MEET JUSTIN
I am running for State Representative because, throughout history, there are moments that call us to action. This is one of those moments.
In the past eight months, I’ve witnessed things in this state go to extremes. I had conversations with Representative Melissa Hortman about the violence in our state. On June 14th, she was tragically assassinated along with her husband and dog in their home.
On August 27th, I was on the phone with friends whose children attend Annunciation Catholic School. Friends who didn’t know if their child was alive as they rushed to the campus.
Now, we’re witnessing ICE operating in our community in an unprecedented manner—gunning down a citizen—all while the current administration gives them blanket immunity. With all of this happening, now is the time for me to act. I am here to introduce myself to you in the hope that you understand my passion for this community.
My wife and I moved to Burnsville many years ago and chose this place as our home. We have fallen in love with the local culture—attending the Fire Muster Festival, watching shows at the Ames Center, and enjoying summer days on Crystal Lake. This state offers opportunities to its citizens in a way that creates an ideal environment to raise a family. As a new father, I will do everything in my power to ensure my son grows up in a safe and supportive community.
I hold bachelor’s degrees in Political Science, Public Administration, and Urban & Regional Planning. I also earned a master’s degree in Public Interest Communications from Florida State University. While in school, I paid my own way by working odd jobs—as a restaurant server, performing manual warehouse labor, and starting work as early as 4 a.m. with a maintenance crew.
Since completing my education, I have worked for nonprofits and private companies, and I became a small business owner. Since the murder of George Floyd, I have worked for the State of Minnesota to ensure transparency in law enforcement. Now, ICE has entered our communities without transparency at any level. Violence must stop, but when our Vice President states that the next step is “door-to-door” actions to find people to deport, it is once again time to act. We must work together to protect our right not to have the federal government come to our homes demanding identification when no crime has been committed.
Throughout my life, I have focused on giving back to my community. I began volunteering by distributing meals to hurricane victims and continued by participating in multiple domestic mission trips. I have organized blood drives, coordinated road cleanups, and spent time supporting individuals in their final days at an organization called Give Kids the World. Since moving to Minnesota, I have continued serving my community as a former member of the Rotary Club, the Board of Young Professionals of Minneapolis, and the board of my local alumni group. Through these organizations, I continue to prioritize community involvement by organizing service days and creating opportunities for not only myself but also my peers to give back.
As our federal government rolls back protections and programs for its citizens, state-level programs and rights are more important now than ever before. I am running for the Minnesota State House in District 55B to fight for Minnesotans who simply want to feel safe in our schools and communities. To fight for Minnesotans from all walks of life who want to live in a state that is for the people, by the people. The groundwork is already there—together, we can make Minnesota not just a safe, great place to live today, but a place with a beautiful tomorrow as well.
