Austin Winkelman

Austin Winkelman was born in Monticello, Minnesota. He earned an associate degree from Hennepin Technical College in 2018. His career experience includes working in manufacturing. [1]

Austin Winkelman did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Austin was born on October 14, 1985, in Buffalo, MN, and grew up in Monticello, MN. In 2017, he got his GED and went to Hennepin Technical College. Then, in 2018, they moved to a rural area in Wisconsin. Now, in 2023, Austin and their family enjoy a peaceful life in Albertville, MN. Austin has decided to run for the position of U.S. Representative in Minnesota's 6th district while also studying business administration as an undergraduate.

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?

28th Constitutinal amendment - Womans reproductive rightsLengel ImmigrationImproved communication with government

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Austin is advocating for a new amendment 28 - that supports women's reproductive rights. This amendment aims to give women the power to make decisions about their own body. Additionally, it can offer more protections for pregnant women.

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

John Lewis, due to his moral clarity and willingness to go extreme lengths to attempt to improve the world. As well I admired the compassion and fire, he showed threw out his lifetime.

John Stewart, I highly appreciate the way john has an ability to call BS, in a blunt and humorous way. The fact that he calls BS for the common good of people, such as American Veterans.

Elon Musk, I admire the vision Elon has for the future; all be it flawed at times vision for what he thinks is important for the future. His wealth is unimportant, what is the ability to see a vision and go for it even if it does not always pan out.

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

Mild Intelligence, Ethical, Vision for the Future.

Someone in love with democracy and all its flaws while trying to improve democracy to the best of their ability.

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

vison, and the ability to look at the now and work toward what I want to see in the future, whatever it may hold.

a blunt and honest personality. not always appreciated but is what is required of an elected official. You must be able to tell the people what they do not want to hear from time to time and cannot just be dodging questions and putting spin on things. And ability to compromise and find a common balance with others has always been a strong point for me.

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

Simply put, improve the lives of the people who voted for the individual to be in office.

Not serve the “Donor class” and PACs that swamp our congress in unneeded wealth.

What legacy would you like to leave?

i don't, i want to be forgotten.

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

The first historical event I remember was the September 11 attacks, I must have been fifteen or so at the time.

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

I worked at a grocery store in St. Michael, around the age of sixteen, I was stocking shelves. I only had the job for about a month before being paid minimum wage drove me away, it just was not worth it to my young mind. I had no need for money doing odd jobs for friends of the family, lawn mowing, working for a farmer.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Push on by Wax

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

I grew up in a low-income family, not having a lot meant we had to go without often. And it has been a lifelong struggle to pull myself up on my own. Business taught me one thing. We can only accomplish big things together. And knowledge is the one thing no can take away from you.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

The lower house is a body where the viewpoints of the citizens are far more freely expressed and innovative legislation begins. It is a place where the viewpoints of the citizens are expressed and debated. As it should be, the lower house was meant to stand for the citizens, the upper house was intended to consider states’ rights. Between the two bodies house and senate, are to make a balance between the rights and responsibility of the state and individual.

This is what I admire about the congress as entity, its intent was balance.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

No.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

Food, Water, Power.

"Climate change"

It doesn’t matter at this point what we blame climate change on, what matters is our ability to adapt to the change we see in our everyday lives. We have the technology to slow the change that is in process, I would work on shutting down our old style power plants in favor of wind, solar and a MASSIVE geothermal power plant; rather than working on killing gas, that will happen naturally and should not be forced on individuals.

Food is going to be more difficult to grow due to drought caused by the warmer air being able to simply hold more water vapor. We need to invest in our farmers to have the ability to transition into underground farming.

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

yes!

What are your thoughts on term limits?

Term limits are important, I believe 4 terms in the U.S house and 2 terms in the U.S. senate. Bringing the total of 16 years of public service, this should be more than adequate to achieve the goals of any single individual.

It would facilitate the transition from house representative to the senate, if that individual has the ability to transition from a district race to a state wide race, and the want to stay in as political servant to there constituents.

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

jamie raskin.

adam kinzinger.

Both sitting representatives 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?

Not yet. I plan to spend the next year traveling around district 6, meeting the interesting people that live here. I have a lot of people to meet and a lot of roads to wander down.

People, Places and faces is my next year. The story will come in time.

see you soon.

Tell us your favorite joke.

