Jay Reeves

Jay Reeves was born in St. Paul, Minnesota. He served in the U.S. Army from 2006 to 2023. He earned a bachelor's degree from Thomas Edison State University in 2012 and a graduate degree from the University of Minnesota in 2019. His career experience includes working as a healthcare professional, union truck driver, and union warehouse worker.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

After 9/11, at the age of 31, a husband and father of four, Jay Reeves answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the U.S. Army. Over nearly 17 years of distinguished service, he rose through the ranks from Private (PV2) to Major (O-4), deployed to Iraq, and later served as a data integrity analyst for the Defense Health Agency and in the civilian sector. Along the way, he earned a Master’s Degree in Health Informatics from the University of Minnesota.

In 2022, Jay was diagnosed with cancer presumptively linked to burn pit exposure during his deployment and was medically retired the following year. Now healthy and resilient, he’s focused on continuing his service, this time to the people of Minnesota.

Jay grew up in a union family on Saint Paul’s East Side and was a proud Teamster himself. It was there he learned the values of hard work, fairness, and accountability, principles that continue to guide him today.

Jay lives in Victoria, MN. He is a proud father of six—three daughters and three sons, including one serving in the U.S. Army—and a grandfather to three beautiful grandchildren. He’s married to his high school sweetheart, an educator of more than 25 years who shares his passion for service and community.

From his union roots to military leadership, Jay has lived the everyday challenges working families face and he’ll bring that same integrity and dedication to restoring and protecting Minnesotans’ trust in their government.

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?

First, a relentless focus on cybersecurity.

Protecting public information is not optional—it is fundamental. With Minnesota IT Services providing 24/7 support, the Auditor’s Office will stay ahead of threats, safeguard sensitive data, and ensure that Minnesotans can have confidence in the systems that store and protect their information.Second, the adoption of cutting-edge technology to detect fraud in real time.

Minnesotans shouldn’t have to wait months—or years—to discover when something has gone wrong. By leveraging existing state software like PowerBI and supplementing it with industry-leading tools, we can identify anomalies as they happen and stop misuse of taxpayer dollars before it spreads.Third, streamlined reporting systems to help local governments succeed.

When reporting processes are outdated or overly complex, it slows down audits and makes it harder for local partners to do their jobs. We will build an interactive submission portal through SharePoint, along with a clear prioritization tool aligned with statewide goals. This means faster audits, clearer communication, and fewer administrative headaches for cities and counties.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Safeguarding the tax dollars of Minnesotans.

This campaign is about modern accountability. It is about renewing trust. It is about ensuring that every Minnesotan—regardless of party, background, or zip code—knows their money is treated with respect.

What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the state government and legal system?

The most important qualities of a State Auditor are Independence and Objectivity. They must have the ability to operate free from political pressure or party influence. Also, they must have a commitment to evaluating government operations based solely on facts, data, and law.

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

I remember being in Kindergarten, I believe I must have been five, when the hostages from Iran had been released. I watched it on the tv school and seeing the folks come off of the airplane onto the tarmac was something I will never forget.

What is your favorite book? Why?

My favorite book is 11/22/63 by Stephen King. I love it because it offers powerful life lessons. The one that resonates most with me is the idea that even if we could go back and change a terrible event, the consequences might lead to something even worse. Sometimes the hardest experiences teach us the most, and accepting them—and learning from them—can be life’s greatest lesson.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Forward Independence

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I was born in 1975 on the East Side of Saint Paul to 2-teenage parents (Mike and Sharon). I have an identical twin brother, Jeff, a younger brother, Keith, and a younger sister, Sandy. I lived with my mom in the projects, and other places, until I was about four. Then I lived with my dad and my stepmom, for the most part.

In my twenties, I worked at a couple of union trucking companies. I worked on the docks at Yellow Freight in Burnsville and then left there to work for another trucking company, Georgia Pacific (GP) Lumber, in Maple Grove. While at GP, I earned my commercial driver's license and began to drive truck. I worked there for 4 years, got married and started a family.

At age 31, married, with four kids (one was just 5 days old) I left MN for Basic Training in July of 2006. I served the first 6.5 years enlisted, making the rank of Seargent. After completing my Bachelor's Degree in 2012, I applied for a Direct Commission into the Army Medical Service Corps as a Clinical Laboratory Officer and was selected to attend Officer Basic in January 2013.

Unexpectedly, in 2022 I was diagnosed with cancer which is presumed to have been caused by exposure to the burn pits in Iraq. As a result, my military career was cut short, and I was medically retired in July 2023 at the rank of Major. I am healthy now and continue to monitor everything at the Mayo Clinic.

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?

