Daniel Colten Schmidt

Daniel Colten Schmidt earned a high school diploma from the Grand Center Arts Academy. He earned a bachelor's degree from Hampshire College in 2022. His career experience includes working as a financial consultant.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, and have lived in both rural and urban communities all across the country. I graduated from Hampshire College in 2022 with a BA in Economics and Natural Philosophy. I bought my first home in Chisago County because of the natural beauty of the land and water.

My first job in Minnesota was as a canoe guide with Wilderness Inquiry. I then served with AmeriCorps at the Minneapolis Health Department where I facilitated youth solar installation classes. I also served on the Minneapolis Green Zone Council where I advocated for economic growth and public health. For the last 3 years, I was Finance & Development Director of the East Phillips Neighborhood Institute, a nonprofit in Minneapolis. Under my leadership, the organization raised over $13 million and grew to eight full time employees with good benefits. Most recently, I founded and continue to lead a community fund focused on investing in local businesses.

I’m running for office because I’m passionate about improving our wellbeing in Minnesota. As Representative, I will guide investments directly into Chisago County to support a strong economy and exceptional quality of life.

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?

Strong Local Economy:

Our economy is disproportionately owned by billionaires and corporations. I will advance policies to improve the profitability of locally-owned businesses and farms, and ensure livable wages and good conditions for workers across Minnesota.

Right now, Minnesota has $160 billion managed by investment companies like BlackRock. That means our tax dollars are supporting big tech, oil companies, and other monopolies. I will drive permanent economic growth in our state by authoring legislation to increase State investments in locally-owned farms and companies. These investments will drive growth and protect Minnesota from negative global trends.Public School Funding:

Our kids need a safe environment to explore and learn, but right now our middle school needs doors and walls as well as fire alarm systems and sprinklers. Due to extremely high property taxes, our school district bond referendum has failed 4 years in a row. Over time, costs are getting more expensive and the repairs are getting to the level of an emergency. It's time for the State to step in to support our schools. I am committed to bringing infrastructure grants to our school districts to support necessary safety upgrades. I am also advocating for increasing the Permanent School Fund distribution which would increase our school budgets without increasing taxes.Protecting the Environment:

The woods, waters, and outdoor recreation are at the heart of our district. They are also the key to a healthy mind, body, and spirit. As of September, 2026, over 95% of Minnesota is in drought. That means farmers across our state are going to strain pumps and aquifers, and experience increased crop failure. Some solutions I would advocate for include: invest in Department of Agriculture programs to help farmers implement water retention and climate-preparedness solutions; fund additional state-based crop insurance programs to fill in the gaps on growers who are not fully covered by the USDA; protect fresh water from industrial pollution; and enact an AI data center moratorium.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about enacting a state-based, single-payer universal healthcare program in Minnesota. Right now, 340,000 Minnesotans do not have health insurance, and 700,000 Minnesotans are worried about losing their health insurance. We have good cause to worry: the average cost of health insurance has increased by 20% since 2025.

Every single dollar of profit made by the insurance companies is made by denying people the care that they need. We don’t have to wonder why the United States continues to underperform other developed nations in key health metrics such as infant mortality and life expectancy. That's why I am advocating for a state-based, single-payer universal healthcare system here in Minnesota.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Labor Unions: AFL-CIO, AFSCME, SEIU, Education Minnesota, MAPE, Minnesota State Council of Machinists

Environmental Groups: Friends of the Boundary Waters, Clean Water Action, DFL Environmental Caucus

Others: DFL Youth Caucus, DFL Rural Caucus, Representative David Gottfried