2026 MN Senate District 48 Candidate
DFL

“I’ll focus on the issues that affect people’s daily lives here in Carver County: making health care and child care more affordable, expanding housing options, strengthening our schools and creating a better climate for local businesses. “

— Dan Kessler —

Name: Dan Kessler
Website: https://kesslerforsenate.com/
Email address: dan@kesslerforsenate.com
City of residence: Chaska

Professional and volunteer background: 

I’m a father, psychologist and small-business owner. I’ve lived in Chaska for over 20 years, where my wife and I raised four children who attended Carver County public schools. I’ve also been actively involved in serving our community, including volunteering through Operation Metro Surge to deliver food and help protect vulnerable neighborhoods and houses of worship. My professional and volunteer experiences have taught me the importance of listening, bringing people together, and finding practical solutions to the challenges families and communities face.

What makes you the best candidate in this race: 

I’m running because I believe public service should be about making life better for the people you represent. As a father, I worry my children’s generation could be the first to have fewer opportunities and face greater financial pressures than their parents. Too many families are finding it harder to afford a home, health care, childcare and the basics of everyday life. I’m running to help reverse that trend, strengthen our schools and economy, and make sure the next generation has every opportunity to build a good life here in Minnesota.

Why did you decide to run for a seat in the Minnesota Senate: 

I offer a new voice and a different approach to public service. As a psychologist, I’ve spent my career listening to people, understanding complex problems and finding practical solutions. I believe representation also means showing up, being accessible, and taking action on the issues people care about. I’ll bring fresh energy to the Senate, listen to people across our communities regardless of party, and focus on getting results that make life more affordable, strengthen our economy and create more opportunity for the next generation.

What would be your top 3 priorities if elected to the Legislature: 

My top three priorities are affordability, accountability and safe, strong public schools.

• First, I’ll work to lower costs for families, especially health insurance, prescription drugs, childcare and housing.
• Second, I’ll take a zero-tolerance approach to fraud, holding criminals accountable, protecting taxpayer dollars and supporting good solutions regardless of which party proposes them.
• Third, I’ll fight for safe, fully funded schools where students can learn without fear and teachers have the resources they need to help every child succeed.

If you were elected and could be guaranteed approval on one legislative bill in the upcoming session, what would that one bill address: 

I would focus on making health care more affordable and accessible for every Minnesotan. Too many families and small businesses face premiums, prescription drug prices, and out-of-pocket costs that rise year after year, while people who buy insurance on their own often have too few affordable choices. I would expand access to reliable, affordable coverage, lower prescription drug costs, and give Minnesotans more choice and competition so that changing jobs, starting a business, or retiring early doesn’t mean losing access to quality health care.

What has been the biggest failure attributed to legislative action or inaction in recent years: 

I would focus on making health care more affordable and accessible for every Minnesotan. Too many families and small businesses face premiums, prescription drug prices, and out-of-pocket costs that rise year after year, while people who buy insurance on their own often have too few affordable choices. I would expand access to reliable, affordable coverage, lower prescription drug costs, and give Minnesotans more choice and competition so that changing jobs, starting a business, or retiring early doesn’t mean losing access to quality health care.

What are your thoughts on the current level of taxation in Minnesota: 

Minnesotans should expect their tax dollars to be used responsibly and deliver real value. I’m concerned that families and businesses are being asked to pay more at a time when they’re already struggling with rising costs. I support making our tax system more competitive, providing property tax relief and ensuring Minnesota remains a place where businesses want to invest and grow. Before asking taxpayers for more, government should root out fraud and waste, demonstrate that existing resources are being used effectively, and focus spending on priorities that improve people’s lives.

With so much attention focused on national issues, how will you engage the community to increase awareness of local issues?

I’ll focus on the issues that affect people’s daily lives here in Carver County: making health care and child care more affordable, expanding housing options, strengthening our schools and creating a better climate for local businesses. I’ll also make accessibility a priority by holding regular town halls and showing up at community events across the district to talk with constituents and, more importantly, listen. People should know who their senator is and feel comfortable approaching them. The best way to build engagement in local issues is to be present, listen and deliver results people can see in their everyday lives.