Luke Gulbranson

Luke Gulbranson earned a high school diploma from Eveleth-Gilbert High School. His career experience includes working as a small businessman.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I'm a fourth generation Iron Ranger, small businessman, and union member. My family really struggled growing up. We got by with the help of government programs like food assistance, free school lunches, and energy assistance. When my dad was able to get a union job with the 49ers, life got more stable. From these experiences, I understand the people of the district and the struggles they face, the importance of good union jobs and the stability they provide, and the importance of protecting programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid that are currently under threat.

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?

Protecting Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and SNAP. I grew up relying on programs like these. I know what they mean to families, and I know what’s at risk when DC politicians threaten them. Right now, these programs are under attack. I’ll fight to reverse the reckless cuts made to them in the One Big Ugly Bill that puts seniors, working families, and children at risk to pay for tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans.Lowering the costs of essentials. Families shouldn’t have to choose between groceries and heating their homes. I’ll take on the rising cost of health care head on, because that’s one of the biggest drivers squeezing family budgets across this district. That means restoring the ACA tax credits, letting the government negotiate the price of medications, and letting people buy into Medicare. I’ll work to get our rural hospitals the funding they need to provide necessary services to our communities. I’ll also fight to reign in any President who starts reckless wars, which has a direct impact on raising the prices of goods we rely on.Standing up for unions and working people. My dad and uncles were IUOE Local 49, my grandparents were USW, and my grandma was a union steward for the Amalgamated Clothing Workers Union. I know what a union job does for a family around here. Every job deserves a safe workplace, fair wages, and the right to collectively bargain.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am also a huge advocate of mental health and suicide prevention, an issue that has had a major impact on my family. Through this process, I've also gotten to know many childcare providers across the district, and I've learned firsthand about the challenges they face. These are people who show up because they genuinely care about kids and families, but they're doing it while navigating thin margins, rising costs, and a licensing and regulatory system that often makes their jobs harder instead of easier. I'm committed to fighting for policies that support childcare providers and make quality, affordable childcare accessible for every family in this district.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

I am proud to have the endorsement of AFSCME, a union representing 1.6 million public service workers across the country, including the 911 dispatchers, nurses, courthouse workers, library workers, school support staff, and nursing home caregivers who keep Minnesota communities running.