Ralph Kaehler

Ralph Kaehler was born in Saint Charles, Minnesota. He received a bachelor's degree from North Dakota State University in 1983 and a master's degree from Colorado State University in 1986. Kaehler's career experience includes working as a farmer and as a solar developer.[1]

Candidate Conversations

Moderated by journalist and political commentator Greta Van Susteren, Candidate Conversations is a virtual debate format that allows voters to easily get to know their candidates through a short video Q&A.

Click below to watch the conversation for this race.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am the owner/operator of a 4th gen. family farm (in transition to gen. 5 & 6), a worker, a solar developer, and a business owner. I have a unique understanding of transitioning a multi-generation business in agriculture and owning a fast-growing start-up in a new industry.

Additionally, I understand healthcare as a "major medical expense surviving family"; and as the owner of a business that provides healthcare benefits to employees. It is a major line item expense in both cases.

I am a moderate with experience AND SUCCESS in working across party lines. Opening trade with Cuba in 2002 was a major accomplishment. Subsequently, I have created new markets for MN agriculture products in Costa Rica, Cambodia and others.

We need elected officials who are more worried about getting things done, than they are about blaming the other side for their dismal success rate.

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?

Increase access to affordable quality health care. Mitigate impacts of Climate change through practical, scalable, and sustainable methodsEnsure equitable support and opportunity for rural communities - including rural braodband, education, affordable housing, and daycare

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Healthcare, agriculture, rural opportunity, and social equity

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

There have been multiple people who have impacted me on a personal basis - some with advice, some with observation.

Different national leaders have inspired me too - the impact tends to vary with the time in my life that I could learn from them.

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

Honesty and the duty to serve the district/state first - not for personal gain

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

There are many events from growing up on the farm with six siblings

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

My first job was growing up on the farm - running heavy equipment; throwing hay bales and all other forms of physical labor; managing and marketing livestock across the USA

Then I was agriculture sales as a: Feed rep, distributor rep., and bio-tech product rep; after getting my Masters of Science degree

What is your favorite book? Why?

How to Win Friends and Influence People

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

No, it is not necessary.

Term limits so they do not stay too long is a bigger concern

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

Figuring out a new normal after COVID and paying down the substantial debt we are incurring while dealing with it

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

It is a must.

With those from all parties and all walks of life

What process do you favor for redistricting?

Non-partisan committees to do it logically for the best interest of the district and only the district... not for a political party.

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