Mary Carlson

Mary Carlson earned a bachelor's degree from Gustavus Adolphus College in 2010. Her career experience includes working as an entrepreneur.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I’m a mom, wife, entrepreneur, farmer and animal rescuer. My friends will tell you that I’m full of energy and am the person they call when they need something done. I’m looking forward to bringing that enthusiasm and work ethic to St. Paul as District 11’s senator.

I currently serve on the Carlton-Wrenshall School Board, where I was the chair that ended the 60+ year stalemate over consolidation. Prior to that consolidation, I advocated for a bipartisan bill that doubled the amount of aid available to schools that consolidate.

I own two event based businesses that currently employ nine people. I built those businesses while raising my kids and rehabbing our 100 year old farm. My leadership style is focused on being solution-minded and rolling up my sleeves to get the work done.

In my spare time, I assist in horse rescue by working alongside local law enforcement to get horses out of bad situations. Our farm is filled with a variety of animals all that have found their way here through rescues.

I graduated in 2010 from Gustavus Adolphus College where I competed on the speech and debate team. I graduated with honors with degrees in Communication Studies and History.

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?

Too many people feel like our political system is not serving them. District 11 deserves a proven, vocal leader that is going to advocate for the things that matter most to the people that call District 11 home. I’m running for Minnesota State Senate so that you have an advocate at the Capitol that is going to roll up her sleeves and get the work done.

Fixing the issues facing District 11 will take hard work, but I like working hard. While I’m the DFL endorsed candidate, I intend to work for everyone that calls this district home. Elected officials are in a position of servitude to the people that elect them. I promise you that I won’t forget that when I get down to St. Paul.My top legislative priorities are:

1. Property Tax Relief - Too often there is a shortfall in state funding, which leaves local governments increasing property taxes. We need to find new and creative funding streams at the state level in order to close the funding gaps and reduce the property tax burden facing property owners.

2. Data Center Moratoriums - Minnesota needs a pause on hyper scale data center development while the state and local government can get ordinances in place that protect the people that will be forced to live next to data centers. I also support these companies paying their fair share in taxes.

3. Boosting Local Economies - I will be a champion for legislation that supports and expands the industries in District 11.Zero tax payer dollars should be spent fraudulently. Those that have committed fraud should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Minnesotans work too hard to have our money used to line others pockets.

I fully support the bills that were passed in the 2026 legislative session to create the Office of Inspector General and to update outdated software. We need to give the legislation that was passed in 2026 some time to prove effectiveness. I am committed to ensuring the effectiveness of those laws and revising them as needed.

As your senator, I promise to lead bipartisan efforts that strengthen oversight and ensure that fraudsters are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

As a school board member and business owner, I will always be an advocate for strong local economies and thriving schools.

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

I've always admired President Lincoln. He was everything a politician should be. He listened well, had an immense amount of empathy and always did what was right - even when it was hard.

On a local level, I've loved getting to know former Senator Becky Lourey. Our time together has taught me so much about working towards goals while also working with folks from all political perspectives.

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

Integrity.

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

Being an elected official is a position of servitude. Elected officials serve those they represent. This means they need to listen well and advocate for their constituents, even when it doesn't align perfectly with their party.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I hope folks will remember me as someone who cared deeply for this community and worked hard to make it a better place.

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

I worked at Enterprise Rent a Car as a Management Trainee. I was there for about 15 months as I was putting my husband through graduate school.

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

I'm a people pleaser, so being on the school board has taught me a lot about doing the best I can and knowing I still won't please everyone. I've learned that as long as I listen and do research.

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

The relationship should be collaborative. I am tired of hearing about political stalemates in Minnesota. It's time for our legislature and governor to start working for the people of Minnesota instead of their political parties.

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

The budget is the greatest challenge facing Minnesota. Inflation is unchecked, which means everyone's dollar isn't going as far as it once did. This includes for state of Minnesota. We need to eliminate wasteful spending and fraud to ensure that every dollar is spent supporting Minnesotans and growing our economy.

We also need to find new and creative revenue streams to fill the funding gaps we will be facing moving forward.

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

Absolutely. Most Minnesotans do not support the extreme political polarization we are currently facing. As a senator I will work regularly across the aisle to serve the people of District 11.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

MAPE, AFCSME Council 5, NASW, Women Winning, Education Minnesota, Planned Parenthood, DFL Veteran and Military Families Caucus, DFL Feminist Caucus, DFL Rural Caucus, DFL Environmental Caucus, Save the Boundary Waters, Friends of the Boundary Waters,

What was the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember?

The Columbine High School shooting.