HD 32B
Blaine | Lexington
Matt Norris
Democratic Challenger
The policy director for Youthprise, an organization dedicated to improving leadership, economic, and health opportunities for disadvantaged youth, Norris has dedicated his career to community development. Now, he’s running for the State House on a platform of environmental protection, hoping to accelerate the switch to carbon-free vehicles, promote the clean energy transition, and preserve natural spaces.
Climate Action & Clean Energy
Supports accelerating the switch to carbon-free vehicles, utilizing incentives for electric cars and trucks, investments in EV infrastructure, and an innovative clean fuel standard
Promotes plans to reach 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050, arguing for investments in energy storage research to help reach this goal
Land, Air & Water
Champions the preservation of natural spaces, proposing to protect natural areas in new developments, expand forests and grasslands, and provide funding for conservation easements
Endorsed by several environmental organizations, and by US Senator Tina Smith, an environmental champion and a key reason for the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act
Supports the use of state matching dollars to secure funding from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, unlocking millions in transportation and water investments
Public Health & Environmental Responsibility
Calls for funding to build a new water treatment plant in Lexington, allowing the city to address emerging contaminants in wastewater and protecting residents from exposure
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Donald Raleigh
Republican Incumbent
Raleigh is only first-term legislator, having been elected in 2020. But, he’s already made headlines after his name was found on the membership roster of the Oath Keepers, the far-right anti-government paramilitary group that participated in the January 6th attack on the US Capitol, and after he was linked to disturbing web comics depicting the murder of children. On the environment, Raleigh has developed a disappointing, anti-conservation legislative record, attempting to hamper Minnesota’s fight against climate change and environmental pollution.
Climate Action & Clean Energy
Voted to eliminate clean energy funding from the House Jobs, Energy, and Commerce Omnibus Bill; seeking to cut investments in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and grid infrastructure
Voted against the bipartisan ECO Act, rejecting legislation to increase energy-savings goals, allow new pathways for efficiency innovation, and improve energy conservation programs
Voted to withhold funding from the Pollution Control Agency unless the agency withdrew Clean Cars Minnesota rules, threatening the agency’s ability to regulate emissions from vehicles
Touts an endorsement by the National Federation of Independent Business, which regularly lobbies the State Legislature to oppose clean energy financing and EV standards
Co-authored a resolution to urge the federal government to support fossil fuel production and infrastructure, increasing America’s dependency on costly, high-pollution energy sources
Co-authored legislation to prohibit state agencies from regulating emissions from any motorized equipment, including vehicles, household tools, and farm equipment
Co-authored legislation to repeal Clean Cars Minnesota vehicle availability standards, attempting to strip Minnesotan consumers of eased access to low- and zero-emission vehicles
Land, Air & Water
Voted to advance an amendment seeking to rush environmental review for mining projects, imposing unreasonable and unnecessary timelines for environmental assessments
Voted against the bipartisan 2021 House Environment and Natural Resources Omnibus, which proposed to ban PFAS in food packaging and to adequately fund state environmental agencies
Public Health & Environmental Responsibility
Voted against the 2022 House Environment Omnibus, which sought to limit Minnesotans’ exposure to toxic chemicals through a prohibition on certain uses of PFAS, lead, and cadmium
Touts an endorsement by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, which regularly lobbies the State Legislature to oppose regulations on polluters and prohibitions of toxic chemicals