Tad Jude

Tad Jude was born in St. Cloud, Minnesota. He served in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1971 to 1977. Jude earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Saint Thomas in 1972 and a law degree from the William Mitchell College of Law in 1977. His career experience includes working as an attorney, judge, and small business owner. As of 2024, Jude was affiliated with American Legion Post 303, Action for Children, the Minnesota Sheriffs' Association, and the county historical society.[1]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I have deep roots in the 3rd Congressional District and Minnesota. By background I spent most of my childhood in the town of

Maple Lake as the oldest of 11 children. Often I would accompany my father on his delivery route supplying small businesses

throughout central Minnesota, including most of the 3rd District. I was elected to a nonpartisan seat in the Minnesota House of

Representatives and served 10 years before being elected to serve 6 years as a DFLer in the Minnesota Senate. The district

included much of Northern and Western Hennepin County. After that I was elected to serve a 4 year term on the nonpartisan

Hennepin County Board of Commissioners. In 1992 I became a Republican. I served 11 years as nonpartisan 10th District Court

Judge presiding over both civil and criminal matters. During the course of this public service I have door knocked over 100,000

doors. My education includes graduating from the University of St. Thomas and a JD from the Wm. Mitchell College of Law. I

served in the 523rd Army Security Agency and am currently Commander of Post 303 American Legion. I have been instrumental

in founding three small businesses currently in operation. I have been active on the boards of a number of community

organizations ranging from Catholic Charities to the NW Suburban YMCA. My family consists of wife Jacelyn, 3 sons, an

extended family of 6 children and am a grandparent. In my spare time I enjoy Minnesota canoeing, biking and cross country

skiing.

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?

Our economy needs to be fixed. The cost of housing has gone up at least 30% in the past 4 years making it difficult for young

people to get a start. Food and gas prices are also growing a rate way beyond the raises we get at our jobs. Out of control

government spending contributes to the high taxes we all pay. Locally we have seen huge fraud in the Feeding our Future

program which was supposed to feed children in need, fraud in the Hero Pay program intended to reward those who served us

during the pandemic, and a SW Light Rail fiasco which is 9 years delayed and massively over budget. Yet the Federal

Government continues to run endless budget deficits contributing to inflation. Congress needs to fix this mess. I will be

accountable.Our border needs to be secure. Fentanyl is taking over 100,000 American lives each year. I have seen unaccompanied minor

children in my courtroom who have been trafficked over the border with no family to care for them. The asylum process has to be

workable for our country and communities. The southern border should have an effective wall, the northern border needs state of

the art surveillance, and enhanced ports of entry installed. Those from other countries who earn advanced education should be

welcomed and employment needs should be recognized in green/work permit programs. Those who have a felony conviction and

are here illegally should be expelled. Our immigration system should recognize the USA as a unique country full of promise.Protect our community and support law enforcement. As a district court Judge for 11 years it has become painfully obvious that

we have a serious problem in the Hennepin County criminal justice system. Our county attorney needs to do her job in an

impartial, nonpolitical manner. The Ryan Londregan case earlier this year was a failure of the system. This case involved a

Minnesota trooper, doing his job as trained. The case should never have been charged. Law enforcement needs to be welcomed

in our homes, schools and community. Those in Congress and legislature who call for defunding the police should be thrown out.

Criminal Justice should be based upon the facts, law and constitutional rights. I will fight for integrity and justice.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

In addition to fixing the economy, fixing the border, and prioritizing public safety, I am passionate about excellence in education;

clean air, water and land; and preserving Social Security/Medicare. Education has been drifting away from teacher and parent

involvement at the cost of reading, writing and STEM achievement of our children. Funding should go with the student into the

classroom. Our family enjoys the beautiful parks, lakes and trails we are blessed with and they need to be properly maintained.

Our Seniors and work force need to be secure in having Social Security and Medicare available when needed. Plans to "beat

Medicare" or tax Social Security should be defeated.

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

An elected public servant should be honest, ethical, work hard and listen. There are several principles and characteristics I would strive for. One is showing up for work both in Washington DC and in the district. When I served as a Judge I was often the only one available at the Courthouse to meet the needs of citizens. As someone who has personally door knocked over 100,000 doors in this district I appreciate listening to constituents. As your Congressman I will hold town hall meetings, open office hours and continue door knocking. In listening I will stay teachable, be humble, kind and treat everyone with respect. In working on legislation I will share credit, demonstrate tolerance and common sense. Although Congress is partisan in organization, I pledge to reach across the aisle to fashion bipartisan and nonpartisan responses to the problems confronting our country. It is important to build solid relationships with constituents, Congress members and the administration. I will look to other members and constituents for advise in areas they have specialized expertise. I will take responsibility for my work in trying to fashion win/win solutions to problems. My experience in legislating leads me to feel that persistence is needed to attain good results. I would like to me a member of the Main Street caucus and Problem Solvers caucus in the House. Both bring a practical approach in solving issues before Congress. These caucuses are particularly tailored to address the needs of Minnesota's 3rd district.

