Running for the Minnesota State Senate District 41 seat are Tom Dippel (R) and Judy Seeberger (DFL).

The district includes Hastings, Cottage Grove, Denmark Township and Nininger Township in this area.

Here’s a look at the candidates:

Name: Tom Dippel
Age: 40
Educational Background: Graduated from Park High School in 2000

Relevant Information: Husband, homeschool Father of six, businessowner, and Republican Endorsed candidate for Senate.

Why Tom Dippel?

Nearly 200 elected Republican Delegates voted to endorse my campaign for Senate because they saw how hard I would work to win in November. This year, Republicans have an unprecedented opportunity to flip this senate seat, which will require a dedicated and energetic candidate. As a 14-year businessowner and father of six, I can confirm that I am up for the task.

District 41 deserves a fresh face who will fight for them. As Representative Jeremy Munson told me, being a good legislator is more than occupying a seat and pushing a button. Being a good legislator means fighting for good bills and calling out the bad. It means working day and night to ensure the job gets done. In my line of work, when projects don’t get done, people don’t get paid; This is the same attitude I will adopt when I get to St. Paul. I will fight to ensure that our values are represented while introducing real reforms in our approaches to taxation, crime, and education.

Name: Judy Seeberger
Age: 52

Educational Background: · BA – University of Minnesota, Duluth · JD – Boston University School of Law · MAT – Hamline University · Paramedic Certificate -WITC

Other relevant background information: I am a proud union member (IAEP Local 167) and will support our unions and union workers.

I am a paramedic for Allina Health EMS, and I serve on the Lower St Croix Valley Fire Department. As a paramedic, I understand the issues facing those on the front line of public safety, including fire fighters, police, and other EMS agencies and providers. I know that our first responders need adequate funding, secure pensions and comprehensive mental health services. I work side by side with police and fire every time I clock in as a paramedic. They have my back when I’m on the streets as a paramedic, and I promise to have theirs at the senate.

Working on the ambulance, 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 am a public school teacher. I have seen first-hand 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. As a licensed and experienced public-school teacher, I will bring that perspective to the Legislature and be the voice of Minnesota educators everywhere.

I am the wife of a Navy Officer. I will be a strong voice in the Legislature not just for military service members and 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. 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.

I am a lawyer and civil mediator. I have the skills and experience to work through conflict and bring opposing parties together to reach agreement. I have seen what partisan bickering and posturing has done in the legislature – it has ground the business of the state to a halt. I believe in working together to come up with viable solutions to the State’s most important issues.

Why Judy Seeberger?

With my first-hand knowledge of public education, emergency medical services, military family life, and the law, I will bring a unique perspective to the Senate. I will draw on this perspective to work hard for the people in my district. I am not afraid to stand up for what’s right – even if it is uncomfortable or comes at personal cost. The people of Minnesota deserve a leader who will roll up her sleeves and get the hard work of the state done. I am that leader.