Brad Trahan

Brad Trahan earned a high school diploma from Mayo High School. He also attended Rochester Community and Technical College. His career experience includes working as a recruiter.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

For more than four decades, Rochester has been my home. It is where my wife Joanie and I raised our family with Brenden, Reece, and Payton, and where we built lifelong friendships, and where I have dedicated my career to serving people through workforce development, community leadership, disability advocacy, and volunteer service.

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I am running for Minnesota House District 25A, as a Republican, because I believe our district deserves practical leadership focused on people, not politics.

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Throughout my life, I have worked alongside families, workers, veterans, business leaders, first responders, caregivers, and individuals with disabilities. As the father of a son with severe autism, I understand firsthand the challenges many Minnesota families face navigating healthcare systems, disability services, rising costs, and uncertainty about the future.

My priorities will focus on:

Affordable Living

Safe Communities

Competent, Accountable Government

Thank you for your support and confidence in our campaign. Together, we can build a stronger, safer, and more affordable future for District 25A and for all Minnesotans.

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?

I am an action-oriented leader who believes results matter more than promises. I don't just talk about solving problems, I roll up my sleeves and get the job done. Integrity is the foundation of my leadership, and when I make a commitment, I keep it. Someone recently told me, "Brad, if there's one word that describes you, it's persistence." I took that as a tremendous compliment because persistence delivers results. Throughout my career and community service, I have led initiatives that made a real difference. I will bring that same determination, accountability, and work ethic to Saint Paul, serving the residents of District 25A and all Minnesotans.For decades, I have served our community as a recruiter, autism advocate, volunteer, and community leader. My record is built on solving problems, bringing people together, and delivering real results. I'm running for the Minnesota House because District 25A deserves a representative who will protect taxpayer dollars, make Minnesota more affordable, support safe communities, and put people before politics. I will work every day to earn your trust, listen to your concerns, and be a strong, accountable voice for District 25A and all Minnesotans.In the most recent election, voters signaled a desire for balance in state government, resulting in a tied Minnesota House.

With that tie, House Republicans helped elect a Republican Speaker and established the Fraud Prevention Committee to strengthen oversight and accountability in state spending. Efforts were also made to reduce the projected budget deficit by addressing excessive spending. I will focus on priorities that reflect many Minnesotans’ concerns, improving public safety, making the state more affordable, and restoring practical, common-sense leadership in St. Paul.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

My priorities are simple: protect taxpayer dollars, make Minnesota more affordable, strengthen public safety, support individuals with disabilities and their families, improve education outcomes, grow our economy, and ensure state government is transparent, accountable, and focused on delivering results, not politics.

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

I've had so many people I could name, and I won't name one because so many have shaped my life, from my parents to my wife, my kids, and great friends. I look up to people who lead by serving others, keep their word, and are willing to do the hard work to make a difference. Throughout my life, I've been inspired by community leaders, first responders, volunteers, military members (a father, brother, and son), caregivers, and parents who put others before themselves. My greatest inspiration, however, comes from my family. Being the father of a son with severe autism has taught me patience, resilience, compassion, and the importance of never giving up. Those experiences have shaped who I am and the kind of leader I strive to be every day.

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

Honesty, Integrity, Listening, Open Communication, Objective

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

The core responsibility of a Minnesota House Representative is to be an effective voice for the people they represent. That means listening to constituents, understanding their concerns, and making decisions that put the interests of District 25A ahead of politics or special interests.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I want to be remembered as someone who kept his word and worked every day to make a positive difference in the lives of others and in our community. More than any title or accomplishment, I hope to be remembered as a loving husband, a devoted father, a loyal friend, and someone who always put people first.

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

I worked at the Dairy Queen in Faribault, MN., picking up trash in the parking lot at a very young age. Then move on to making their toppings. I worked that job for about three years before our family moved.

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

Understanding why people turn to violence, and the long journey, 26 years plus, of raising our son with severe autism (non-verbal) and ALL the obstacles that come along the way. That journey inspired me to become an advocate, serving as Chair of the Minnesota Autism Task Force and working to improve services for individuals with autism and their families. It has shaped my values, strengthened my commitment to public service, and reinforced my belief that government should work for the people who need it most.

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

The relationship between a Governor and the state legislature should be built on mutual respect, open communication, and a willingness to listen. Good ideas should be welcomed from all sides, thoughtful debate should be encouraged, and decisions should be based on sound policy, not personal or political interests. Ultimately, the goal should always be to serve taxpayers, strengthen our communities, and make decisions that benefit all Minnesotans.

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

Affordability, Public Safety, Workforce/Labor

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

Absolutely. We saw that in 2012 when many of us, in collaboration, brought significant changes to autism therapy, and worked with legislators on both sides of the aisle. In life, we must compromise. Life, as is policymaking, is about compromise. When compromise happens, good lives are served, and sound policy is made.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Fran Bradley, former Minnesota State House Representative

Gun Owners Caucus - Rochester

Steve Borchardt, former Olmsted County Sheriff

What was the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember?

I would say 9/11 made the first biggest impact on my life. While other events occurred, that one made a lasting impact. I'll never understand violence, but that took it to a new level where our country came under attack.