Melissa Maertens

Melissa Maertens (Democratic Party) is running for election to the Minnesota House of Representatives to represent District 10A. She is on the ballot in the general election on November 3, 2026. She advanced from the Democratic primary on August 11, 2026.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a small business owner who believes the government should work for everyday people. I have strong ties throughout central and northern Minnesota, and for the past several years I have been proud to call this district home. My background has given me firsthand experience with the challenges rural communities face, including rising costs, access to healthcare, support for schools, and economic opportunities that allow families to thrive close to home.

I have spent years listening to people, attending local events, and staying engaged with issues that directly impact our communities. I believe leadership begins with being accessible, listening respectfully, and understanding the real concerns of working families, seniors, parents, and business owners. I care deeply about public education, responsible budgeting, and creating opportunities that strengthen local communities without leaving rural Minnesota behind.

In addition to my community involvement, I have worked extensively in animal rescue and advocacy, partnering with shelters and rescue organizations to improve outcomes for animals and communities alike. That work taught me the importance of persistence, compassion, and collaboration to solve problems effectively.

I am running because I believe our district deserves practical leadership, open communication, and someone who will work hard to represent all residents.

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 have three Foundation Issues. The first is I believe strong economic growth starts with investing in working families, small businesses, and rural communities. Our economy grows when people can afford housing, healthcare and education, and when local businesses have the support they need to succeed. I support policies that encourage job creation, workforce development, infrastructure improvements, and access to reliable broadband Greater Minnesota. We must also support agriculture and local industries that are essential to our region’s economy. Economic growth should benefit everyone, not just large corporations, and should create stable opportunities that allow families to live, work, and thrive in the communities they call home.The second Foundation Issue I believe in is that rural education is critical to the future of our communities. Every child, regardless of their zip code, deserves access to quality schools, strong teachers, safe learning environments, and opportunities to succeed. Rural schools are the heart of many communities and should be fully funded. I support investing in public education, addressing teacher shortages, expanding career and technical programs, and improving access to mental health resources. Supporting rural education means investing in the future and helping communities remain strong for generations to come.My third Foundation Issue is that I believe access to quality healthcare is essential for rural communities to survive and grow. No family should have to travel hours for emergency care, or even routine appointments. I support strengthening rural hospitals and clinics, expanding access to mental health, improving maternal and senior care, and addressing healthcare workforce shortages. We must also expand telehealth services to help connect rural residents with specialists and care providers. Rural Minnesotans deserve affordable, accessible healthcare close to home.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about policies that strengthen rural communities and improve quality of life for working families. My priorities include supporting rural healthcare, investing in public education, expanding economic opportunities, and helping small businesses grow. I care deeply about ensuring rural schools and hospitals remain strong and accessible. I am also passionate about animal welfare and community-based solutions that bring people together to solve problems. I believe government works best when it listens to people, supports local communities, and creates opportunities for future generations to succeed.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

MN DFL