Heather Gustafson Is Ready to Keep Fighting for Minnesotans, Tackles Fraud and Affordability In First Campaign Ad
FOR IMMEDIATE
WHITE BEAR LAKE, MN — On Tuesday, Senator Heather Gustafson released her first digital ad of her 2026 reelection campaign, focused on her record leading the fight against fraud, bringing down costs and keeping people safe.
In the ad, Gustafson highlights her commitment to making a good life in a safe community possible again for Minnesotans by passing bills like free school meals saving families $2,000 a month on groceries, cutting taxes on Social Security for 80% of seniors, capping prescription drug costs, and making college more affordable for families.
When it comes to her legislative promises to continue lowering costs and rooting out fraud, she makes one thing clear — she is only just getting started. Gustafson was the chief author of the bill that created Minnesota’s new independent Office of Inspector General, a government watchdog that will protect taxpayer dollars and detect, prevent and stop fraud. In July she was appointed chair of the commission that will select candidates for the Inspector General nomination.
Transcript of “Special”:
Growing up in small-town Minnesota was special.
I learned that if you work hard and play by the rules you could afford a good life in a safe community.
I’m Heather Gustafson, and I’m worried that life might be growing out of reach – for my four daughters, and for you and your kids.
That’s why in the State Senate, I wrote and passed bills like free school meals – to make life more affordable.
But there’s still more to do to lower costs, root out fraud, and keep people safe.
For all of us.
ABOUT HEATHER GUSTAFSON: Heather Gustafson represents Senate District 36 in the Minnesota State Senate, which includes the communities of Vadnais Heights, White Bear Lake and Township, Lino Lakes, North Oaks, Gem Lake, Circle Pines, Centerville, and Birchwood Village. First elected in 2022, Gustafson has focused on working across the aisle to fight fraud, funding for public education and safety, and protecting clean water and family farms.
As a lawmaker, she has authored landmark legislation. She chief authored a one of its kind $300 million public safety package, which sent funding to every city, county and tribal nation in Minnesota. To save the average family in her district roughly $2,000 per year in groceries, she authored the bill that gives every student a breakfast and lunch at school. Additionally, she has fought hard to help secure tax relief for seniors, strengthening teacher pensions, protecting clean water and rural family farms. She has a proven track record as someone who is willing to bring both sides together to get things done, with over 70% of her bills being bipartisan.
Gustafson grew up in a small town in central Minnesota. She attended Minnesota State University Moorhead and later earned her teaching license and masters degree in Education from the College of Saint Scholastica. She had a 14-year career in radio broadcasting before becoming a teacher. Gustafson taught high school history in the years leading up to the 2023 legislative session. She now brings her experience as an educator to the Senate Education Finance Committee.
She and her husband currently live in Vadnais Heights with their four children and several rescue pets. Any time off is usually spent visiting the kids at college or a quiet weekend at their hunting cabin. At her core, she’s still that small-town Minnesota kid who loves her family, enjoys meeting new people, and lending a hand whenever she can.
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