Kris Babler

Kris Babler served in the U.S. Army Reserve from 2009 to 2016. He earned a bachelor's degree from Gustavus Adolphus College in 2006 and a graduate degree from the University of Minnesota in 2013. His career experience includes working as a founder and CEO.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a former Army Captain, small business owner, father, and educator with nearly two decades of experience as a teacher, coach, and administrator at the K-12 and college levels. I am running as an Independent for Minnesota State Senate District 49 to bring practical problem-solving, fiscal watchdog oversight, and unbought leadership to St. Paul.

Having served in uniform, managed business payrolls, and taught in local classrooms, I bring real-world experience directly to public service. I am not beholden to party bosses, caucus whips, or special-interest SuperPACs. My focus is strictly on protecting suburban family budgets, restoring integrity to state agency spending, defending local community control, and ensuring our elections are transparent, competitive, and truly representative.

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?

Independent Fiscal Watchdog & Suburban Budget Protection: Single-party control and unchecked spending have put Minnesota on track for a projected structural deficit. As an Independent holding a key swing vote, I will demand strict, independent forensic audits across state agencies, eliminate wasteful third-party corporate consultant markups, and oppose new regressive sales taxes that raise the cost of living for suburban families and seniors on fixed incomes.Defending Local Control for Schools, Transit & Safety: One-size-fits-all mandates from St. Paul undermine local governance. I will work to roll back heavy-handed state mandates on public schools, restore authority to classroom teachers, fully resource local police and fire departments, and fiercely protect SouthWest Transit’s successful local opt-out model.Pro-Growth Realism & Unbossed Governance: Minnesota faces a 100,000-home shortage that freezes out young buyers and traps seniors. I support increasing housing supply. Unbound by party lines, I will bring both caucuses to the table to focus on pragmatic solutions for Eden Prairie and Minnetonka rather than partisan culture wars.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about public education reform, government ethics, local governance, and practical economic growth. As a former educator and administrator, I care deeply about ensuring school funding goes straight into classrooms and competitive teacher pay. As an Independent, I am dedicated to restoring trust in government through state agency accountability, protecting pensions for public servants, expanding middle-class homeownership options, and reforming election practices so voters, not out-of-district mega donors, control our democracy.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Housing First MN PAC

Forward-Independence Party

FairVote Minnesota