As a young girl growing up in Wisconsin, Judy Seeberger would go with her parents to vote at their rural town hall.

“I remember being excited that I was being included in something so grown up, and I could sense the importance of the process,” said Seeberger of Afton. “Remembering this, I have always brought my own children with me as I have voted in each election. I continue to treasure the right to vote and I believe in the power of democracy.” After graduating from Hudson High School, Seeberger earned a B.A. from the University of Minnesota- Duluth with a double major in English and Spanish. She attended law school at Boston University School of Law, where she earned her J.D. Later in life, she went back to school, earning a M.A.T from Hamline University in 2016, and a paramedic certificate from Wisconsin Indian Head Technical College (WITC) in 2019.

Seeberger would now like to extend her public service to representing the residents of Senate Dist. 41 in the Minnesota Senate.

As an educator with a 5-12 English language arts license, Seeberger sees how under-funded our schools are and how teachers are asked to do more with less year after year.

“I see my fellow educators take on second or third jobs to make ends meet and I see those with no background in education making decisions about how teachers teach,” she said. “As a licensed and experienced public-school teacher myself, I will bring that perspective to the Legislature and be the voice of Minnesota educators everywhere.

“Educators put their students first each and every day. They see the full range of experiences that our young people have, both in barriers they face, and the resources and opportunities that help them thrive.”

As a paramedic and member of IAEP Local 167 for Allina Health EMS and the Lower St. Croix Valley Fire Department, Seeberger will bring a unique perspective to the Legislature. She understands the issues facing those on the front line of public safety, including fire fighters, police, and other EMS agencies and providers, to those receiving the services.

“Our first responders need adequate funding, secure pensions and comprehensive mental health services,” she said. “As a paramedic, I have also seen how lack of access to affordable health care has meant folks often don’t seek medical attention until their condition worsens and becomes an emergency. It shouldn’t be that way in this country.

“I intend to bring this working knowledge and frontline experience to the Minnesota Senate so that I can get to work on behalf of all Minnesotans.”

A wife of a veteran, Seeberger will be a strong voice in the Legislature not just for veterans, but for their families as well.

“When my sons were 5 and 7 years old, my husband was mobilized to the Middle East for a year,” she said. “It was a tremendously difficult year, and, upon his return, I became involved in the Yellow Ribbon Network to help others in the military and their families when they need it. This experience continues to shape my belief in public service, and I intend to continue my work on behalf of military service members, veterans, and their families at the Capitol.”

Seeberger will help other legislators understand the experiences of being a military family. She said while most people know dedication and sacrifice that comes with military service for the service member or veteran, sometimes families are forgotten.

“This is particularly true for our Gold Star Families – the immediate family of a fallen servicemember,” Seeberger said. “I will urge folks to reach out to the families of military service members and veterans and ask how they can support them. Local programs like the Yellow Ribbon Networks are excellent resources to pair community members with military servicemembers, veterans, or military families who may need assistance.”

At the doors and in conversations with voters at community events, Seeberger is hearing about the economy, clean water and the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

“I intend to work hard on legislation which helps ensure Minnesotans are able to keep more money in their pockets at the end of the day,” she said. “In my district, the fight for clean water is of paramount importance. In the East Metro we have seen PFAS contamination affect thousands of households and lead to a water crisis in Lake Elmo. Ensuring residents of my district have clean water is a priority for me when I get to the Capitol.

“In addition, with the recent overturning of Roe v. Wade, I am committed to keeping Minnesota prochoice and to advancing women’s rights. It is frustrating to see our progress as a nation move backward when it comes to women’s rights. I am committed to keep us moving forward when it comes not only to women’s rights, but the rights of our LGBTQ+ communities, our BIPOC communities, and our Native American communities.”

Seeberger is focusing her campaign on connection, not division. There has been too much partisan bickering and posturing at the Capitol resulting in the work of Minnesota not getting done. “Minnesotans have faced tremendous challenges in the past few years – they deserve to have legislators who will work together and get the important work at the Capitol done,” Seeberger said. “I intend to roll up my sleeves and make a commitment to work together on the issues important to our state.”

Seeberger encourages everyone to vote this fall.

“Our last legislative session proves that the status quo is not good enough – we need leaders who are not afraid of hard work and who will put partisan ideology aside in order to solve problems, not create them,” she said. “Moreover, the attack on women’s rights with the overturning of Roe v. Wade gives rise to a new sense of urgency to ensure our state remains pro-choice and a welcoming place for everyone. The stakes could not be higher. I urge everyone to get out and vote in this year’s election.

“We are building a winning campaign in SD 41, but we cannot do it alone. I hope you will join me.”

Senate Dist. 41 includes the cities of Grant, Lake Elmo, Afton, Lakeland, Lakeland Shores, Lake St. Croix Beach, St. Mary’s Point, Cottage Grove, and Hastings, and the townships of Baytown, West Lakeland, Denmark, and Nininger. For more information about Seeberger or to get involved with the campaign, visit judyforsenate. com.

Judy Seeberger, candidate for Minnesota State Senate District 41. Submitted photo.