Natalie Zeleznikar

Natalie Zeleznikar was born in Cambridge, Minnesota. She earned a high school diploma from St. Francis High School and a bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire in 1991. Her career experience includes working as a healthcare consultant, licensed nursing home administrator, entrepreneur, and small business owner. She has volunteered at community events and with her church.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I was a nursing home administrator for 30 years, and retired in 2023. My healthcare career began at age 16 with with health occupations classes in high school to become a nursing assistant. Through the pandemic, I worked side by side with nursing assistants to deliver care during a timeframe when families, priests, and pastors were unable to visit. It was heartbreaking to see residents cry in their final hours as families watched from the outside and placed their hands on windows for any connection possible. This experience reaffirmed how important it is for us all to have a minimum of one person with us even if we are in a pandemic. I took this experience and wrote and passed my first bill which protects us all if ever admitted to a hospital, nursing home, assisted living or disability group home. Now, everyone has peace of mind and patients will never again be alone after car accident, cancer treatment, child delivery, or when they leave their lifelong home for a care setting. Human connections are critical for our healing, and as a breast cancer survivor I know that all too well. Prior to the pandemic, I had many who were with me during multiple surgeries, and this assisted with my recovery. Unfortunately, many did not have this experience during the pandemic and it led to increased mental health needs. Infection control has always been a part of healthcare in settings were you serve many, and if patients or care givers need to wear masks they can do this and be together.

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?

Make Minnesota thrive not merely survive. This means reversing course, as state government grew by 40% in 2023, and Minnesotans saw their take home pay decrease even with wage increases due to higher taxes, and more deductions from state mandates. MN needs lower property taxes and again mandates set by state gov were passed to local cities, counties, and schools driving up property taxes across the state.$9 billion of fraud since 2019 is exploiting MN Nice. It is time to end the pathways for sham companies to open in MN and bill medical assistance for delivering zero services. It is time to prosecute all sham owners, and uplift those providers who have provided reputable services in good standing with site visits for decades. Sham businesses should NOT be thriving in MN while honest hardworking small businesses are struggling to survive and every business should be held to same standard. Taxes do not have to be as high as they are and closing the door to fraud also protects the funding for those vulnerable adults who truly need it.Investing in our future means bringing back things that worked in the 70's and 80's and investing in the trades and career technical education for all students. With a severe workforce shortage, and many retirees it is critical to invest in educating future plumbers, electricians, HVAC installer, welders, CDL drivers, CNA, EMT, carpenters, and so much more. I authored bills for our community allowing students to have EMT, and CNA free training and this has allowed positions to be filled with real meaningful solutions. In addition, partnerships with the region are critical to advance opportunities for a regional training center with Hermantown, Proctor, and Esko for a higher level of career technical education for the next generation.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Healthcare, childcare, public safety and workforce development

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

Every senior in our state who built this country and our state. Every senior who made sacrifices for the opportunities I have and others have today. Every senior who volunteered for something bigger than themselves. Every senior who sacrificed for the next generation.

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

Being a Representative means being accessible to those in the district, and being present where people live, work, and visit. This includes giving my cell phone number out so I can be called or receive a text on issues that matter to those in our district. It is important to be hard working, and to seek to a balanced approach. It is critical to put the people before politics and for your actions to match your words.

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

Represent the entire district, regardless if they are Democrat, Independent or Republican. Ensure that core responsibilities of government are happening- safe communities, great education, solid healthcare, quality roads and bridges, and reputable services for vulnerable adults.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Ensuring that critical health care hospitals are viable, and quality programs for non-emergency transportation and care exist in rural Mn as well as the suburbs and Twin Cities. In addition, I am passionate about ensuring a strong commercial tax base exists to ensure our region can thrive, and jobs exist. With that I authored a housing initiative a home share platform, and critical reform to increase family childcare providers as greater Minnesota lost over 50%. It is critical for families to have quality center and family childcare options and assurance for reasonable state mandates.

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

CNA, ten years

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

Breast Cancer in 2015, and I am grateful for a full recovery

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

Mutual respect for both parties, and a bipartisan approach to core issues to ensure the entire state is represented. Ensuring the state agencies are held responsible for bills the state legislature passes.

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

A substantial deficit after the $18.5 billion dollar surplus was spent in the first five months of the 2023 session and taxes increased another $10 billion. The state government grew by 40% which is unsustainable, and Minnesotans do not want higher taxes. In addition, holding the state agencies accountable for $9 billion in fraud to sham companies since 2019- we have more work to be done to ensure tax payer dollars are not wasted.

