Minnesota Senate District 39 – Local Decision 2026

In 2026, voters will elect someone to serve as State Senator for District 36. The candidates are:

MARY KUNESH (DFL)

About:

Senator Mary Kunesh represents Minnesota’s 39th District, having taken office in January 2021. A member of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL), her career is marked by a deep commitment to community advocacy and social justice. Kunesh’s background as a former educator and a librarian informs her legislative priorities, which focus on education, equity, and the well-being of families.

Senator Kunesh serves as an Assistant Majority Leader for the DFL Senate Caucus, is Chair of Education Finance committee and sits on the Policy/Agriculture/Veterans/Broadband and Rural Development committee, Environment/Climate, and Legacy committee, and is the Chair of the School Trust Lands committee.

Before her tenure in the Senate, Kunesh served in the Minnesota House of Representatives, where she championed various initiatives aimed at improving educational resources and promoting mental health awareness. Her leadership extends beyond legislative chambers; she is actively involved in organizations that support Native American rights and early childhood education.

As the daughter and granddaughter of members of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, Senator Kunesh is a founding member of the first Native American Caucus as well as the POCI (People of Color Indigenous) Caucus.

Important Issues:

Senator Kunesh’s approach to governance is characterized by a collaborative spirit, emphasizing the importance of listening to constituents and fostering community engagement. Her work aims to address immediate issues and lay the groundwork for long-term solutions that uplift marginalized voices. Senator Kunesh remains dedicated to advocating for policies that enhance the quality of life for all Minnesotans, reflecting her belief in the power of community-driven change.

One primary focus is education, advocating for increased funding for public schools and equitable access to quality education for all students, particularly marginalized communities.

Kunesh is championing is a 2026 ballot measure asking voters to approve the updated 4.5% formula to the Permanent School Fund, which is projected to increase school funding without raising any taxes. Environmental sustainability is another critical issue for her, as she supports measures to address climate change and protect natural resources, especially threats to the Boundary Canoe Area.

Goals if Elected:

Senator Kunesh’s approach to governance is characterized by a collaborative spirit, emphasizing the importance of listening to constituents and fostering community engagement. Her work aims not only to address immediate issues but also to lay the groundwork for long-term solutions that uplift marginalized voices. As she continues her legislative journey, Senator Kunesh remains dedicated to advocating for policies that enhance the quality of life for all Minnesotans, reflecting her belief in the power of community-driven change.

Lastly, Kunesh continues to legislate for affordable healthcare and family support programs, recognizing the importance of holistic approaches to community health and economic stability. Through these efforts, she has, and will continue, to create a more equitable and prosperous Minnesota for everyone.

Endorsements:

AFL-CIO
AFSCME
Advance Natives
Anoka County DFL Senior Caucus
Care for MN
Conservation Minnesota
Education Minnesota
Friends of the Boundary Waters
Liuna
Minnesota Farmers Union
The Minnesota Professional Fire Fighters
Minnesota Nurses Association
SEIU
Sierra Club
Stonewell DFL
Women Winning