Michael Kreun

Michael Kreun earned a bachelor's degree from Moorhead State University in 1998 and a law degree from the University of North Dakota in 2001. His career experience includes working as a lawyer.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a lifelong Minnesotan who has lived in Blaine for 24 years with my wife, Laura, where we have raised our three children. I was elected in 2022 to represent Blaine, Ham Lake, Columbus, and Lexington in the Minnesota Senate. Before serving in the Senate, I served on the Spring Lake Park School Board and the Coon Creek Watershed Board of Managers.

Outside the Legislature, I am an attorney with a career focused on real estate litigation and corporate litigation management. I was also a long-time youth sports coach in the Blaine/Spring Lake Park community. I continue to volunteer with the Children’s Law Center, representing children in Minnesota’s foster care system at no cost to them or their families.

During my first term, I established a strong record of accomplishment, with 25 of my bills becoming law. I have also demonstrated a commitment to collaboration and bipartisanship. For example, I was the lead Republican author of legislation creating an independent Office of Inspector General to combat fraud in Minnesota. I also authored legislation protecting children from the harmful and addictive features of social media, which passed the Senate unanimously and became law.

I am a pragmatic conservative who believes politics should be conducted with professionalism, civility, and a focus on results—and that public service is ultimately about delivering for the people we represent.

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?

Combating Fraud. Minnesota has been plagued by fraud in our social service programs, while the Governor’s administration has too often lacked urgency and accountability. This fraud rips off taxpayers, denies resources to Minnesotans who legitimately rely on these services, and erodes trust in government. I have been fully engaged in the effort to combat fraud and hold criminals accountable. I was the lead Republican author of legislation creating an independent Office of Inspector General to fight fraud. I also co-authored legislation imposing a 100% tax on income gained through the theft of public funds. I am pursuing additional reforms to prevent fraud and demand accountability for unexplained growth in programs where fraud is suspected.Increasing Affordability for Minnesota Families. As the cost of living rises, too many Minnesota families are struggling to afford the same opportunities and standard of living enjoyed by previous generations. State leaders must expand economic opportunity while reducing the cost of government. I authored legislation to cap property tax increases at the rate of inflation unless local governments receive voter approval. I will continue fighting for policies that:

Reduce property taxes

Cut vehicle registration fees by 50%

Eliminate state taxes on Social Security benefits

Eliminate state taxes on tips and overtimeSupporting Law Enforcement and Keeping Communities Safe. Strong law enforcement is essential to safe communities. I have a strong record on the Judiciary and Public Safety Committee of supporting law enforcement and ensuring officers have the tools, funding, and training they need. I will continue fighting to repeal early-release policies that allow offenders to serve only half their sentences, strengthen penalties for those who break the law, increase transparency in sentencing, end “catch-and-release” policies, and hold criminals accountable. I will always stand with our police, firefighters, first responders, and school resource officers.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Ending Fraud in Minnesota. The explosion of fraud in our social service programs is an injustice to hardworking taxpayers who expect their tax dollars to be used as promised. This pervasive fraud erodes trust in government and takes resources away from vulnerable Minnesotans who legitimately rely on these programs. As a former school board member, I am also passionate about education and ensuring our children receive a world-class education and graduate with the skills and opportunities to succeed. I am equally passionate about keeping our communities safe and making Minnesota more affordable for hardworking families.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Endorsements: International Union of Operating Engineers Local 49 (the “49ers”), international Brotherhoold of Electric Workers (IBEW) Local 110 and Local 292, Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association (“MPPOA”), Minnesota Pipe Trades Association, National Federation of Independent Business (“NFIB”), Northern Midwest Regional Council of Carpenters (the “Carpenters”), Minnesotans for Health and Parental Rights, Housing First Minnesota, more pending.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My wife Laura and I have lived in Blaine for over 20 years where we raise our three children. I'm a corporate lawyer managing and practicing litigation. I'm serving my second term on the Spring Lake Park School Board and I'm President of the Coon Creek Watershed Board. I volunteer at Eagle Brook Church in Blaine and am a volunteer lawyer for the Children's Law Center of Minnesota. I serve on the Highway 65 Public Advisory Counsel and the Spring Lake Park Lion's Club Foundation Board. I am a co-founder of the Blaine Mayor's Prayer Breakfast and am a past coach of youth hockey, baseball, football, and soccer.

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 will secure funding to improve Highway 65 in Blaine and Ham Lake to relieve congestion and improve safety.I support providing tax relief to all Minnesotans, including the elimination of the state tax on social security.I will support law enforcement and get Minnesota's unacceptable crime rate under control.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about supporting our law enforcement and tackling the unacceptably high crime rate we have in Minnesota caused by failed leadership. We must end Minnesota's culture of lawlessness. I have the endorsement of the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association and will make sure our law enforcement has the resources necessary to protect the communities they selflessly serve.

We must also tackle inflation and get our economy turned around while returning the state's multi-billion surplus back to the taxpayer in the form of tax relief. We must eliminate the state tax on social security and make Minnesota a more competitive state in which to do business.

We must put an end to the rampant fraud and abuse in our government programs, such as the Feeding our Future scandal where at least $250 million taxpayer dollars were stolen. We need thorough oversight and auditing of these programs and accountability for those who are responsible.

We must improve congestion and safety on Highway 65 in Blaine and Ham Lake. I will prioritize investments in core functions of state government, such as transportation and education while scaling back on non-essential expenditures.

Finally, Minnesota needs more legislators who take the time and effort to learn public policy, understand the nuances, and are able to collaborate with others in a civil manner to find solutions.