Cal Warwas

Cal Warwas was born in Virginia, Minnesota. Warwas' career experience includes working as a miner. He earned a degree from Mesabi Range Community and Technical College in 1999.[1]

Warwas has been affiliated with the following organizations:[1]

Steelworkers Local 1938

Clinton Township Board Member

St. Louis County Association of Townships

Minnesota Association of Townships

Better In Our Back Yard (BIOBY)

Iron Mining Association

Mining Minnesota

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My name is Cal Warwas. I was born in Virginia, MN, in 1976, and have lived and worked on the Iron Range my entire life.

In 1996, two events took place that changed the course of my life forever: On April 22, I started a job for United States Steel as a Train Operator, and on May 11, I married my beautiful bride (and best friend) Maria Keller.

Growing up, I didn't realize how unique our hometown was and how the Iron Range has helped to shape domestic industry in the United States. I'm a 3rd generation miner, and a 2nd generation Steelworker member at the Local 1938, where I've been for 28 years now, and have worked in numerous roles. You can read more about that here: https://www.mesabitribune.com/mine/mining-and-me/article_b6fbc538-941d-11ec-96d6-8331ea568bf2.html

Mining is integral to who we are on the Range, and the good paying job I've had in industry is the kind of position that I would love to see more people get to experience. I've been able to raise build my homes and raise my family on just one income, and that is a rare thing in our modern economy.

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?

Minnesota is past the proverbial crossroads that people always talk about in elections: In 2022, a DFL majority took control of the Governor's office, the MN House by 4 seats and MN Senate by a margin of one.

If the Democratic Party members in both chambers would work in good faith with their minority party companions, there would be little alarm, but the DFL has effectively cut out the voice of 49% of the voting public by passing bills with little to no input from the Republicans, except where bonding is concerned. We need balance in government so that all of our state is represented, so that everyone has a seat at the table and place to bargain from.Mining is the the beginning and end of everything good on the Iron Range. While we've had ups and downs in the mining economy, we've also enjoyed 140+ years in this industry which has provided jobs for countless thousands of people, put kids through college and pumped millions of dollars into education, healthcare and regional infrastructure.

We have a solid 100 years ahead in mining, and my goal is to sustain and expand our industry here. Iron Mining continues to carry the region, today, and Copper-Nickel and other precious metal mining will only add to the mineral-rich economy we now enjoy.

Responsible mining of our precious metal resources, thereby building the future of the region, and country, is a huge priority of mine.The Trifecta has pushed Minnesotans into a tough spot. With record inflation nationally, our taxpayers need a break. That's why I'll push for new formula's that give all Minnesotan's relief on property taxes, which are now penalizing to an extreme level our citizens who have already paid a premium in taxes and materials to build a better life for themselves.

By spending roughly 19 billion in surplus monies, and committing to 10 billion in additional spending, the DFL has grown government by about 40%. There's no way that most Minnesotans think that is a responsible way to spend taxpayer dollars. This is a reckless and irresponsible way to govern that must stop, and with a GOP House majority, it will.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Energy policy is a top priority of mine.

Year on year, we see insane rate increases in electricity, which is making it harder for homeowners across the state to afford their monthly bills. The so-called "carbon free by 2040" bill that was passed by the DFL Trifecta will continue to ratchet up costs for consumers, especially industry and small businesses that provide jobs to our citizens.

This year, in April, we saw a foundry close in Hibbing MN. The main reason was the high cost of power. We lost 90 good paying, union jobs at the facility, which is now said to be permanently closed. I will seek to lift the moratorium on nuclear power, and embrace reliable legacy power producers that use coal and natural gas.

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

I look up to my dad, who passed away 18 years ago this August. He was one of the kindest and most loving people that I have ever know. He wanted to take care of his family and be good to his friends and neighbors. He was a dedicated Christian, a great husband and dedicated father, and I only wish more of my kids had been able to know him.

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

Making yourself accessible to your constituents is of high importance. I've heard a lot of complaints that people contact their legislator and never hear back from them.

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

The ability to communicate with people. I've often been in a role that puts me between two groups of people, or thoughts, and often can help find a solution or at least support a way forward

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

Among our greatest responsibilities is that of listening to the needs of our constituents. As a Township elected official, I have fielded plenty many calls to get things done for my constituents, and some of those only serve in a capacity that lets people know another responsible party that they may need to reach, which cuts back to accessibility. Either way, the job is to serve the people, whether they voted for you or not.

What legacy would you like to leave?

One that grows opportunity for Iron Rangers, and maintains a free state for our citizens.

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

The Challenger space shuttle explosion on January 28, 1986. I was nine at the time.

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

Besides cutting grass with a gas powered push-mower since about 10 at my parents house, washing plant pots at a local greenhouse with my neighbor, Gary was my first paying job. I think it was $4 and hour, and lasted about 2 weeks. I had to forego a family trip to Valley Fair to be there, but I learned a lot!

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

One where the Legislators drive the agenda, as the voice of the people, and the Governor operates in good faith them.

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

Tax and energy policy that doesn't end domestic industry and small business

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

Yes. As a twice elected official to our local township board, I can say that getting some experience is a huge help in working with people and other governmental entities. Neither of my current opponents have been successful in winning any elections to date.

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

Of course. You should always seek to build trust, and understand those that you work with. I've worked in a facility that currently has over 1,300 hourly employees. I've rarely had a time that an ideology or attitude kept us from forging on and getting the job done. As I've told my kids as they have come of age to get work and share that space with others, you are paid to get along at your job.

This same perspective I would take with me to the State House of Representatives. We may or may not agree on a great many things, but having friendships where you can and a solid base of understanding where you can't will serve my constituents best as they expect us to get work done for the people that put us there.

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

No.

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

I don't feel that calling, but I didn't feel it necessary to run for State Representative either, until September of last year when I realized what out of control government was doing to our state. I have no additional plans but to work hard for my district, when elected in November.

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've heard about difficulties that exist within the foster-to-adopt care situations in the state, where good families are pulled back and forth while fostering children that are in impossible situations, and it feels like there is an endless bureaucracy that lives between the state and the families that want to help these kids have a forever home. While I recognize this is complicated to get right and very important work, I would seek to find ways to lower the cost and long wait times for families that are trying to care for these kids, long term.

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

The legislature should overhaul the way emergency powers are acquired, if at all granted.

The voice of the people was disregarded, time and again, in the early years since 2020. One person should not have (the perceived or actual) total control of the resource in government in our state.

We are elected to represent the people (it's part of the job title, after all) and when that power is ceded to the Governor, we are no longer doing the full job we are elected to do.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

Likely a bill to lift the moratorium on nuclear power. We will never get a balanced energy policy that works for the people and doesn't bankrupt our employers without that and other adjustments to the current energy plans.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

8th District Congressman Pete Stauber

St. Louis County Republican Party

Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association

NRA-PVF

What committees interest you?

Environment and Natural Resources, Climate and Energy, Labor and Industry, Public Safety, Transportation, Children and Families

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

At the end of all things in private life, there really are no secrets, and government should be no different. There is no "government spending" only spending of taxpayer money by the government. Seeing where the money comes from and where it goes was one of the reasons I ran (and won) a race for Township Supervisor in March of 2020. The financial dealings of government and its operators must be within the reach of the public to see.

Would a state ballot initiative process be good or bad for your state?

We don't need endless initiatives. We have representative government, and it needs to do its job.