Susan Pha

Susan Pha lives in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. Pha's career experience includes working as a real estate consultant and as a small business owner.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I came to this country 45 years ago, a four-year-old refugee, and this community became my home. Growing up, I faced the same challenges many families here still face: tight budgets, language barriers, and a system that isn't always easy to navigate. That's what pushed me into community and public service. I worked in the nonprofit sector, ran a small business, and now nearly a decade in public office, from Brooklyn Park City Council to the State Senate. In that time, I've delivered free school meals, Paid Family and Medical Leave, HOA protections, housing investments, and over $80 million in direct state funding for our district. Costs are still too high for too many families, and I'm running again to keep fighting for you at the Capitol.

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?

Families across this district are telling me the same thing, property taxes and the cost of living is too high. I've heard it at the doors, at community events, in every conversation. Growing our local economy and tax base is a top priority for me because when businesses and development grow here, property taxes for families go down. I've delivered more than $20 million in investment directly to our district, including $3 million towards the Brooklyn Center Opportunity Site. At the Capitol, I'll keep advocating for smart investments that create local jobs, strengthen our tax base, and give residents tax relief.People want affordable, accessible healthcare and neighborhoods where they feel safe. No family should skip a doctor's visit because of cost, and no one should feel unsafe where they live. I've worked on both throughout my time in office, and I know there's more work ahead. I'm committed to continuing that work: expanding access to affordable healthcare and investing in real, effective public safety and gun safety solutions for every neighborhood in this district.People want good jobs close to home and real opportunity for the next generation. A strong local economy creates stability for families; strong schools build tomorrow's workforce, innovators, and leaders. Supporting local small businesses, attracting good jobs, and investing in our kids are priorities to me. Creating a place where families and their children can build a future and thrive.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Homeowner protection is a policy area I care deeply about. I chief-authored and led the HOA reform bill in the Senate, protecting 1.5 million homeowners statewide after hearing from hundreds of families who lost their homes, equity, and savings to unfair HOA practices. This law caps excessive fines and fees, bans foreclosure over minor violations, and gives homeowners real transparency and a stronger voice in how their HOA operates. It passed with bipartisan support, because protecting families shouldn't be a partisan issue. There's still more work to do, and I'm committed to continuing this fight, because it makes a real, lasting difference in people's lives and financial security.

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

The most important characteristic in an elected official is being a genuine listener. Decisions should be made with people's input, not for them. That means actively engaging with constituents, showing up, hearing their concerns, and understanding what they're actually facing. An elected official's job is to represent the people and district who entrust them with that responsibility, not to substitute their own judgment for the voices of the community. I try to bring that principle to every decision I make: listen first, stay accountable to this district, and never lose sight of who I'm truly there to serve.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

AFL-CIO (State Council), Women Winning, Planned Parenthood, MN Fire Fighters, Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (MAPE), Conservation Minnesota, Boundary Waters Action Fund, AFSCME 5, Building and Construction Trades State Council, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) 110, International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE - 49ers), North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters, SEIU Healthcare & SEIU Council, Teamster Joint Council 32, United Association/MN Pipe Trades

Susan Pha did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2022 Candidate Connection survey.