Martha Brown

Martha Brown earned a high school diploma from McDowell High School. She earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Rochester in 1988 and a Ph.D. from Florida Atlantic University in 2015. Her career experience includes working as an educational consultant.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I grew up in a working-class family where hard work, service, and community mattered. Those values shaped my life and career. I earned a bachelor's degree in Women's Studies with a minor in Political Science, and a master's degree and Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction. For more than 30 years, I've worked as an educator, researcher, program evaluator, consultant, author, and musician, helping schools, nonprofits, and communities solve complex problems through listening, collaboration, and evidence.

Today, I live in Faribault, where I teach, volunteer, and serve my community. I am a member of the Faribault Rotary Club, served on the City of Faribault Environmental Commission, volunteer with the Community Action Center, and support local schools as a substitute teacher and choir accompanist.

I'm running because too many Minnesotans feel their voices are being drowned out by partisan politics and special interests. I believe elected officials should listen, learn from the people they represent, evaluate the facts, act thoughtfully, and continually improve. That's the approach I've used throughout my career, and it's the approach I'll bring to the Legislature.

My priority is simple: put people first and work across differences to find practical solutions that improve lives.

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?

Universal Health Care

I believe health care is a right. Every Minnesotan should be able to see a doctor, fill a prescription, receive mental health care, and get preventive treatment without worrying about cost or going into debt. Good health strengthens families, improves educational outcomes, supports local businesses, and helps our economy thrive.

Our health care system is broken. It rewards insurance companies and pharmaceutical corporations while patients, providers, employers, and taxpayers pay the price. We need leaders who are willing to challenge powerful interests and stop settling for temporary fixes. I support building a new universal health care system based on successful models from other states and countries.Economic Security for Working and Rural Minnesotans

Everyone who works hard should be able to earn a living wage, support their family, and build a secure future. Too many Minnesotans are working harder than ever while falling behind as the costs of housing, health care, child care, and groceries continue to rise.

I support raising wages, strengthening unions, investing in family farms and small businesses, and providing tax relief for working and middle-class families. We can do that by asking the wealthiest individuals and large corporations to pay their fair share. A strong economy is one where everyone has the opportunity to succeed—not just those at the top.Affordable Housing and Strong Communities

Safe, affordable housing is essential to thriving communities. Young families, seniors, teachers, health care workers, and first responders should be able to live in the communities they serve. Yet too many rural communities face housing shortages that make it harder to attract workers, support local businesses, and strengthen our local economies.

I support practical solutions that expand workforce housing, encourage smart zoning changes, provide incentives for first-time homebuyers, and partner with local communities to meet local needs. Every Minnesotan deserves a safe, affordable place to call home.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

My policy priorities include:

• Universal, affordable health care

• Fully funded public education

• Higher wages and economic opportunity

• Strong unions, family farmers, and small businesses

• Affordable housing

• Clean water, conservation, and sustainable development

• Evidence-based, people-first government

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

I have long admired Janet Reno. She wasn't afraid to make difficult decisions, even when they were unpopular, and she accepted responsibility for those decisions. I respect her honesty, integrity, humility, and commitment to public service. I believe leaders should be guided by principle, evidence, and the courage to do what is right—not simply what is politically expedient.

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

Honesty, integrity, courage, humility, and a willingness to listen. Public officials should make decisions based on evidence, not ideology, and always put the people they serve first.

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

The core responsibility of a state representative is to serve the people of their district with integrity and accountability. That begins by listening to constituents and understanding their experiences. Next comes learning—gathering information from experts, stakeholders, and research. Then comes evaluating the evidence and considering both the intended and unintended consequences of legislation. Only then should an elected official act by supporting policies that improve people's lives. Finally, they should continually assess results and make changes when needed. Good government is built on listening, learning, evaluating, acting, and improving.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I hope to leave every community, organization, and person I work with a little better than I found them. Throughout my career as an educator, evaluator, author, and community volunteer, my goal has been to build knowledge, strengthen organizations, and create opportunities for others. I also hope the books I've written continue to help educators and researchers long after I'm gone. If people remember me as someone who listened well, acted with integrity, and made a positive difference, that will be a legacy I'm proud of.

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

The governor and the Legislature should have a relationship built on mutual respect, open communication, and a shared commitment to serving Minnesotans. While each has distinct constitutional responsibilities, both should be willing to listen, share ideas, and work collaboratively to solve problems. Healthy disagreement is part of democracy, but it should never prevent leaders from finding common ground when it benefits the people they serve. The focus should always be on good policy—not politics.

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

Over the next decade, Minnesota's greatest challenge will be maintaining the high-quality public services that families depend on while keeping life affordable for working- and middle-class Minnesotans. Federal funding uncertainty and budget cuts are shifting more costs onto states, forcing difficult choices. We must protect investments in health care, education, infrastructure, and public safety without placing a greater tax burden on working families. That will require responsible budgeting, evidence-based policymaking, and asking those who have benefited the most from our economy to pay their fair share.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Yes. Effective policymaking requires listening, collaboration, and a willingness to find common ground. I will never compromise my core values or my commitment to fairness, honesty, and putting people first. However, I believe the best policies are often developed by bringing diverse perspectives to the table, evaluating the evidence, and finding solutions that work for the greatest number of people without leaving others behind. Compromise should never mean abandoning principle—it should mean building better, more durable solutions.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

AFSCME Council 5, DFL Environmental Caucus, Women Winning, DFL Rural Caucus, Stonewall DFL, Moms Demand Action, Planned Parenthood, FairVote MN, and more are pending.