I am a person that comes very humble beginnings. My mother was 16 and my father was 19 when my twin brother and I were born. We lived in the projects and lived off of food stamps. I was never handed anything in my life, I have had to go out and earn it.My family has a history of military service to this great country. My grandfathers both served during WWII, my younger brother is a Marine (two deployments to Iraq), my twin brother served in the Army Reserves (two deployments to Kuwait), my son is serving on Active Duty in the Army (currently deployed), and I served on Active Duty in the Army for almost 17 years (one deployment to Iraq) and retired as a Major.Both of my parents instilled a very strong work ethic into us. They both were union workers. My mom worked for a union printing shop, and my dad worked and retired as a truckdriver and dock worker from the Teamsters Local 120. I also worked as a dockworker for Local 120 for a period of time. Additionally, I worked as a truckdriver and lumberyard forklift operator for a union company. I wholeheartedly support our union workers!

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Behavioral/Mental Health Crisis

We have a mental/behavioral health crisis in our communities. and across the Nation. I want to partner with behavioral health specialists to come up with programs beginning with children. If we don't get it right with the children, it becomes exponentially more challenging as teens and adults.

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

I always looked up to my Uncle Daniel growing up. We were not that far apart in age, so he was like a big brother to me. He was brilliant, funny, charming, and most importantly, down to earth. At a very young age he became the president of a community bank in Wisconsin and was a respected member of his community. I would like to emulate a few characteristics he exhibited. First, he was an amazing family man and dedicated father. Next, I appreciated his work ethic and dedication to success in everything he did. Lastly, his commitment to improving the community that he lived and worked in.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Colin Powell's book "It Worked for Me". Colin Powell was an American Hero!

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

Three key characteristics of an elected official, for me, are Integrity, Accountability, and Transparency. We have to trust that our elected officials are doing the right thing when no one is watching and putting the needs of their constituents ahead of their own. Also, our elected officials should be accountable for the mistakes that they make, or laws that they have broken, as all other Americans are held accountable. Lastly, our elected officials should be transparent with the American people on matters that affect our daily lives. Too often we see our elected officials hiding behind some made up "National Security" blanket, when the people deserve to know.

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

I have leadership experience at strategic levels of military health care service that will translate into being a strong leader with innovative ideas and techniques in all areas I will be involved in.

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

One of the core responsibilities for our elected officials is to legislate protections for our fellow Americans.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would like to leave a legacy of being a great family man to my wife, children, and grandchildren.

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

I remember being in Kindergarten, I believe I must have been five, when the hostages from Iran had been released. I watched it on the tv school and seeing the folks come off of the airplane onto the tarmac was something I will never forget.

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

My first job was a newspaper delivery boy. I believe my brother and I did this for a few months before we became involved in a sport and couldn't wakeup in the mornings anymore.

What is your favorite book? Why?

My favorite book has to be 11-22-63 by Stephen King. The reason I love this book is because I believe it is has some great life lessons. One life lesson that stands out the most is that even given the chance to go be into the future to change a horrible life event, something else may be worse because of it. Sometimes just accepting the worst of things that happen and learning from them is life's best lesson.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

The fictional character I would most like to be is Superman. He is the most perfect superhero, in my opinion.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Californication - Red Hot Chili Peppers

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

I have struggled with not being able to say no to people, even when I have more pressing things to do.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

I believe that representatives should be a microcosm of the citizens they represent. That is to say that representatives need to have significant life experiences that can translate into governmental decision-making processes, improving the lives of those they represent. A life-long politician may be out of touch with their constituents, and not truly represent their values.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

The drug crisis in America will have the greatest impact on our nation if we do not step in and start protecting people. Over 100K Americans have died over the last 12 months. This will impact every facet of our society over the next decade if it is not controlled.

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

I believe that the term length for representatives should be evaluated to possibly be longer. I understand the purpose behind the two-year term but believe a conversation could be had to extend it to three or four years, for stability, if nothing else.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I am an advocate for term limits but would like to research the appropriate limit. I would be open to a debate on this issue, given that there are a number of factors that would need to be considered when making a decision this impactful.

Tell us your favorite joke.

My favorite joke may not be appropriate for this audience.

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

Compromise is imperative to have a successful government, at all levels.

How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?

Investigative powers in the House of Representatives should be used sparingly and with a clear intent. I believe that our tax dollars are being spend far too freely on investigations that either will not go anywhere, or seem to be vendettas, not based on truths and facts. I would rather they spend time legislating than investigating. However, there are extremely valid issues that need to be investigated, which I do support.

What committees interest you?

I am interested in the Veterans Affairs, Armed Forces, Education and Workforce, Science, Space, and Technology, Oversight and Accountability

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

I believe it is vital that the government be fully transparent with the taxpayer dollars. Far too much of our dollars are going to organizations, companies, programs, and countries without accountability of those dollars. The American people deserve to know how their tax dollars are being spent. I want to bring back transparency and accountability to Washington.