Todd Hesemann

Todd Hesemann was born in Lakefield, Minnesota. He earned a high school diploma from Lakefield High School, a bachelor's degree from the University of Minnesota, Morris in 1987, and a graduate degree from the University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Management in 2006. His career experience includes working as a software engineer.[1]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I grew up on a farm in southwestern Minnesota before attending the University of Minnesota at Morris. I earned a B.A. degree in physics and computer science in 1987. Later, in 2006, I received an MBA at Carlson School of Business. I work as a software engineer in the energy industry, designing control center solutions for electric utilities.

I am currently 60 years old and married to wife Kaye since 1987, with three grown children. I have lived in New Hope, Minnesota since 1991. I am a long-term member of an evangelical Christian non-denominational church. I have conservative social views and favor policies that encourage traditional family values.

I volunteer much of my time for local organizations, including my church and the local school district (when my children attended). In 2007, I became a police reserve officer for my home town police department, and I am currently serving as captain of the reserve unit.

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?

Taxes, Spending, and Inflation:

Government spending in Minnesota is exploding, with the legislature choosing to spend all of our one-time 18 billion dollar surplus. Coincidentally, graft, corruption, and fraud are coming to light with many social programs. The so-called Feeding Our Future scandal was the largest Covid-related fraud scheme in the country.

I want to scale back our government spending and restore budget discipline in our state. Additionally, all social programs should be accountable for their funds, to ensure that each program is meeting its goals without wasting taxpayer funds through fraud and corruption.Education:

The quality of education in Minnesota is in free fall. We’re told that the reason for declining test scores is lack of funding, but additional funding hasn’t improved scores. Our education problem is not due to a lack of funding, but rather a lack of focus.

I support schools returning to the fundamentals of teaching our children reading, writing, math, and science. Students need to be prepared for a successful future.

Education funding needs to be directed toward schools that are succeeding in their educational goals.Public Safety:

The Minneapolis area is experiencing a crime wave that is increasingly affecting our suburban neighborhoods. As a police reserve officer, I am aware of the changes in crime rates, and I strongly support the police in our cities, making it safer for everyone.

The state legislature needs to send a clear message to the attorney general and to county attorneys that criminal activity must be stopped and criminals must be prosecuted. Police officers should be supported and thanked for doing their jobs.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am concerned about any public policy that raises the cost of living for Minnesota families.

Raising taxes raises the cost of living directly. Increasing regulations and mandates indirectly raises the cost of living for everyone. Regulations and mandates have costs that are imposed by the government but paid by everyone. Regulations and mandates concerning Clean Energy come at a very high cost, doubling and tripling our energy costs, which raises the prices for food, clothing, and everything we need.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would like to restore an attitude of bipartisanship to the state legislature. I believe that I can find some common ground with almost anyone, and we should be able to craft legislation which can provide benefits to all.

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

My first job was on the family farm near Lakefield, Minnesota. I had daily chores taking care of livestock which I was obligated to do. Like most farm children, I also had field work, for which I was sometimes paid. I had these family obligations until I left for college.

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

Yes, it could be beneficial to have experience in government. However, there are no requirements to run for office. Our country has a rich tradition of citizens forming our democracy.

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

I believe that comity should be retained within all legislatures, regardless of party or political views. Legislative compromise is essential for effective laws, yet compromise cannot be reached unless working harmoniously beside legislators with whom you disagree.

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

No

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 spoke to an African immigrant who came to this country as a refugee, having lost most of his family from violence in his home country. He found himself in some legal trouble because of misunderstanding of our cultural norms, and he had no knowledgeable advocate to plead his case.

His story gives me an admiration for the many refugees who have risked so much to come to America to make a new life.

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

Emergency powers need to be unilaterally declared by the governor, because that is the only way to urgently address an emergency situation when the legislature is out of session. However, unilateral emergency powers must have a short shelf life (no more than a month). For any kind of emergency situation to continue, it ought to be confirmed and extended by the legislature.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Senate District 43 Republicans

Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life

What committees interest you?

My occupation and experience lend themselves to the Climate and Energy Committee. The Public Safety Committee interests me because of my volunteer experience as a police reserve officer.