KAXE contacted each candidate at least twice to invite them to participate in our Election Guide, using contact information submitted to the Secretary of State's Office.
Candidate responses have not been edited and are published exactly as submitted, including typos and formatting.
As necessary, our news team added contextual information clearly marked with an "editor's note" and in italics. We will make every effort to make note of inaccuracies if they come to our attention.
Please contact our news team at news@kaxe.org with questions or comments or to report any errors.
KAXE's Election Guide includes contested races in communities with at least 100 people. Visit our full list of who's running for office in Northern Minnesota to see who else will be on the ballot in November.
About this race
The Minnesota Legislature passes laws and sets the state budget. It is made up of 67 senators and 134 representatives.
State Senate District 4 includes portions of Becker and Clay counties, and the cities of Moorhead, Glyndon, Audubon and Detroit Lakes.
DFLer Rob Kupec of Moorhead is the incumbent and is seeking a second term. He serves as vice chair of the Senate's committee on agriculture, veterans, broadband and rural development. He was first elected in 2022.
The winner of the election will begin their four-year term in January.
Click the tabs below to learn more about the candidates
Website: www.austin4mn.com
Party: Republican
Age on Election Day: 40
Community: Hawley, MN
Employment: Self Employed, Real Estate Developer, Business Owner
Please share any prior experience and education that you believe qualifies you for office.
Beyond business experience, I currently serve on the Hawley School Board, and also serve an appointed position on the MN Legislative Salary Council.
Why are you running?
I’m running for the Minnesota Senate because I believe our region needs a strong voice that understands business, families, and the challenges facing rural communities. I want to bring practical leadership to St. Paul, protect what makes our communities strong, and make Minnesota a better place to raise a family, build a business, and create opportunity.
Why should voters elect you?
Voters should elect me because I’ll bring real world business experience, and common sense for the families and communities of District 4 to St. Paul.
What are your top three priorities, if elected? Please describe specific policy goals.
Restore Accountability, Grow our rural economy, make Minnesota more affordable
Name a public leader you admire and explain why.
Theodore Roosevelt. He was a strong, independent leader who wasn’t afraid to take on tough issues and stand up for what he believed was right.
What natural resources policies do you support?
I support responsible use of our natural resources while protecting our land and water. We must continue supporting local jobs, and keep unnecessary regulations in check.
What policies do you support to address concerns of widespread fraud in state-run programs?
I support stronger oversight, tougher penalties for fraud. Introducing better accountability for state agencies. Building a system so that the average taxpayer understands and sees how taxpayer dollars are spent.
What policies would you champion to help alleviate growing property tax burdens on residents at the local government level?
I support property tax relief by controlling local spending, reducing unfunded state mandates. We need to make sure the state properly funds the responsibilities it pushes onto local governments.
What does representative democracy mean to you?
For me this means being available to all the residents of District 4, listening to their concerns.
Still have questions for the candidates? Contact information for all those who've filed to run for office can be found at candidates.sos.state.mn.us.
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Contributed/Book covers—publisher websites; Tracy KampaChildren's librarian Tracy Kampa reviews new books by Sophie Blackall, Chelsea Lin Wallace, Steve Sheinkin and Meaghan McIsaac. -
The retired DNR forester gave a walking tour of his forest property as part of a Cass Soil and Water Conservation District forest management event. -
Plus: Aitkin's 68-year-old water tower is demolished; Demuth, Klobuchar will debate in the Brainerd lakes area; and we're partnered with ICTV to host school board forums.
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Stella Mayerhoff/KAXE / Report for AmericaRetired DNR forester Gary Anderson gave a walking tour of his forest property as part of a Cass Soil and Water Conservation District habitat management event.