Chuck Norris jokes:

Chuck Norris doesn't read books. He stares them down until he gets the information he wants.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

155% yes, We can’t always get what we want, but if we try sometimes, we just might find we get what we need.

While I don’t always agree with the republican point of view, I find it far more important to listen. The viewpoint of my republican leaning friends has been invaluable in guiding my self down a more moderate path.

+Being bipartisan and reaching a level of compromise has produced some of the best bills in recent history to come from the 117th congress. Opposed to the entirely partition manner in with the 118th congress is operating, they have passed only 18 bills. This kind of stagnation is exactly what we must avoid as a country.

The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?

as one of my priorities is improving the country’s Power infrastructure. It would be huge; I would like to see the worlds largest geothermal power plant be made around Yellowstone caldera. I'd like to see the project be on scale with the hoover dam.

How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?

depending on the severity of a situation, sparingly.

America has more problems that need handling other than if TikTok steals your data, they do. So, dose meta, X, and every other social media platform. It is business, they are allowed to do it.

I am personally sick of seeing silly investigations into silly things.

Campaign website

Winkelman’s campaign website stated the following:

YOUR VOTE, YOUR PREROGATIVE

WOMEN'S REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS:

THE NEED FOR THE 28TH AMENDMENT WOMEN'S REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS

We must protect women's reproductive rights across the country, Reinstating Roe V. Wade as the law of the land!

The 28th constitutional amendment would let women decide what happens to their own bodies and make sure they can access safe and privacy in healthcare. This amendment is crucial to guaranteeing that all women, no matter where they live or how much money they have, can choose what is best for them. We have the ability to make women's health rights and dignity by making this amendment a priority.

It is our duty to fight for equality and protect everyone's well-being. Passing the 28th constitutional amendment would be a big step forward. We can create a fair society that respects women's rights and gives them the freedom and control. We can effectively protect women's reproductive rights and empower them to make informed healthcare decisions that align with their unique circumstances and needs.

This crucial amendment will play a vital and transformative role in effectively addressing the alarming issue of maternal mortality that has persistently plagued America. With the implementation of this amendment, we can proactively allocate resources to enhance healthcare services for expectant mothers, ensuring that they receive the necessary medical attention, support, and education to prevent tragic outcomes and safeguard their well-being. data reveals that the maternal mortality rate in 2021 reached 32.9 deaths per 100,000 live births, surpassing previous years' figures. This trend demands immediate action.

This is why I am an advocate for the passage of the 28th constitutional amendment. Let us strive for a future where all women have control over their bodies, and we can protect IVF Access, Abortion access, contraception and decrease and prevent maternal deaths.

THE 28TH AMENDMENT WOMEN'S REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS (AUSTIN'S VERSION)

Women’s Right to Reproductive Health - 28th Amendment To the constitution of the United States of America.

Section 1 - Right to abortion:

The 28th Amendment protects the right to privacy in healthcare.

This includes the right for a woman to make decisions about her reproductive health, in having an abortion, and/or other medical decisions.

Also, states establish regulations concerning abortion based on various pregnancy stages in order to strike a balance between safeguarding the mother's health and considering the potential for human life.

Dividing pregnancy into three trimesters:

During the first trimester, states will Not regulate abortion.

During the second trimester, states will only regulate abortion to protect the mother's health.

During the third trimester, states Can regulate or prohibit abortion to protect the potentiality of human life, except when necessary to preserve the mother's life or health.

Section 2 - Maternal Mortality:

All pregnant individuals have access to prenatal and postnatal care, as well as skilled birth attendants and emergency obstetric care.

Improve healthcare systems by investing and maintaining facilities, equipment, and training for healthcare workers in rural and undeserved areas.

Access to healthcare and maternal health.

Access to contraception and family planning services.

Access to emergency obstetric care, such as blood transfusions, and cesarean sections, is necessary to promptly manage childbirth complications.

Section 3 - States Rights:

States will have the right to self-determine the time frame in which an abortion are allowed and Disallowed, in correspondence with section 1 of the 28th amendment.

States Will use popular vote of its Citizens to determine time frame for abortion.

States will Make Exception’s for Rape, Incest, and the life of the mother.

FARMING AND AGRICULTURE

RUAL AND FARM INFRASTUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS- POWER

As 35 to 40% of operating cost on a dairy farm is power consumption, the two steps we must take for rural America.

