A special election to fill the vacancy in Minnesota House District 52B will be held Tuesday, Dec. 5. State Representative Ruth Richardson, who accepted a job as CEO of Planned Parenthood North Central States last year, resigned September 1 to focus on her career. The special election has three candidates.
Charles Kuchlenz (Libertarian)
Occupation: Business Intelligence Architect
Political experience: Chair of Libertarian Party of Minnesota from April 2022-April 2023
Top priorities: Cutting wasteful spending, reducing taxes and promoting economic growth, scaling back government overreach, and giving families more freedom and support to choose the educational path that best meets their students’ needs.
Candidate statement: “I stand as a proponent of the libertarian philosophy, championing individual freedoms and limited government. I believe in empowering individuals to make their own choices, recognizing that personal freedom and responsibility are the cornerstones of a prosperous society. It’s about fostering an environment where citizens, not bureaucratic entities, have the autonomy to pursue their goals and shape their destinies. As your representative, I pledge to advocate for policies that prioritize personal liberty, economic freedom and limited government interference. Together, we can build a society that values individual initiative, embraces diversity and celebrates the limitless potential of each citizen.”
Contact: kuchlenzformn.com, 715-379-4315
Cynthia Lonnquist (Republican)
Occupation: Business owner
Political experience: None
Top priorities: Permanent tax rate reduction, improving academic outcomes through School Choice/Education Savings Accounts, and protecting women in crisis pregnancies by offering tangible resources to help them in their time of need.
Candidate statement: “I’m a former technology executive and business owner; mom and grandmother. I am running to make life more affordable for all Minnesotans by reducing high taxes and reining in government spending. I will advocate for an education system that focuses on academics, involves parents and puts students first. I will support policies that make our communities safer and ensure the law and individual rights are respected.”
Contact: cynthia4mnhouse.com, 651-387-0974
Bianca Virnig (DFL)
Occupation: Director of health and safety for an educational service cooperative
Political experience: ISD 196 school board member (2021-current) and member of the Budget Advisory Council, Special Ed Advisory Council, Community Ed Advisory Council and the district Wellness Committee.
Top priorities: Fully funding education and expanding access to underutilized resources such as Medicaid, increasing mental health resources in schools, adjusting the school nurse ratio, improving long term facilities maintenance funding, ensuring safe and healthy communities, investing in the Mendota Heights police station and the Mendota water system, and addressing compensatory revenue for schools.
Candidate statement: “This election is about coming back to the people in the district, knowing our neighbors are struggling to pay their bills, find access to the health care they deserve and affording their basic needs. I am excited to be the Democratic nominee in the special election for Minnesota House District 52B. Currently, I serve on the ISD 196 school board. I have decades of experience and a willingness to dig into the tough issues that will make a difference in our communities. Together we can put the people of Minnesota first and move our state forward.”
Contact: biancavirnig.com, 651-278-8605