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

Yes, and I was selected for the first bipartisan citizen exchange in MN and traveled to Plymouth to my Democrat colleagues district and he traveled to my district and we both found it to be a valuable experience to find middle ground. We both serve on the Health Committee and co-authored a bill which became law in 2026 to allow pharmacists to flavor meds for children and other ages to ease med administration.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

MPPOA, Deputy Sheriff Association, Americans for Prosperity, Local 49ers, Pipefitters, Local 361 Carpenters, Mn Chamber of Commerce, NFIB, MCCL, Care Providers, Leading Age and Women Lead

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

911 was a terrible event and yet it brought out the best features of working together in Americans

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I have been married for 32 years, raised two sons, gained a daughter in law and await our first grandchild due election day. I retired after 30 years as a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator serving in Northern MN. I grew up in St Francis, MN on our family farm, and was blessed with a large extended family. My health occupations class in high school was instrumental in directing me on a pathway as a Certified Nursing Assistant. This training came in handy during the pandemic, as I worked side by side with all caregivers sleeping at the site to ensure care on various shifts during these challenging times for 2 years. I was diagnosed with breast cancer 9 years ago, and nearly died from sepsis complications related to surgery. I was blessed to have the support of my husband, family, and friends and realized the emotional devastation of those who did not have this during the pandemic. With a 40% increase in mental health following the pandemic, I realized the loneliness and isolation many felt in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted livings, and disability homes. I worked to ensure every person has a minimum of one person with them, even if a mask is required in a state of emergency, because we are better when we are together. I am deeply committed to the community and have volunteered for my lifetime at church, youth activities, Rotary, and numerous fundraisers for those in need.

I am committed to ensure our schools have pathways for trade opportunities, and I did just that.

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?

Making MN Affordable. Democrats passed a mandate in 2023 for wind solar only by 2040. Yet experts warn the grid is NOT build out for this and this timeline is dangerous, and expensive. We need natural gas, diesel, propane and a comprehensive plan with all options not a 100% mandate which will drive costs up, and be unreliable. Experts warn we could see a blackout in MN with this plan by next year. Dismantling the existing grid before technology is affordable is irresponsible and I will continue to work for a diversified energy portfolio.Increase Childcare providers.

Mn infant care costs 20,000 per year, and many providers have a 2 year wait list. Meanwhile our neighbor states cost 30% less for childcare and our state proposed more mandates on providers. We need a comprehensive overhaul for childcare with reasonable mandates. When family and center providers continue to close and the expenses for their business exceed the revenue, it is time to have major reform. As a member of the Children and Families committee I have toured our district to talk with providers and families and also to explore other models in the state. We can and must do better. Without providers, families and individuals can't work.Public Safety.

It is time to prioritize public safety rights ABOVE the rights of repeat violent criminals. When repeat violent criminals are receiving sweetheart deals from judges, those living in the community are on high alert. When a bill is authored to eliminate minimum sentencing for a criminal with a gun crime or dangerous weapon- in the Democrat party, ( HF 4277) it is time to restore sanity and balanced government and end one party rule. Catch and release works great for fishing, but not repeat violent criminals in our communities.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

After 40 years in healthcare, I am passionate about reasonable mandates that foster positive outcomes. Mandates without funding are disastrous and result in more closures of nursing homes, assisted livings. This same outcome happens with mandates without money for school districts, childcare settings, corrections, fire departments, ambulances, and the list goes on. It is time to end the fraud in MN, as it is unacceptable to have over 500 million stolen by fraudsters because government agencies are NOT following normal audit systems that are in place.

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

My grandparents, Hazel and Cliff. They were selfless, hard working farmers who were honest, thrifty, hardworking and sacrificed for the next generations. They were always content even when working 7 days a week, and I can still see the exact spot in the pew where they sat every Sunday at church. They simply never missed, except my grandpa when he went to Orr hunting. They were always encouraging, and positive to their children and grandchildren. They volunteered and always saw the cup as half full and never half empty. They were simply the best, and I am forever grateful. They lived their life by example, and instilled the value of education, hard work, honesty, strong character, humor, community service and the essence of having fun while working hard.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

I believe the people I served the past 40 years, our seniors are the gold star, and the greatest generation. I cared for many who served our nation in war times, and I learned history from them, as they lived it. I learned fast that freedom is one generation away. I learned that many left socialism and fled communism for a reason, and Minnesotans do not want either for Minnesota or the USA. I served my entire life as a volunteer, and decided it was time to run for office and serve in this way for those who I served sacrificed it all for the freedoms and opportunities I have enjoyed my entire life. I want this for my future grandchildren, my children and yours too.

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

It is important to be accessible to those you serve. I give my constituents my cell phone number to text or call with ideas, concerns or suggestions. I promised to host multiple town halls and meet and greets in the district and did just that. Many stated this was the first time anyone ever visited them.

