I am a renter in the Lyndale neighborhood, a union member in AFSCME Local 999, and a survivor of Minneapolis Police violence. I ran to represent Ward 8 in 2023 because I understood firsthand that our system is not working, and I was proud to be endorsed by the DFL and the Twin Cities Democratic Socialists of America.

When George Floyd was murdered, I joined the multiracial movement of neighbors across Minneapolis in nonviolent action for justice. We came together as a community to demand justice for George Floyd and all victims of police brutality. At one of those peaceful protests, MPD responded by shooting me in the face, permanently destroying my left eye.

I have come to understand my injury as a call to action. My neighbors and I know that we live in a truly special place, but city leadership over the last decade has lost sight of what is important to us: an affordable place to live for everyone, true safety no matter where you live or how you look, a police department that is accountable to the people, and a city that is tirelessly working towards a greener future.

In 2023, our people-powered campaign knocked 17,000 doors, talking to residents on every block in the ward. On election night, I received the most first-choice votes, though I ultimately came 38 votes shy of winning. Irrespective of the outcome, the concerns that led neighbors to ask me to run in the first place haven’t gone anywhere. In many ways, they’ve become more serious.

Since then, I’ve worked to face those issues head-on. For example, when my employer Agate Housing decided to close one of its homeless shelters and lay off workers due to disrepair in the building, I helped lead the push with my union to get the money needed to ensure that the shelter would eventually reopen. The incumbent in Ward 8 initially voted against allocating that money, instead preferring to see the shelter closed permanently at a time when encampments are at crisis levels in our neighborhoods.

I am running for City Council in Ward 8 in 2025 because while the kinder, safer Minneapolis we deserve is still possible, our current city leadership is failing to realize the potential of this city. The progressive majority on the City Council has begun to make strides toward transformational change, but they encounter obstacles from the mayor and other council members at every turn. Worse still, Ward 8’s unique perspective is not being advocated for. I'm ready to join that body to ensure that Ward 8's voice is not just heard, but is actively driving the conversation.

From George Floyd Square to Lake Street to Minnehaha Creek, we need a leader in this ward who shows up, actively listens to residents, and works with our community to implement meaningful policy solutions to the problems we face in the ward. I am running to be that leader. As your City Council member, I am ready to lead with you, as a neighbor first. I am asking for your support in 2025 because I believe in us and our vision of a better tomorrow.

So c’mon Ward 8, let's make that kinder, safer city a reality!