Meet Denise

Raised in a rural area of Indiana by my grandparents, who adopted me, I was taught early on the importance of standing up for those who are less fortunate. My grandparents embodied kindness—they never met a stranger. Growing up in a conservative Holiness church, I learned that Jesus loves everyone, regardless of their background, and that respect for others, regardless of color or religion, should always guide us. They instilled in me the belief that we should judge people by their actions, not their appearances.

I saw firsthand the sacrifices my grandmother made, like choosing which medicine she could skip to make ends meet. Despite struggling financially, she made sure to pay her tithes every month from her limited Social Security check, believing that her blessings would be greater by giving. Her example taught me that faith and perseverance can guide us even through difficult times.

The lessons I learned from my grandparents and the elders in my life have shaped who I am today. I’ve learned that when change is needed, sometimes it’s up to you to be the one to make it happen. And that’s exactly what I’m committed to doing for our community—standing up, speaking out, and ensuring that everyone has the representation they deserve.

I will work for reform in our systems and actively seek opportunities for improvement in welfare, housing, and healthcare. I will examine our current structures and push for bipartisan bills that benefit all of us—proud Minnesotans who just want a fair chance. I am committed to ensuring that our systems work for the people they are meant to serve.