I will not presume to tell you how you feel or what to think, nor will I mandate that you change to accommodate the same from others. Every decision I make will be based on how it restores and strengthens your rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. So if you want honest, intelligent, peer representation in the Minnesota Senate in place of an entitled, academically programmed career politician, I am willing to accept the call to serve again and begin restoring integrity to our State Government.

I want to work where I can succeed, I want to keep what I make, I want to live where I choose, I want to eat what I like, I want to travel how I want, I want to think and speak what I believe. I don’t want or need the government to make these and other decisions for me, and I believe most people would agree. Unfortunately, over the past century the progressivists in our government have become evermore convinced that individual citizens cannot be trusted to make the correct decisions for the good of themselves or society in general. The government therefore continually creates additional mandates to control our lives and takes ever increasing amounts of what we create to pay for it.

Many of our elected representatives are merely puppets. They sponsor or vote for bills written by their biggest donors and repeat talking points provided by lobbyists. They seldom take the time to understand the legislation, yet they are rewarded with decades in office.

I, like many others, have come to realize that inaction is not an option if we want to restore the promise of America for our children and grandchildren. I am asking you to join me in educating ourselves on the issues facing our state and the options for addressing those issues. Instead of just checking the box next to the party we have always supported or simply voting the way some self righteous influencer tells us to, we need to take the time to evaluate the candidates at all levels of government and make informed decisions with our votes.

I learned from my father that when you identify a problem, you have a responsibility to take action. I am announcing my candidacy for Minnesota Senate District 56 in the 2026 election cycle. I believe that the people can once again make their voices heard and elect their representatives based on ability, morals and character, rather than the fantasy narratives they create. I do not accept private donations or public subsidies. I answer only to the voters. If you would like to support my campaign please do so by spreading the message of my campaign to others.

Thank you for your consideration,

Raymond Petersen.