Chris Ford

Chris Ford (Democratic Party) is running for election to the Minnesota State Senate to represent District 32. He is on the ballot in the general election on November 3, 2026. The Democratic primary for this office on August 11, 2026, was canceled.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My name is Chris Ford and I’m running to represent the cities of Blaine, Ham Lake, Columbus and Lexington in the Minnesota State Senate. For the past 8 years I’ve had the honor of working at Blaine High School as a paraprofessional, while serving on the Blaine City Council since 2024. I’ve dedicated my life to public service. Before relocating to Blaine, I was a firefighter for 21 years, serving as the union president for my local IAFF for 10 of those years, and for Fire Captain for 13. I have spent the majority of my professional career fighting and advocating for fair wages and fair treatment for firefighters. I’m not a lawyer, and I’m not a politician. But I am a serviceman. And I’m also a dad and grandpa, who cares about the world we are creating for our future generations. I know that we can do better.

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 key message is that life has become too unaffordable. We are feeling it at the gas pump, at the grocery store, in our insurance rates, and so much more. I know I’m feeling it too. It’s important that we are fighting to ensure that hard earned dollars of everyday Minnesotans are staying in their pockets, by holding the government accountable, and making sure that bad actors aren’t getting breaks. I’m committed to being a fierce advocate for the people in my community!Another key message that I’m hearing about from my neighbors, and one I am passionate about, is public safety. Public safety doesn’t just encompass law enforcement. It’s also about ensuring that our roads are taken care of. It’s about considering the environmental and physical health impacts of new developments. It’s about ensuring that violence and crime rates go down, and that people have access to mental health services. I’m passionate about investing in public safety measures that have the people’s interest at heart, and not these major corporations.Finally, a key message of my campaign is about investment in education. As a paraprofessional educator, I know how important investment in our public schools is. Students deserve the best education, and access to resources that can help them thrive. This looks like investment in extracurricular programs, and post-secondary options expanding to ensure that every student has the chance to thrive after high school, while entering the workforce.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I’m very passionate about lowering costs for working families, especially in insurance. Healthcare insurance rates have become way too high and are hurting our community. Additionally, I’m passionate about investment in public safety. As a firefighter, I know how important strong and comprehensive public safety programs are to ensure that our communities are supported and protected. I also am very committed to investing in our public school education system. As a paraprofessional, I see everyday how necessary strong schools are for our future generations, and our community as a whole.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

AFL-CIO, AFSCME, MAPE, Clean Water Action, Minnesota Professional Firefighters, Minneapolis Firefighters Local 82, MN DFL Environmental Caucus, MN DFL Senior Caucus, International Association of Firefighters, HCAPE, Duluth Firefighters Local 101, Saint Paul Firefighters Local 21, Coon Rapids Fire Department, Friends of the Boundary Waters Action Fund, Ranked Choice Voting, MN DFL Rural Caucus, Sierra Club, Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation, Senator Tina Smith, Planned Parenthood, Save the Boundary Waters Action Fund, Interfaculty Organization, and Carpenters Local 322 (St. Paul).