taught at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and local technical colleges, and have created and taught classes to maintenance workers, engineers, tradespeople, and managers. Many of my older students take my classes to gain knowledge and skills that enable them to move up and expand their abilities and roles within their current jobs. I've developed workforce training that aims to provide jobs for minorities and allow contractors to meet the female- and minority-participation goals the federal government sets for public work. Each of these experiences gives me insight into changes around education, workforce development, and post-secondary training that I will work to effect as a Senator.

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?

We need to repair our failing roads and bridges, and we must decrease costly congestion by investing in public transportation and innovative traffic management strategies.We need to take dramatic action to combat the threat of climate change, and invest in renewable, clean energy sources.At a minimum, we must pass the common-sense measures of universal background checks and "red flag" laws to ensure greater safety from gun violence.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Infrastructure, education, environment, workforce issues, and public safety.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

My first political experience was volunteering for Paul Welstone. I loved how relatable he was, and how much he cared about the people he served. He took time to really talk to people about issues. He was passionate, and I enjoyed his energy.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

I love the movie "Good Will Hunting" because it illustrates the benefits of privelege and the barriers that exist for many. It shows that education can help a person achieve success, but that we all need help. Some people need much more than others, and I think government should provide some of that help.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

honesty and authenticity.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I am honest, authentic and smart.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Researching the issues and creating legislation that is fair and practical.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Doing my best to make a better world and safer environment for my grandchildren.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The moon landing happened just before my 5th birthday in July of 1969. I remember that, because my grandparents came over and we had birthday cake (for me) and watched the moon landing.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My very first job out of college was as a civil engineer with HNTB, one of the largest engineering firms in the country. I initially was hired to work in the environmental department, on the sanitary/storm sewer separation project for the metro area. I worked for them only two months, and was asked to serve as the "Resident Engineer" on the Benson Municipal Airport construction project. That took me to Benson, MN for the next two years. I served as the on-site representative for the Owner, making sure that the contractor built the work with the materials and methods specified. I loved that work, and when the project was complete I continued to work in airport construction at HNTB for a total of 5.5 years. I was trying to complete my master's degree in civil engineering, but was unable to complete the work while working the long hours required for construction. So, in 1991, I left HNTB to work at Braun Intertec and focus on my graduate degree in pavement engineering and the FHWA Strategic Highway Research Program for the next three years.

Every state besides Nebraska has two legislative chambers. What do you consider the most important differences between the legislative chambers in your state?

One is controlled by the DFL and one by the GOP. I have met with many current senators in the last six months, and have enjoyed getting to know the process by which the MN Senate works.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

It is beneficial but not required. I am certain that I will get the education and training I need when elected.

What do you perceive to be your state’s greatest challenges over the next decade?

Recovering financially from the COVID pandemic.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and the state legislature?

The governor and legislature should have a positive and collaborative relationship, regardless of party leadership.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Yes, of course. Relationships are a key factor in getting work done, whether it's governing or building roads. I have worked in heavy/highway construction for over 30 years. A project doesn't get built unless everyone cooperates and optimizes each member's strengths. When doing any work, conflicts and challenges arise. Resolving conflicts is so much easier when positive relationships between people exist.

If you are not a current legislator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

YES! In order: 1. Transportation Finance and Policy, 2. Environment and Natural Resources Policy and Legacy Finance Committee, and 3. Higher Education Finance and Policy

If you are a current legislator, what appealed to you about your current committees?

I want to work towards adequate funding of road and bridge construction and maintenance, and want to see MN lead in the area of reducing climate change. I have taught post-secondary education for the last 27 years, and am passionate about workforce development and high ed.

If you are not currently a member of your party’s leadership in the legislature, would you be interested in joining the leadership? If so, in what role?

Not yet. I am trying to get elected first.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Steve Cwodzinski has been a role model for me, because he is also a teacher and has the high energy and extroversion that allows him to talk to many people, regardless of their position. I also admire Ann Rest, who has taught me a lot about taxes and finances, and has been a serious, effective legislator for years.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

no

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

I have heard many from the disabled community talk about how difficult it is for those with special needs to get jobs that pay living wages. Their benefits are often tied to their assets, and earning too much money prevents them from getting some health and therapy services. I would like to change that, so that all people can work to the limits of their abilities without concern for health care.