Former US Senator Hubert H. Humphrey has been quoted as saying: The moral test of government is how that government treats those who are in the dawn of life, the children; those who are in the twilight of life, the elderly; and those who are in the shadows of life, the sick, the needy and the handicapped.

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

I would assist my father in delivering supplies to small businesses throughout Central Minnesota. I was also a paperboy delivering the news to subscribers early in the morning.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

Support term limits. I have never served over 11 years in an elected office. New energy and ideas are important in Congress.

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

Yes. Win/win solutions are possible. I value being a problem solver.

How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?

Waste of taxpayer dollars should be investigated. When government programs fail to meet the needs they should be examined. I support the independent Congressional Budget Office and General Accounting Office in their important work. When you have a criminal justice system, such as we have in Hennepin County, where the County Attorney has misused her office at the expense of crime victims there should be an inquiry. It is the proper role of Congress to hold the members and other branches of Government accountable to the taxpayer.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Hundreds have endorsed me, many of which are listed on my website.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Absolutely necessary. We have had wasted taxpayer money on SW Light Rail, which was built without proper management. Outright fraud in programs to feed needy children and reward Front Line workers during the pandemic. I support openness in Government with getting back to regular Congressional process. Limited issue bills with open hearings and recorded votes.

Campaign website

Jude’s campaign website stated the following:

TAD ON THE ISSUES

Together, we can make life more affordable & restore economic security

Together, we can keep our communities safe and strong

We can build a better Minnsota

WORKING TOGETHER

ECONOMY: Make Minnesota Affordable Again

Rising costs have made life unaffordable for too many Minnesotans. In Congress, my top priority will be creating an economy that works for all Minnesotans.

My priorities:

• Cut wasteful federal spending

• Increase access to clean and affordable energy

• Reduce taxes

• Create high-paying jobs

IMMIGRATION: Safe and Strong Communities

Our immigration system must put the safety and welfare of American families first. Under the current open-border policies, human trafficking is flourishing, fentanyl is killing young adults, and public institutions like hospitals, schools, and shelters are stressed and strained.

My priorities:

• Secure the Northern and Southern Borders

• Update our immigration system to prioritize safety and security -Support immigration reform that takes into account burden to taxpayers, need for workers and humanitarian goals

SOCIAL SECURITY & MEDICARE: Protect our Seniors

These tough economic times are particularly challenging for seniors and people living on fixed incomes. Seniors must know they can rely on Social Security and access high-quality health care through Medicare.

My priorities:

• Eliminate taxes on Social Security

• Safeguard Social Security Benefits

• Preserve access to doctors and high-quality health care under Medicare

ENVIRONMENT: Protect Our Natural Resources & Green Spaces

The Third District has many beautiful lakes and green spaces that should be enjoyed and preserved. I have a long history of protecting the environment as a legislator and Hennepin County Commissioner.

My priorities:

• Support new parks and trails while working to preserve the existing system

• Work to ensure clean air and water are available to all

• Support the development of clean, reliable, and affordable energy sources

CRIME: Support Law Enforcement & Create Safer Neighborhoods

Minnesota, particularly the Twin Cities, has paid an enormous price for the anti-police rhetoric that has plagued our cities in recent years. One of the best investments we can make in our communities is to give our police the support and respect they need along with a fair and impartial criminal justice system.

My priorities:

• Increase penalties for those who harm law enforcement officers

• Ensure officers are granted proper immunity for actions in their official capacity

• Support early intervention for our youth

VETERANS: Support Our Heroes

As a veteran, I understand and will advocate for the best interests of those who serve our country. Keeping our promises to our veterans will always be a top priority.

My priorities:

• Ensure a robust VA Health System that provides timely, high-quality care

• Increase access to housing, mental health services, and drug addiction treatment

• Support programs that provide education, employment, and transition services for people leaving the military

HEALTHCARE: High-Quality Care, Affordable Coverage

The United States has some of the world's highest healthcare costs, yet the nation's health lags behind that of many Western countries. It is time to modernize our system and make it more affordable for all Americans.

My priorities:

•Update health care system reflect and report actual costs

• Increase access to information on preventative care and treatment options

• Increase access and awareness of mental health and addiction treatment

EDUCATION: Invest in our Future

Excellence in education is the ultimate goal, with focus on core curriculum. We need greater student success, better options for kids and parents, and increased support for teachers and staff.

My priorities:

• Increase school choice options for families

• Improve school safety, including investments in school resource officers and facility improvements

• Help lower the cost of college and expand access to the trade and other skills-based programs

• Increase local control working together with parents and teachers, not Federal bureaucrats

ISRAEL: Support Our Allies

Israel has been the United States reliable strategic partner for over half a century. Sadly, the October 7th attack on Israel significantly increased tensions in the Middle East, and we are seeing those tensions spill over into the United States. I stand against antisemitism and support Israel’s right to defend itself.

My priorities:

• Work to return US citizens held hostage by Hamas

• Support Israel's right to exist and defend itself

• Stand against antisemitism here at home[6]

—Tad Jude’s campaign website (2024)[7]

Hennepin County Attorney

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Attorney General of Minnesota

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