Charlie Kistler

Charlie Kistler earned a high school diploma from Armstrong Senior High School and graduated from the Dunwoody Institute in 1984. As of 2026, he is retired.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Hi, I am Charlie Kistler running for District 38A. I am a lifelong Minnesotan, raised in Plymouth, married my wonderful wife and lived in Brooklyn Park for nearly 50 years.

I worked my way up from a HVAC power washer to the VP of Service for a large mechanical contractor. I believe my problem-solving skills qualifies me to represent both Osseo and Brooklyn Park.

My two children attended Osseo School District 279 from kindergarten until graduation.

We are now happy grandparents.

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?

My first message is to stop the fraud. Fraud costs not only lost dollars but valuable resources that are not available to those in need. We need to not only hold the fraudsters accountable but also, we need to hold the overseers accountable. We need to put more stringent verification on our tax dollar use to make sure every dollar is going to those it is intended to help.Second, we need to reduce taxes.

From income, sales and property taxes to vehicle registration. we pay far too much individual taxes. According to many sources, we are number seven in the country for combined individual taxes.

Business taxes are even higher. Overall Minnesota businesses pay the second highest tax with small businesses being the highest in the country. These high taxes mean loss of jobs and reduced new opportunities. Companies can move a short distance to our neighbors and pay less in taxes.

Our tax system needs a major overhaul.Third, we need to get back to the basics in education. Minnesota used to have some of the highest performing students just as recent as 2015. We have continually declined. Hurting our children and hopes for their future.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Quality of life in Minnesota. With the cost of fraud, higher taxes, unfunded mandates along with poor economic growth, Minnesota has lost the quality of life it once had. First time home ownership is becoming more and more difficult. Putting down roots and calling either Osseo or Brooklyn Park "home" needs to become a reality again.

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

Jesus was the perfect example for all of us. To be more like Him, I believe the world would be a better place.

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

Honesty and integrity. Do what you say you are going to do and don't make promises that you don't intend to keep, just to sound good.

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

To represent those who elected you.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I am not big on leaving a legacy because very few people are remembered after a couple generations. Rather I want to do the best I can to help the most people. That includes at this point, the people of Minnesota.

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

Dishwasher at the Jolly Troll. I worked there about 1.5 years

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

Public speaking.

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

Working together. Without working together walls go up and nothing moves. That doesn't help the people of Minnesota. Both sides need to commit to working together.

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

There are many things that are needed to get Minnesota headed back in the right direction to being the state it once was. Many of those issues will need to happen soon. Good paying jobs throughout all of Minnesota, that will allow Minnesotans to live a comfortable life, buy a home and raise our families. That would be the ultimate goal.

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

Although we all want our own way, in order to get things done, baby steps will be needed. A thousand-mile journey begins with the first step. I know that compromise will be required,

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

AARM: Asian American Republicans of Minesota

Republican Party of Minnesota

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

The assassination of President Kennedy.