Those I represent deserve to have someone who works hard and communicates back to the district what bills are being proposed, and heard at committee and voted on in the House chamber. I wrote articles for the newspapers monthly to communicate, and posted on social media multiple updates weekly on many pertinent topics. It is important to read everything before you vote on it, and to be honest, transparent, and exercise common sense and sensibility. The majority want to see someone who can compromise for solutions and I did just that under one party rule.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I am very loyal, and highly driven to get things done. I love to consider the possibilities of how to make things better, and I am effective at bringing all the players to the table to get things done. I show up, I go above and beyond, and believe I work for the people. I am not there to be a politician but rather a public servant. I have built relationships in my district for 32 years and these partnerships help me to ensure the needs of the people are represented in St. Paul.

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

When selected to a committee, I toured the district and state to understand the services and programs provided and offered to date. It is essential to focus on the core priorities such as education for k-12, childcare, public safety, healthcare, vulnerable adults, and roads and bridges before spending millions on programs that fall outside the above items. When all the above are stabilized and a 18 billion dollar surplus exists, it seems logical to give a refund back to the taxpayer that is reasonable, not $260 and then pay tax on it again.

What legacy would you like to leave?

That I stayed true to the basic values of faith, family, friends, and freedom. I want to be respected as a leader and woman who cares deeply, and went above and beyond for her family, friends, and her community.

To remember, we all have this day, and this day only. Having almost died a few times with breast cancer complications, I don't take anything for granted- and I am all in for whatever I do. I will give it my all each and every day.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

Sept 11, 2001. I was working at the nursing home in Two Harbors, and had just dropped off our sons at childcare and arrived at work and residents were telling me we are at war. I looked at the tv, only to see people jumping from buildings and I watched with horror. The residents were very worried we were in world war III, and wanted to help. We all cried together, as did the entire world.

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

Out of college, my first job was a licensed nursing home administrator for 7.5 years. Before that I was a certified nursing assistant and worked at age 16 all through high school and college years, as well as being a life guard.

What is your favorite book? Why?

I read many leadership books over the past decades, and I wrote a book called "The Scars you can't see" which is special to me as it helped me heal while helping others going through trauma. I always remember the book "Gungho" as it was all about work culture and how the culture effects productivity and outcomes and I believe this wholeheartedly.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Thunderstruck, ACDC

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

A high risk pregnancy and being bedridden for months with a 2 year old, watching our son play hockey game in Canada on our iPad, only to realize he had a terrible femur fracture far from home and leaving for Canada for a few weeks to care for him till we could return home, 8 surgeries from complications from breast cancer and nearly dying from sepsis complications. Starting a business from the ground up with two sons in competitive hockey and not missing a game driving hours in winter conditions to get there in time.

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

Policies that reflect the desire of metro, suburbs and greater MInnesota with and desire to work with both parties for the common good of the state. One Minnesota means including the elected leaders at the table from both parties to strike important balance on issues that are critical to those they represent.

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

with 40% growth in a state spending, this is unsustainable and future forecasts already predict a deficit. This means that core responsibilities of government will need to be front and center with leaders who can find common ground, and unite MN, not divide MN.

It is critical to be competitive to grow the commercial tax base otherwise the entire tax burden falls on our individuals and families. I have not had one person say, "please raise my taxes, or property taxes". They expect tax cuts after a historic 18 billion dollar surplus, and that did not happen.

It is also important to improve on education test scores, when 50% can't read at grade level- this is the greates discrimination for our students. If you can't read, all books are banned, and so is a pathway to prosperity for a road to a higher income. We must do better.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

I believe in term limits. I think life experience is critical, and work experience to reflect the area you represent. Past political experience may be helpful, but so is rolling up your sleeves and digging in with a willingness to listen learn and lead. As a public servant, it is important to be committed to attend events in your community and also understand how a bill is passed, and how to educate those you serve on what is happening. Most are busy working and dealing with life, and elect us to give them a synopsis of events, which I believe is important. Communication is key.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Yes, It is important to do this in your own party and across party lines. You must be willing to find common ground and get things done for what your district wants. I worked hard to know those in my caucus and those across the aisle. I was selected by Democrats to serve on conference committee and was able to get 4 bills across the finish line by working together on workforce committee.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

I learn something from all of them. They all have different strengths and that is valuable.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

This is not on my mind, I am focused on serving as a State Representative.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

I had many who could not get inspections for their salvaged vehicles which is required by state law in order to get their tabs. Before I was elected, many tried for 6 months, and I began researching and contacted the MN Dept of Tranp and began problem solving with them. They closed the Duluth office and then volume increased with the increased cost of vehicles and campers, as more were buying salvaged vehicles. I suggested the state pay a nominal fee to small business auto shops to do the inspections where equipment exists until they built an inspection site, and they did just that. Finally, all in my district were able to get tabs, to retire and pull their camper south or to drive to work without being illegal with outdated or not tabs.