1. Set up a grant and loan process set up under the RUS (Rural Utilities Service) for the improvement of old outdated farm power infrastructure.

As the larger model milking machines run on 480v and some older farms have 208v and have simple incompatibility with their outdated infrastructure. In some cases, some farmers implement gas generator models of milking machines or invest in costly step-up transformers.

2. Implement changes and improvements to the 1930 Rural Electrification Act, to improve the power distribution network in rural America.

the average rural power line carrying capacity is between 7,200v to 14,000v, we need to ensure farmers and rural Americans have the ability to meet modern power requirements. We need to do this not only for farmers, but as well rural Americans who wish to start up manufacturing facilities in their communities, or other economically stimulating activities.

FARM LOANS

There is currently an approximated 6,577,492,529 in the budget for the budget for farm loans, with only 18,939 nationality made loans. Witch in my mind is staggering to think there is all this money just sitting there for farmers to use and no one can seem to access it.

I believe one of the possible reasons is to the fact that with in the farm bill is a claws “Managerial Ability”, I believe if this claws where to be removed it would vastly increase eligibility.

As well the wording “sufficient credit elsewhere” should be removed as to allow farmers and ranchers to access the extremely favorable loan rates that sit around 1.5% to 5%.

UPGRADING THE FAMILY FARM W/UNDERGROUND FARMING

Let’s grow crops all year! no matter the weather!

Underground Farming has the potential to help solve global hunger, increasing food production tripling yields significantly. Helping those facing food insecurity due to limited Healthy Food options in the city or the world abroad.

By implementing hydroponic underground farming an Eco-friendly approaches, underground farming has the capacity to cultivate crops within regulated settings, ensuring optimal growth conditions. This innovative methodology continues to demonstrate resilience against adverse Weather conditions such as Heat/Cold, severe weather and constraints on land availability.

It significantly reduces the necessity for extensive pesticide, herbicide, and desal fuel thus enabling the production of a more environmentally friendly product at a reduced cost to consumers and farmers alike.

Underground farming could change how we grow food and make it more secure and profitable for the future of farming. I believe in the potential of underground farming. I am committed to advocating for this cause in Congress and securing funding for family farmers who would like to use this innovative approach. My goal is to empower them with the resources they need to improve their family farms, ensuring a sustainable and profitable future.

By implementing strategic policies and providing adequate support, we can not only preserve but also enhance the vital role of family farms in our economy for generations to come. We must appreciate the important help from these farms and work to secure their future success. Their resilience and dedication deserve our unwavering commitment.

Together, let us forge a path towards a brighter future, where family farms continue to be the backbone of our agricultural landscape, fueling growth, and fostering a sense of community pride.

Is a greener Dairy farm that is more self-sufficient possible?

I think so; by combining Two methods I believe dairy farms can become not only energy independent but net exporters or power. And become slightly greener in the process.

According to MIT and other climate scientists methane is eighty times stronger a greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide, methane has natural slow ability to degrade into carbon dioxide, it is better to convert it into carbon dioxide and use carbon capture technology to remove the carbon dioxide from the exhaust air. With that in mind, there are two techniques that stand out as beneficial to the dairy industry.

1. Adapting methane capture technologies that the Waste disposal industry uses. Then using the methane to burn converting it into heat and energy, also converting a more harmful gas into one that can be captured and disposed of as it exists the system.

2. Zeolite clay mixed with a small amount of copper will absorb methane out of the air, speeding up the conversion process methane naturally possess. In theory, if money were invested into R&D, we could have a device capable of being placed in pastures that absorb methane out of the air.

While yes, it is not a perfect solution. It is leading down the right path of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

(CALLIFORNIAS) PROPOSITION 12, AND OTHER REGULATION

In principle I support measures such as Proposition 12 out of California, the square footage requirements are in line with educational institutions such as pen state. For example, Prop 12 recommends 43sq ft for calf’s Pen State recommends 30sq ft.

However, while I agree with the standards; I believe that any regulation that forces farmers, especially small farms, to change. must be in part subsidized by the government that wishes the change. So, if the federal government were to adopt regulations such as prop twelve then the federal government must help pay for the upgrade, it is only fair.

BIO-POLYMER PLASTIC AND FARMS

Plastic pollution is a significant and escalating issue that continues to worsen over time. Conventional plastics, otherwise known as olefins, accumulate in landfills and oceans, contributing to the steady growth of this environmental crisis.

