Both of the candidates running in the November 8, 2022, general election for Minnesota State Senate District 42 — Bonnie Westlin (D) and Paul Hillen (R) — completed Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection survey. These survey responses allow voters to hear directly from candidates about what motivates them to run for office.
Eighty-eight of the country’s 99 state legislative chambers will hold regularly scheduled elections in 2022. The Republican Party controls the Senate in Minnesota’s state legislature. Minnesota is one of 13 states with a divided government.
Here are excerpts from candidates’ responses to the question: What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?
Westlin:
- “In our community, we believe every person should have the freedom to decide when and if to have a family; to vote for the government they want and deserve; and to marry the preson they love.”
- “As a single mom, I understand the burdens that higher prices put on our family budgets. We have seen wealthy corporations use the pandemic to engage in price gouging resulting in record profits, while working people struggle to make ends meet. Wealthy corporations need to pay what they owe and contribute to the costs of a high quality public education system, infrastructure and the many other benefits they receive in Minnesota.”
- “Our schools should have increased funding, higher teacher pay, and more school counselors to support our children. Extremists want to ban books, attack school boards and teachers, and instill extremist ideology in classrooms, driving many good educators away from teaching.”
Hillen:
- “I will address the high cost of living. Gas prices are up 60% since last year. Inflation is costing MN families over $830/month. MN has the 5th highest tax collections per person and is ranked near last at 45th out of 50 for business taxes.”
- “I will bring a common-sense approach and work to (a) ensure existing laws are enforced, (b) stop arrest and release and no cash bail policies, (c) fully fund and support the police, (d) create a juvenile justice system that teaches kids to be responsible for their actions, and helps get them back on track, and (e) make our schools safe.”
- “I will work to (a) create a focus on core academics & evidence-based methods, (b) eliminate political, ideological, & opinion-based curriculum, let’s let parents raise their kids, (c) push for legislative approval of academic standards, and (d) improve equality of opportunity for all students and families by expanding school choice.”
Click on the candidates’ profile pages below to read their full responses to this and other questions.
We ask all federal, state, and local candidates with profiles on Ballotpedia to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. Ask the candidates in your area to fill out the survey.
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