Tell us your favorite joke.

I never remember jokes, so I can't tell you one. I enjoy laughing at jokes from those gifted with this art to remember them.

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

Absolutely.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

I will re-introduce the bill to fully eliminate the mn state taxes on social security to make us competitive with other states. Seniors already paid the tax once and should not pay it twice. We need to make it possible for seniors to afford to stay in MN vs. leaving for other states.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

MPPOA, NFIB, MN Chamber, 49ers union, pipefitters union, Regional council of carpenters union, Women Lead, Care providers, Leading Age, Housing First, Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life, Associated Builders and Contractors, Minnesota Farm Bureau

What committees interest you?

Health & Human Services, Workforce, and Children and families are ones I serve on and I was also appointed to the Aging task force and EMS ( ambulance ) committees for bipartisan solutions statewide. I enjoy them all.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

With record historic fraud in Mn making National headlines it is time to get to work and make accountability happen. Under one party rule, it was not taken seriously, and it cost tax payers over 500 million while they work 2-3 jobs to make ends meet. It is unacceptable.

Financial transparency is critical. I voted against the junk fee bill because it allows the government to blame businesses for laws they pass, and therefore eliminates true financial transparency. I saw many restaurants state at bottom of receipt a % increase to bill due to mandates passed by the state, and now the state forces businesses to bake the cost in the cake as they stated. Simply make the customer believe the cake or burger costs $25 when in fact it does not. The reality is there are costs to mandates and the public deserves to understand what they are, as it affects costs everywhere they turn.

Would a state ballot initiative process be good or bad for your state?

yes. There are topics that many want to vote on. I am asked all the time why Minnesotans did NOT get to vote if they wanted a new state flag, and this a recent great example. I would say yes it should have been on the ballot to let Minnesotans vote.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I was fortunate to grow up on a farm in St. Francis MN, and learned the importance of faith and community. My first job was as a CNA and my passion for serving seniors became a lifelong path. I am a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator. I co-founded an assisted living model of care to replicate all I loved from the farm, and my Grandma Hazel was the first of many to receive care. I have been married 30 years, and have two sons, and a daughter-in-law. While building a business, our life was full as hockey parents and we traveled to every community as hockey brings you everywhere. Volunteering has been a huge part of my life, whether church, Rotary, cancer fundraisers or hockey. When I had Breast Cancer I had a heightened appreciation of community and their support with meals etc. Following Breast Cancer I wrote a book to help others know what I wish I had known, called "The Scars you Can't See". My personality is one when I see a problem, I would like to work with others to find a meaningful solution. I have worked collaboratively with others my entire career and hope to use these skills to find new solutions to age old problems of childcare, healthcare, senior care, jobs and business growth, safe communities, and education for our kids. Our best days lie ahead, and after serving the greatest generation, our seniors, I am committed to serve. I will not be a lifelong politician, and I support term limits.

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?

Health Care is Imploding at Nursing Homes, Assisted Livings and Hospitals and staffing and regulations must be addressed immediately. Those who have never ran a 24 hour facility are likely not the ones who should write the policy. I have experience.A strong economy with jobs. Jobs come with an attractive state and communities which are business friendly. With jobs and businesses our communities and schools are strong too and all the taxes are not passed to individuals.We need childcare providers in every community so families are able to accept job offers. Home based and community based with simplified regulations and mentorship programs for new providers to succeed.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

1. Safety with low crime state wide so we can all enjoy every community without fear of our vehicle being stolen, being physically assaulted or any other violent crime. Violent crime is out of control. We need to assure sentencing guidelines are not shortened for these criminals. Individuals of all ages should feel safe. We need address the drug overdose issue, and mental health situation with models that have proven recovery records.

2. Minnesota is one of the highest taxed states and we are not competitive for job creation. Families have less take home pay, and we must end the double taxation for social security. Spending money is easy, we must audit where we spend money first before just agreeing to spend more. Performance based measures must follow money.

3. Education. We need to find measurable ways to close the achievement gaps, and raise proficiency levels in core knowledge areas or reading, math, and science. We need higher emphasis on pathways outside of 4 year degrees to begin in middle school with trade partnerships, and other job mentoring opportunities.

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

My grandparents and parents. My grandparents lived through the depression, and lived a life of gratitude, faith, and amazing work ethics. They sacrificed so much for the next generations, and yet they were always content. I can still see the exact place they sat in the pew at church and I am not sure they ever missed a Sunday service. They lived their faith daily.

My parents were High School Sweethearts, and are still together 55+ years. They demonstrated what love looks like, and were always involved in the community. They worked hard, and laughed often and welcomed our home to many. I was blessed with a fi