In packaging an industry leader of plastic production, common biopolymers are polylactic acid (PLA) from corn, Starch from sources like Potatoes, maize, cassava, rice, sorghum, banana, wheat, and yams, and Cyclodextrin from potatoes, wheat, rice, and corn. Biopolymers are key in sustainable packaging.

Polylactic Acid (PLA): Derived from sources like corn starch, sugarcane, roots, etc. Produced using lactic acid. Has weather-resistant properties, tensile strength, and fracture resistance.

Starch: Carbohydrate made of amylose and amylopectin, a polymer of glucose. Used in paper, textiles, as synthetic additive in detergents, medicines, cosmetics, etc.

Making plastic alternatives, biodegradable materials is Highly compatible with farming and the reduction of plastic pollution is always welcome. As well as a potential future revenue source for family farming.

By increasing funding for bio-polymer/bio-plastic startups and R&D, we can increase the likelihood of the family farm thriving in the future.

CLIMATE CHANGE:

AN ACNOLEGEMENT OF CLIMET CHANGE

Regardless of if you believe climate change is of natural origins or like me you believe that Humanity Heavily assisted in the crisis we face today. It does not matter, what does matter is humanity has the ability to deal with the climate crisis. Rather than just sit back, we can choose to be proactive, or we can sit back and be reactive. Paying more and more money to pick up after a devastating storm, drought, wildfire, or devastating flooding.

I personally am taking the time Right now to Acknowledge the Crysis at hand.

I as Human have the Ability to solve this problem.

We Can do it, together.

METHANE CAPTURE TECH

Methane has natural slow ability to degrade into carbon dioxide, it is better to convert it into carbon dioxide and use carbon capture technology to remove the carbon dioxide from the exhaust air. With that in mind, there are two techniques that stand out as beneficial to the dairy industry.

Zeolite clay (cat litter) mixed with a small amount of copper will absorb methane out of the air, speeding up the conversion process methane naturally possess. In theory, if money were invested into R&D, we could have a device capable of being placed in pastures that absorb methane out of the air.

WORLD'S LARGEST GEOTHERMAL POWER PLANT

Geothermal power is not only a valuable solution, but a crucial one in the fight against climate change. To effectively tackle this global crisis, we need to act boldly and urgently by constructing a large-scale geothermal power plant in the vicinity of Yellowstone volcanic Caldera.

A geothermal large scale power plant can generate 5GW clean energy, reducing emissions and boosting American energy independence. The potential of geothermal energy would revolutionize our energy landscape, by replacing foil fuel, as well as nuclear power. As a result, our nation would take a vital step forward in ensuring a cleaner and greener future for generations to come.

Constructing this geothermal power plant will bring many benefits to the local communities by creating a Many of job opportunities.

The creation of a large-scale Geothermal power plant would enhance and modernize our electrical grid, allowing us to expand the national grid and plugging a rather large gap in the national grid. Creating a more robust and resilient infrastructure capable of withstanding the challenges posed by climate-related disasters and unforeseen circumstances.

The urgent need to combat climate change and strengthen our energy infrastructure has made the construction of a large geothermal power plant near Yellowstone volcanic Caldera. an imperative endeavor. This is strategic step vital not only for the National Security of our Country, long-term sustainability, but also the environment, by harnessing the power of Earths Heat, we can take decisive action towards a sustainable future, ensuring that our planet thrives for generations to come.

EDUCATION

TEACHERS PAY

Let us face it, it is not exactly easy being a teacher. From low pay to Behavioral issues from students it has never been harder to be a teacher in America.

I personally advocate for the increased funding to exclusively pay for an increase in instructor pay as a whole. Teachers Need the same respect if not more than say a doctor, or Engineer gets. They are forging the future engineers and doctors in the classroom of today.

SUPORT STAFF

What is a school without its support staff janitors, bus drivers, lunchroom staff?

Often forgotten and overlooked, but in all reality the schools would not function without you. I would like the support staff to have the same kind of benefits that teachers receive, as you have the same level of dedication as the instructors. You deserve a better standard of living.

We need to be pushing for all who engage in the education of the next generation to have better standards of living. We cannot just push for one group to have better when teachers and support staff alike are the ones who make the world go round for the kids.

FREE HIGHER EDUCATION

I advocate for guaranteeing tuition and debt-free access to public non-profit colleges, universities, HBCUs, and trade schools for all American Citizens. A critical part of my plan to address equity gaps in society is through grater enrollment in higher education, ensure that students can afford costs associated with attending school.

