Karen Attia

Attia was born on September 26, 1949, in St. Cloud, Minnesota.[1] Attia graduated from Augsburg College with a bachelor's degree. Her professional experience includes working as a registered nurse.[2][3]

Attia has been affiliated with the National Federation of Republican Women and the Minnesota Nurses Association.[1][2]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

For 30 years I have lived, worked, volunteered and worshiped in the North Metro. Champlin is my home. I care deeply about this district, its citizens and our state. I have raised 4 sons here as a single parent, one a Marine veteran. I am so grateful for the work ethic that being raised on a multigenerational dairy farm taught me. Professionally, as a Registered Nurse, I've managed a multispecialty clinic, worked on a nurse help line for a health insurance company, and worked as a Critical Care Nurse for 30+ years. There I operated in a high-pressure environment where accountability, precision, and saving lives are the only things that matter. There is no room for politics in the ICU. Having owned 2 small businesses, I know exactly what it takes to balance a budget, manage resources responsibly, and survive under an ever-increasing tax burden. ​I am running for State Senate because our government desperately needs that exact combination of frontline crisis leadership and fiscal responsibility. I believe government should be an ally in making our lives better, not a burden to our families and seniors. The government CAN provide high-quality services without excessive taxation or taxing our seniors and businesses out of the state. Minnesotans have a right to efficient and effective state government. Our quality of life depends on it. I have spent my life caring for others, and I am ready to bring dedication & transparency to the State Senate to work for you.

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?

Accountability in Government

Minnesotans deserve a government that spends their money honestly. Fraud and waste at the taxpayer’s expense must be investigated, prosecuted, and stopped — and officials who enable it must be held accountable. No exceptions!Affordability, Jobs & opportunity

The cost of everyday life has become a serious burden for too many Minnesota families. Gas, groceries, utilities, insurance, and taxes have all climbed — and state policies are making it worse, not better. Minnesota doesn’t need more mandates that raise costs and strain household budgets. I’ll fight for policy that balances responsibility with the real-world needs of working Minnesotans. Also, Minnesota should be the best place in the region to start a business, grow a workforce, and build a career. That means a regulatory environment that supports employers and protects workers — not one that drives jobs to other states.Education that Works for Families

Our schools should focus on the fundamentals — reading, writing, math, critical thinking, and skills that prepare kids for life. Education should empower students to think for themselves, not push a political agenda.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

As a Registered Nurse, caring for others has been my passion. I see myself as an asset in the area of healthcare and will seek to be part of the Health and Human Services committee in the Senate. I am my brother's guardian. He has been in an assisted living for about 4 years. In that time, I have become aware of several issues the organization has been dealing with. Now I have learned that our state government has cut funding for disability services and nursing homes. This will be hurting some of the most vulnerable Minnesotans. We must not turn our backs on these precious people.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Women Lead

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I’m Karen Attia, your candidate for the State Senate. Champlin has been my home for 25 years. It’s where I’ve raised my 4 sons. Since my youth, I’ve had a passion for people. That passion led me to a career in healthcare. All my adult life I have lived and worked in the private sector as a Registered Nurse, mainly in the ICU. I have also co-owned two successful restaurant businesses. Having enjoyed living the American Dream, my desire is that our children and grandchildren have the same opportunity. Under current leadership, I see a movement both in our state and the nation leading us in the wrong direction. As a result, I’ve redirected my passion by committing to work hard to address the issues our communities including Rogers, Dayton, Champlin, Eastern Brooklyn Park and a tip of Coon Rapids care about. Topping the list are rising crime, threats to our personal safety, the increasing cost of living and changes to education that negatively impact children’s learning. Over the past 2 years, these concerns have been intensifying. Change is needed! We deserve better!

I am ready and I am capable of being part of that change!

Please join me as I seek to take my business experience and Critical Care Skills to the capitol to bring our state back to health!!

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?

SAFE COMMUNITIES - I will work to provide the support needed to fund hard-working, expertly trained police officers to keep us safe That's the #1 job in the government. Criminals need to be prosecuted!CONTROLLING THE COST OF LIVING/IMPROVE OUR ECONOMY - I will work for state policies to reduce your taxes. I believe our state government needs to be held accountable for how they spend our hard earned dollars. It needs to be fiscally responsible!K-12 Education Excellence - I will work to address the many concerns being brought forward regarding public education with the goal of giving all children an equal opportunity to receive quality education to help them succeed in life.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Personally, because of my background in healthcare, I am passionate about working with the health and human services committee. I believe there is a lot of room for improvement in this area.

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

I’m a Minnesotan, mother, business owner, healthcare professional with a lifelong passion to help & care for others. I am organized, self motivated, diligent and work with integrity. An experienced leader in the private sector. Just as I strive to achieve the best outcomes for my patients, I will dedicate myself to returning our state to health!

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

I remember when President John F Kennedy was assassinated.

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

I grew up on a dairy farm in Benton County. I learned a strong work ethic early as this was a family business, so we all had age-appropriate jobs to do. Those jobs included working in the fields, the barn, the garden and assisting with housework. When I was in my early teens, I did lots of babysitting for neighbors. Those were my first jobs. Later, after graduating from high school and beginning nurses training, I did house cleaning and worked as a nursing assistant. That helped me pay for school expenses until graduation.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

I have great respect for Senator Mary Kiffmeyer. She encouraged me to enter politics and has been a wonderful mentor. I admire all she has done for Minnesota in her long political career and thank her for her dedication and commitment to serving!

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Karen Attia, a local grassroots conservative, a retired nurse and a small business owner, is running as the endorsed Republican for the Minnesota Senate in Senate District 36 (which includes all of Champlin, part of Brooklyn Park and part of Coon Rapids).

She has been active as a delegate to the 3rd Congressional District and State Conventions and serves as the secretary of the local senate district committee. Attia has lived in Champlin for 23 years, while raising 4 sons as a single parent. She's worked as a Critical Care Nurse at Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids for 20 years. While there she was active on several committees including quality control, safety, documentation and new hire Registered Nurse orientation classes.

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?

Small GovernmentPro Life2nd Amendment

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

In these times of adversity it is as important as ever to continue to focus on what drives us as Americans. Family, Freedom, God. The means to prosper and live a long, healthy life, is the core of what facilitates a strong nation. Many leaders in office today are not willing to make compromises that deviate for the base they support. This types of partisan politics must come to an end. As a community, state, and nation we must come together to find solutions to the problems everyone is facing. From the single parent families to the small business owners, to the large corporate entities. We live in a ecosystem that must be treated with care and balance if we are all to thrive. We must support those who enforce the laws set in place for our safety, but also strive to improve what exists, and has existed for potentially decades. As a servant to the constituents of Senate District 36 it is imperative that politicians lose their tunnel vision and begin serving all. That is what I stand for and will deliver with passion, sincerity, and effectiveness.

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

My first job out of Augsburg college was as a Registered Nurse. I went on to be an RN for 40 years before retiring from Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids.