Andrea Boettger (DFL) of New Ulm, Braxton Seifert (R) of Marshall, from Pioneer PBS
MARSHALL, Minn. — DFL candidate Andrea Boettger and Republican candidate Braxton Seifert are offering contrasting priorities in the race for Minnesota Senate District 15, with affordability, education and government spending among the key issues.
The candidates discussed their backgrounds and policy priorities in Pioneer PBS’ “Meet the Candidates” program, which features interviews with candidates running for office.
Boettger serves as New Ulm City Council president and has experience in economic development, banking, finance and nonprofit management. She says her local government experience has helped address housing and childcare shortages and prepared her to work across party lines.
“Our district deserves somebody that will listen to and support the needs of our farmers, business owners, educators, service workers, healthcare workers, families, and residents of all ages, whether we agree on everything or not,” Boettger said.
Her priorities include protecting local government aid, investing in rural emergency medical services and healthcare, expanding broadband access and improving housing affordability. She also called for stronger oversight of state spending and updated systems to help prevent fraud, saying the problem requires accountability from both parties.
Seifert is a sixth-generation resident of the district who owns two businesses and works as a loan officer at Minnwest Bank in Marshall. He says his experience working with farmers, families and small businesses gives him firsthand knowledge of the financial pressures facing rural Minnesota.
Seifert identified preventing government fraud as his top legislative priority, along with reducing energy costs, taxes and regulations. He also wants to refocus public education on core subjects, including reading, writing, science and math.
“It’s easier to defraud the state than to start your own small business,” Seifert said, describing what he sees as problems with Minnesota’s current policies.
The candidates also offered different assessments of the state’s direction. Boettger emphasized maintaining Minnesota’s strengths while addressing gaps in healthcare, housing and childcare. She said lawmakers should focus on practical solutions and ensure programs produce positive results.
Seifert argued that Minnesota has become less affordable and that its education system has declined under recent policies. He said the state should create more opportunities for young people to remain in rural communities, start businesses and continue family farms.
The candidates are seeking the Senate District 15 seat, which includes Lac qui Parle, Yellow Medicine, Lyon, Redwood, Brown and Blue Earth counties. The seat is open for the first time in decades, according to Boettger.
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3.
