Rep. Shane Hudella, R-Hastings, is not seeking reelection after serving one term in the House, and two candidates are running for his seat: Republican Tom Dippel of Cottage Grove and DFLer Jen Fox of Hastings. House District 41B includes southern Washington County and eastern Dakota County.
General information about the Nov. 5, 2024, election is online at twincities.com/news/politics/elections including information on candidates for races in Ramsey, Dakota and Washington counties. To find out what’s on your ballot, where to vote and other election information, visit the Minnesota Secretary of State’s elections page at sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting.
Tom Dippel
Age: 42
Party: Republican
What would your top priorities be if elected?
My first priority is securing funding for critical infrastructure in our district, including new water treatment facilities in Hastings. My second priority will be to tackle the high cost of living in Minnesota by cutting the new and increased taxes passed in 2023 and 2024. My third priority will be to raise test scores in the classroom, which have dropped dramatically in recent years.
What qualifies you to hold this position?
I am a husband, father, and lifelong resident of Cottage Grove. I started my business 16 years ago and employ 20 amazing employees while keeping a budget. I helped start and now serve as board chair of a K-12 school in Woodbury called Valor Classical Academy, where we staff a wonderful group of teachers who are committed to the success of their students both in character and academics. My experience as a father, business owner, and education advocate will help me stand up for our community in St. Paul.
What do you think is the primary role of government?
The primary role of government is to protect the rights of the people and serve them well. These inalienable rights include life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Government is an institution that must work for everyone, even those that we disagree with. It should play a limited but important role in our state and country.
How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you?
I own a business with over twenty employees and multiple departments. While each department has their own managers, I am responsible for mediating new or competing ideas that help my employees succeed. We have been hard at work trying to meet everyone in our district. You may have met us at your door or noticed us walking through your neighborhood. In a similar way, I hope to hear and learn from differing perspectives at the Capitol and in our district.
Website or contact information: Dippelformn.com
Jen Fox
Age: 33
Party: Democratic-Farmer-Labor
What would your top priorities be if elected?
My priorities, in no particular order, would be: clean water for all, supporting middle-class families, local government advocacy, strategic infrastructure investments, supporting public school teachers, and supporting our small businesses. While this list is not everything, I am committed to continuing the work to build a strong Minnesota.
What qualifies you to hold this position?
Based on my current elected position on Hastings City Council, I know the issues that district 41B faces today are greater than what local governments can face alone. My constituents need support at the state capitol now more than ever. With a Master’s Degree in Public Policy and experience working within state agencies, I am thrilled for the opportunity to represent our communities at the State Capitol. As a lifelong resident of our district with decades of involvement in our community, I am committed to enhancing stakeholder engagement as decisions are made that impact all of us. I am ready to lead with love.
What do you think is the primary role of government?
We need our state government to work with our communities to enhance our lives, ensure safety and health, and develop a strong local economy.
How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you?
As leaders, we must listen with compassion and in an effort to grow and learn. It is our job to meet people where they are and work with them to create opportunities and resources for all. I believe our world is stronger through discourse and conversation. The strength of our district is the varying opinions and beliefs.
Website or contact information: jenfoxforhouse.com