Karla Hult

Karla Hult (Democratic Party) is running for election to the Minnesota State Senate to represent District 50. She is on the ballot in the general election on November 3, 2026. She advanced from the Democratic primary on August 11, 2026.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I'm an award–winning journalist who spent my career listening, uplifting voices, and shining a light on the issues that matter most to our entire community. I worked in newsrooms across the country covering political, international, and cultural stories, including my years-long coverage of the growing urban-rural political divide. My most challenging story involved documenting my own family's journey with Alzheimer's disease. In honor of my dad, who finished his Alzheimer's marathon in 2019, I founded So Many Goodbyes, a mission supporting families, caregivers, and communities navigating the dementia crisis; I also host the weekly podcast "Hello Alzheimer's." I graduated from St. Olaf College, where I have served as an adjunct professor of journalism. I earned a Master's in International Affairs -- focused on economic and political development -- from Columbia University. In 2026 and in the wake of the federal government's devastating "Operation Metro Surge," I stepped away from my journalism career to run for the Minnesota Legislature. I'm running to bridge the divide, when possible, and stand up and fight, when needed; and I bring both my communication skills and deeply held beliefs, based on my core values and years of partnership with organizations like Alight (formerly the American Refugee Committee), People Serving People, and the Alzheimer's Association.My husband Gary and I are raising our two daughters, Grace and Isabella, in this community.

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?

Truth is under attack, and this moment demands a trusted messenger. I spent decades as a journalist asking tough questions, holding systems accountable, and making sure people feel seen, heard, and understood. I'll bring those same skills to the Minnesota Senate: listening deeply to the people of Bloomington and Edina, cutting through complexity, and fighting every day to protect our democracy, our fundamental rights, and our freedom. When our institutions are being tested, we need leaders with the integrity and courage to defend them.Every family deserves a fair shot at a good life in Minnesota. That means world-class, fully funded public schools with smaller class sizes and real support for our teachers. It means affordable, high-quality health care at every stage of life, including for the older adults and caregivers I've advocated for through my Alzheimer's work. And it means safe, stable, affordable housing so young families can buy their first home and seniors can age with dignity. With the cost of living at an all time high, I'll fight for the investments that make Bloomington and Edina, and all of Minnesota, the best place to live, work, and raise a family.Our rights and freedoms are not negotiable. As a mother of daughters, and as someone who needed the fertility treatments that some politicians fight to eliminate, I will never stop fighting to protect reproductive freedom and access to the health care every person deserves. I'll defend the PRO Act, support an Equal Rights Amendment, and stand up for our LGBTQ+ neighbors' right to live authentically without fear. I'll push for strong, common-sense gun safety laws so our kids can go to school without fear. And I'll also fight to protect our planet and natural resources through a clean energy future and guardrails on both AI and the development of data centers. These are Minnesota values, and I'll be a clear, unwavering voice for them.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Health care and aging policy are deeply personal to me. My family lived through so many challenges in this space, and I've spent years advocating for families affected by dementia through So Many Goodbyes and my partnership with the Alzheimer's Association. I'm passionate about protecting Medicaid, lowering prescription drug prices, expanding mental health care, and supporting caregivers. I'm equally passionate about protecting the rights of every one of our neighbors, along with never compromising on reproductive freedoms.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Women Winning; Hennepin County Commissioner Heather Edelson; Rep. Julie Greene (50A); Sen. John Hoffman (SD34); Sen. Ann Johnson Stewart (SD45); Sen. Jim Carlson (SD52); Rep. Patty Acomb (45B); former Rep. Paul Rosenthal (49B); Edina Mayor Jim Hovland; children's safety advocate and author Patty Wetterling; meteorologist Paul Douglas; economist and DFL leader Bill Melton; author Richard Thieme; community leaders Kelly Condit-Shrestha, Thuy Anh Fox, Kelly Streit, Mary Brindle, and Bocar Kane (Founder & CEO, AMKA Safety), and Edina Indivisible.