Laura Andreson

Laura Andreson was born in Mohall, North Dakota. Andreson graduated from Sawyer High School. Andreson earned a D.O. from Des Moines University in 2002 and completed her residency at the University of Minnesota in 2006. Andreson's career experience includes working as an OB-GYN.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a physician and a mom who would like to advocate for an even better TN!. I believe we should all have access to affordable healthcare. I believe we need to fund and fortify our public schools. I believe we need to grow responsibly and look for transportation options to our suburbs.

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 access and affordabilityProtecting and making our public schools better.Responsible growth to optimize infrastructure and transportation.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

health, public schools, public health

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Her Bold Move

Moms demand action

Planned Parenthood

ACOG

Action 3.14

Change TN

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I live in Franklin, TN with my 2 sons, 2 labs and my husband. I am a board certified ob/gyn that has been practicing for 22 years. I grew up in rural ND, obtained my undergraduate degree at the University of ND. I attended Des Moines University for medical school and I completed my residency at the University of Minnesota. I am a lifelong runner. I have done 11 full marathons and many half marathons, 10K and 5K's.

I look forward to serving the people in my district!

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 would like to protect reproductive Rights. The current abortion laws have created a dangerous environment for pregnant women and their physicians in TN.I believe that responsible gun ownership should be protected but that there needs to be gun safety measures passed. We need to protect our children, communities and our nation from the incessant gun violence that plagues us daily.My children have attended public schools. One of my son's is still in public school. Vouchers will destroy our school systems. I think we should work to build up our current programs, pay our teachers and school employees better and make our public schools an example for other states!

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

The issues above as well as working on infrastructure and public transportation to alleviate commute times in our communities.

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

I really admire and respect Ruth Bader Ginsberg. She fought for women and that is what I intend to do as well. She also maintained friendships with those she disagreed with politically(Scalice) which I think is honorable.

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

Dirt road politics -meet the people where they are and work with them to build the community!

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

Honesty, integrity, humility and the ability to learn about issues that they do not have knowlege of.

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

I can communicate and listen to people very well after over 2 decades as a physician. I can work with others to meet a goal or objective. I will be honest and do my best to bring changes that are desired by the people of TN

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

Represent the people of the district. If a majority of people want reproductive rights, gun safety, and keeping our public schools funded then I believe an effort to move those issues forward is of utmost importance.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Being kind, honest, having integrity and standing up what is right for everyone. When we do better, we ALL do better.

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

I remember the Columbia space shuttle explosion and Reagan getting shot.

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

I worked as a babysitter during middle school and high school. I worked on a maintenance crew at the ND state fairgrounds for 3 years. I was janitorial staff. It was humbling but it allowed my to develop my work ethic and integrity.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Educated-it helped me better understand the distrust of the medical and education systems better.

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

Carrie Mathison-Homeland.

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

Hold my halo-Lainey Wilson

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

I grew up in rural ND in poverty. I learned to work hard growing up on a farm. I had to fund my education to pursue my dream of becoming a physician. It was a long, difficult road but I am proud to have done it!

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

The governor should listen to both sides and be respectful and honest with the members of the legislature.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Building roads and public transportation. Protecting health care rights, privacy and access. Creating gun safety laws despite the pressures of the gun industry!

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Yes, but not required

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Absolutely-if there are better relationships then more can be done to achieve progress.

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

I have great admiration for the democrats in our current legislative body. They keep showing up despite working in a hostile environment.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

Potentially. I do not know at this time.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

I have been in the room with many women struggling with our abortion law for various reasons. Their fear is real. My fear is also real. I do my best to navigate it with empathy and my medical knowledge. There are so many horrible stories that no one can understand unless they are put into that situation.

Tell us your favorite joke.

I'm not good at remembering or telling jokes unless they are grossly inappropriate!!

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

In special circumstances

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

I would like to improve our abortion law to allow clarity for patients and physicians.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Planned Parenthood, Forward TN, Moms Demand Action, TN families for Vaccines, TN women's political caucus, Davidson county HS Dems, Action 3.14

What committees interest you?

Health and welfare, Health, Insurance and education instruction

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Both are really vital to making our communities and our state better for the people living here.

Would a state ballot initiative process be good or bad for your state?

It would be good to hear from the people and not the extreme interest groups