Meet Mike
Raised on a hobby farm, I served in Iraq, built a career as an engineer, and now I’m running to make government work for everyday Minnesotans.
I grew up in St. Francis on a small hobby farm, one of five kids. I spent my childhood climbing around the hay barn, hiking through the woods, and playing outside with my brother and sisters. My parents divorced when I was young, and my mother mostly raised us. She taught me to never give up, to have faith, and to treat others the way I want to be treated. I visited my dad often; he taught me to keep learning, whether that meant fixing household repairs or tinkering with home computers.
After September 11, 2001, I felt a call to serve. I joined the Marine Corps as soon as I turned 18. I met my future wife just before boot camp, and we eventually started our life together when I was stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA. In the Marines I specialized in nuclear, biological, and chemical defense, trained other Marines on essential gear, served as a rifle coach, and led Marines in Iraq at Al-Taqaddum airbase. I deployed in a hybrid unit that included Army infantry (2-136) from Minnesota. As a corporal, I led Marines on patrols, secured the base, and worked with local communities. After my deployment, I kept pushing myself every day - taking college classes, improving my fitness, and continuing to lead and mentor others. I’m particularly proud that through hard work and leadership I earned meritorious promotions and rose to the rank of sergeant by the end of my enlistment.
Using the Post-9/11 GI Bill, I attended the University of Minnesota (Ski-U-Mah!) and earned a degree in chemical engineering. It was a grueling transition, but I finished it by showing up every day and doing the work. I interned in pharmaceutical formulation development, then built a career in biopharma working on advanced cancer therapies. That industry taught me how free markets and sensible regulation can work together to deliver life-changing medicines. I learned how to lead engineering teams in 24/7 operations and how to balance investment with responsible oversight.
I’m a husband and father who wants our kids to be able to stay and thrive in Minnesota. I believe in faith, family, hard work, and continuous learning. I also believe government should serve people, not insiders. I’m running because Washington has lost touch with working families. I’ll fight for smart investing, greater accountability, better care for veterans, and practical solutions that lower costs and expand opportunity for the everyday family.
