## Minnesota’s New Legislators: A Diverse Class with Significant Power
The upcoming Minnesota legislative session, beginning January 14th, will feature a significant number of new faces in the House. A recent court ruling disqualifying Rep.-elect Curtis Johnson due to residency issues leaves Republicans with a slim, albeit temporary, 67-66 majority. This razor-thin margin grants newly elected representatives an unusual level of influence, far exceeding that typically afforded to freshman legislators. While newcomers usually defer to their caucus leadership, this year’s close vote count empowers them to significantly impact, even stall, their party’s agenda.
The *Minnesota Reformer* reached out to all 22 new House members (including Johnson) for this profile. While some had previously been featured or did not respond, this installment highlights the perspectives of Reps. Tom Dippel and Alex Falconer.
Rep. Tom Dippel (District 41B): Focusing on Local Issues and Bipartisan Solutions
Dippel, a 42-year-old dental manufacturing company owner and co-founder of Valor Classical Academy, a private Christian school, aims to serve his Cottage Grove community. His key concerns revolve around addressing PFAS contamination of the Hastings-Cottage Grove water supply, resulting from 3M’s manufacturing activities. He plans to introduce legislation funding water filtration systems for Hastings’ city wells, some of which were excluded from 3M’s $850 million settlement. While advocating for clean water as a bipartisan issue, Dippel anticipates disagreements with Democrats over the state budget, criticizing what he views as irresponsible spending and hoping for collaboration on affordability initiatives. In his spare time, he enjoys hunting and listening to audiobooks at accelerated speeds.
Rep. Alex Falconer (District 49A): Environmental Advocacy and Bipartisan Cooperation
Falconer, 44, brings extensive experience in DFL politics, including managing several congressional campaigns and serving as campaign manager for Save the Boundary Waters. He hopes to leverage his legislative position to advocate for environmental protection, particularly the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, quality education, and affordable healthcare. He expresses optimism for bipartisan collaboration, envisioning a more cooperative legislative climate focused on finding common ground. His personal commitment to environmental advocacy is reflected in his past accomplishment of running 110 miles across the Boundary Waters in under 39 hours.
Other Newly Elected Representatives:
The following individuals were also elected to the Minnesota House but did not participate in interviews for this article:
* Erica Schwartz (District 18A): While declining an interview, her campaign materials highlight her experience overcoming a brain tumor and working as a single mother. News reports indicate she focused on local issues during her campaign and has since apologized for a controversial comment made at a Republican fundraiser.
* Terry Stier (District 22B): The Belle Plaine chief of police, and husband to Le Sueur’s police chief, cited the increased attacks on law enforcement as his motivation for running. He expressed his constituents’ desire for less political polarization and bipartisan legislation.
* Drew Roach (District 58B): A small-business owner and self-described “constitutional conservative,” Roach’s past includes an altercation leading to disorderly conduct charges. His policy priorities include school vouchers, parental involvement in education, tax cuts, and Second Amendment rights.
* Thomas Sexton (District 19B): A retired U.S. Air Force colonel, Sexton’s main legislative priority is public safety, citing the significant shortage of law enforcement officers in the state.
This diverse group of new legislators brings a range of backgrounds and priorities to the Minnesota House. Their collective influence, amplified by the current political dynamics, will undoubtedly shape the upcoming session. The *Minnesota Reformer* will continue to follow their progress and report on their actions.
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Michelle Griffith covers Minnesota politics and policy for the *Reformer*, focusing on marginalized communities. Previously, she reported for *The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead*, covering state and local government and Indigenous issues.
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