Erika Yoney

Erika Yoney graduated from Moorhead High School. Yoney earned an associate degree from M State Moorhead in 2004, a bachelor's degree from the Minnesota State University, Moorhead in 2009, and graduated from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities in 2024. Yoney's career experience includes working as a nurse practitioner.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a proud graduate of Moorhead, once a Spud always a Spud. I was a kid who sometimes got in trouble but was surrounded by adults who loved me enough to insist I could be more. This community shaped my belief that when we invest in people, they rise.

I raised my family here because I believe in ways this community welcomes everyone and supports kids. My two now-adult children went through Moorhead schools and had amazing experiences in the academics, arts and athletics. My husband has worked in special education and as a football coach in Moorhead Schools for 16 years. I’ve spent more than 20 years working as a nurse working in hospitals, clinics, schools, public health and even migrant programming. After witnessing the growing mental health needs of students and families, I returned to school to earn my doctorate and become a psychiatric nurse practitioner.

Today, I work in safety-net healthcare, ensuring people across Fargo-Moorhead and the surrounding rural communities have access to high-quality mental health care regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. I believe healthcare is about dignity and access for everyone.

I love living here, the arts that bring us together, the strong public schools, and the natural beauty that defines our state. My family is on a quest to hike every Minnesota state park, embracing the outdoors that define this state. Moorhead raised me, and I’m grateful every day to give back to the community that believed in me.

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?

Healthcare is a basic human right. It means more than insurance cards and clinic visits, it means access to care close to home and the ability to use it without going into debt. True healthcare includes safe housing, clean water, nutritious food grown responsibly, and neighborhoods where families feel secure. It includes meaningful work that provides stability and connection. If we define healthcare narrowly, we will keep getting the same results. When we invest in the conditions that keep people healthy, we build stronger families and stronger communities.Public education reflects our shared commitment to opportunity and democracy. Every child deserves a safe, inclusive school where they feel supported and prepared for their future. I support fully funding public schools, investing in teachers and staff, expanding student mental health resources, and ensuring equitable funding across districts. Education should open doors, whether to college, skilled trades, or meaningful careers. When we listen to parents, educators, and students, we build schools that strengthen families and communities for generations.Affordability is about stability, dignity, and the ability to plan for the future. Too many families are working hard but still struggling with the rising costs of housing, healthcare, child care, groceries, and utilities. I believe policy should make it easier, not harder, to build a secure life. That means lowering everyday costs, supporting working families, strengthening small businesses, and investing in practical solutions that reduce financial stress. When families can afford to live, work, and raise their children with confidence, our entire community grows stronger.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am most passionate about healthcare and education because Minnesotans have made it clear that our policies should reflect our values, and here, we love our neighbors. When we elevate one of us, we improve the health, stability, and economic strength of all of us. I believe public policy should be cohesive and intersectional, recognizing that health, education, and economic security are connected. As a legislator, I will focus on expanding mental health infrastructure and strengthening the connection between communities, schools and healthcare to address the mental health crisis impacting families across Minnesota.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

I have been so fortunate to have personal endorsements from Kara Gloe, Eric Bailly and Katie Cragg. I have received an organizational endorsement from Action 314. Keep checking back, more to come!