The average graduate owes $30,000, and alarmingly, 1 in 6 individuals owe over $50,000. a concerning 40% are dropping out to evade accruing more debt, yet they depart with substantial debt. It is essential to recognize that this issue extends beyond the younger population, as three million older Americans are also burdened by student loan debt. Women in particular bear a heavy load, holding $929 billion of U.S. student debt as of 2019. It is imperative to highlight that seventy-three percent of student debt is disadvantageous to the bottom 80% of the populace.

MENTAL HEALTH IN PUBLIC SCHOOL

It is not in the purview of an instructor to assist with a mental health crisis, so here we need to implement Improved mental health counseling as a mechanism to deal with troubled youth. To ensure that the students have an outlet for the stress and anxiety that come with our modern lifestyle.

POVERTY AND HOMELESSNESS:

POVERTY IN AMERICA

In 2022, new U.S. census data shows more Americans are in poverty. The rate increased to 12.4% from 7.4%. Rising poverty impacts individuals and families. Child poverty has surged from 5.2% to 12.4% according to the 2022 U.S. census data.

These statistics demand a swift and compassionate response to address the needs of those who are most vulnerable in our society. To truly grasp the seriousness of the situation, we need to know the poverty line. For instance, single individuals need to live on $13,590 or less each year (2022), while a three-person family must make it work with $23,030 (2022) or less annually. Income levels are inadequate to cover basic needs.

Support needed to help those in poverty, even by 2022 standards. By focusing on poverty, we can help create programs for economic progress, making society fairer, lessening the haves and have nots. While the overall state of the economy may seem robust on the surface, beneath this façade, many individuals find themselves trapped in a cycle of financial struggle.

Despite the success of large corporations, the unfortunate reality is that they often take advantage of vulnerable individuals, driving up the prices of essential goods and services. It becomes increasingly clear that these corporations are solely focused on maximizing their profit margins, often at the expense of the average Peoples well-being.

PUBLIC SHOWERS AND RESTROOMS

Public showers and public bathrooms can be a vital resource for individuals experiencing homelessness, as they face one of the biggest challenges in getting off the street: maintaining basic hygiene.

By incorporating public showers into rest stops, and other locations with high density populations. We not only provide a convenient location for individuals to access clean showers and bathrooms facilities. These showers and restrooms can serve as a beacon of hope, offering a sense of dignity and cleanliness to those who are in desperate need of it.

By implementing this approach, we recognize the importance of holistic support for those experiencing homelessness, acknowledging that access to basic hygiene facilities can make a significant difference in their day-to-day lives.

TINY HOMES FOR THE HOMELESS

Tiny houses for temporary use by a homeless person, constructed in areas with a high homeless population. providing them with a safe and stable place to live as they work towards getting their lives back on track.

These tiny houses, similar in size to a studio apartment, offer individuals a sense of dignity and autonomy, giving them the space, they need to rebuild their lives. By creating these temporary housing solutions, we can help facilitate individuals' journey towards permanent housing. while also addressing the immediate need for shelter. This approach recognizes the importance of stable housing in restoring a person's confidence and enabling them to focus on other areas of their life, such as finding employment or accessing necessary healthcare, mental health, and treatment services.

Offering these tiny houses in areas with high homeless populations ensures that those who need it most have access to a vital support system, helping them to build a foundation for a brighter more dignified future for them self’s.

SOUTHERN BORDER:

LEGAL IMMIGRATION REFORM

"Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.”

When did these words stop meaning anything to us?

In the 21st century, we need more workers with knowledge and physical skills as older people retire. We should welcome those who come seeking a better life, but we must have effective rules to control immigration. Proper screening processes and controls are necessary to ensure organized and manageable immigration. Allowing people to travel within our country can help them find their place in society. Congress must update our immigration laws, which have not changed since the 1990s, to attract skilled individuals worldwide. Diversity and immigrant contributions fuel our country's power and progress.

In a significant milestone, the southern border of the United States witnessed an unprecedented number of 2.47 million migrant encounters during the fiscal year 2023, shattering previous records. This surge in numbers has put a spotlight on the urgent need for comprehensive immigration reform.

The implications of immigration on America's long-term success cannot be underestimated. While many may consider it primarily the responsibility of the White House, the truth is that Congress holds the reins