Ami Wazlawik
Ami Wazlawik (Democratic Party) was a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives, representing District 38B. She assumed office on January 8, 2019. She left office on January 3, 2023.
Wazlawik (Democratic Party) ran for re-election to the Minnesota House of Representatives to represent District 38B. She won in the general election on November 3, 2020.
Committee assignments
Note: This membership information was last updated in September 2023. Ballotpedia completes biannual updates of committee membership. If you would like to send us an update, email us at: editor@ballotpedia.org.
2021-2022
Wazlawik was assigned to the following committees:
- Legacy Finance Committee
- Early Childhood Finance and Policy Committee (decommissioned)
- Education Policy Committee
- Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee, Vice Chair
2019-2020
Wazlawik was assigned to the following committees:
Sponsored legislation
The following table lists bills this person sponsored as a legislator, according to BillTrack50 and sorted by action history. Bills are sorted by the date of their last action. The following list may not be comprehensive. To see all bills this legislator sponsored, click on the legislator's name in the title of the table.
Elections
2022
Ami Wazlawik did not file to run for re-election.
2020
See also: Minnesota House of Representatives elections, 2020
General election
General election for Minnesota House of Representatives District 38B
Incumbent Ami Wazlawik defeated Elliott Engen in the general election for Minnesota House of Representatives District 38B on November 3, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Ami Wazlawik (D) | 50.1 | 13,906 | |
 | Elliott Engen (R)  | 49.8 | 13,806 | |
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.1 | 32 | ||
| Total votes: 27,744 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Democratic primary election
The Democratic primary election was canceled. Incumbent Ami Wazlawik advanced from the Democratic primary for Minnesota House of Representatives District 38B.
Republican primary election
The Republican primary election was canceled. Elliott Engen advanced from the Republican primary for Minnesota House of Representatives District 38B.
Campaign finance
2018
General election
General election for Minnesota House of Representatives District 38B
Ami Wazlawik defeated Patti Anderson in the general election for Minnesota House of Representatives District 38B on November 6, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Ami Wazlawik (D) | 50.8 | 11,573 | |
 | Patti Anderson (R) | 49.1 | 11,187 | |
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.1 | 19 | ||
| Total votes: 22,779 (100.00% precincts reporting) | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Minnesota House of Representatives District 38B
Ami Wazlawik advanced from the Democratic primary for Minnesota House of Representatives District 38B on August 14, 2018.
Candidate | ||
| ✔ | Ami Wazlawik | |
| ||||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Republican primary election
Republican primary for Minnesota House of Representatives District 38B
Patti Anderson advanced from the Republican primary for Minnesota House of Representatives District 38B on August 14, 2018.
Candidate | ||
| ✔ | | Patti Anderson |
| ||||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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2016
Elections for the Minnesota House of Representatives took place in 2016. The primary election took place on August 9, 2016, and the general election was held on November 8, 2016. The candidate filing deadline was May 31, 2016.
Incumbent Matt Dean defeated Ami Wazlawik in the Minnesota House of Representatives District 38B general election.[1][2]
| Minnesota House of Representatives, District 38B General Election, 2016 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
| Republican |  Matt Dean Incumbent |
57.00% | 13,875 | |
| Democratic | Ami Wazlawik | 43.00% | 10,465 | |
| Total Votes | 24,340 | |||
| Source: Minnesota Secretary of State | ||||
Ami Wazlawik ran unopposed in the Minnesota House of Representatives District 38B Democratic primary.[3][4]
| Minnesota House of Representatives, District 38B Democratic Primary, 2016 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | |
| Democratic | Ami Wazlawik (unopposed) | |
Incumbent Matt Dean ran unopposed in the Minnesota House of Representatives District 38B Republican primary.[3][4]
| Minnesota House of Representatives, District 38B Republican Primary, 2016 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | |
| Republican | Matt Dean Incumbent (unopposed) | |
Campaign themes
2020
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Ami Wazlawik did not complete Ballotpedia's 2020 Candidate Connection survey.
2018
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Ann Mozey completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Mozey's responses.
What would be your top three priorities, if elected?
Protecting, conserving and investing in our environment must be a priority. I am an advocate for Strong Public Schools, including increasing state funding. For most families, Single-Payer Healthcare would be the biggest raise for all Minnesotans.
What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
I am a family law lawyer for 20 years, including volunteering at Tubman throughout my career. My people-centered, problem solving perspective means I will be able to advocate for better solutions that touch all of us. Solutions that give us all an opportunity to succeed and participate in our state's most vibrant future together.
Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?
My favorite politician is former President Jimmy Carter. His vision of lifting up and providing opportunities for everyone with a kind and loving eye for negotiations and policy decisions is the model I would aspire to for myself in a leadership position.
What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?
Listening is perhaps the most important role, it is how you gain a deeper understanding to solve problems with more perspectives in play.
What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?
I am a good listener, a strong advocate. Speaking truth to power with clarity and conviction has always come easily for me. I am also a good communicator. Sharing a vision in which we can all buy in is an important piece of a cooperative effort to be our best together. Invite more voices to the table and
What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?
Accountability, transparency, and doing the work are key aspects to being a legislator. As a house member in particular, we are the people's voice. I have enjoyed the many conversations at the doors, and look forward to continuing that outreach in all ways, carrying our shared interests to the Capitol, enacting people-centered progressive changes that benefit all of us.
What legacy would you like to leave?
I would like to be part of a positive set of changes that set us back on track for our children's sake and future generations, investing in sustainable and successful policies that save and grow the social, economic and environmental infrastructure on which we all depend.
What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?
The first political drama I recall is the 444 days in the news regarding the Iran hostages. Jimmy Carter's work with Iran and Algeria and the subsequent release of 52 American hostages remains in the forefront of my memory. At age 12, I did a report on the country of Iran in 6th grade. It was about the richness and heritage of Iran, not the darkness that this incident wrought upon it. At the time, neither my appreciation for President Carter, nor the country of Iran was diminished. I think I knew then as I continue to believe now, the motivation behind many of these hateful scenarios is not the mood of the whole country and all its people. As President Carter said then, these hostages were victims of "terrorism and anarchy." At the time President Carter had reduced our country's oil consumption by approximately two-thirds and there were solar panels on the White House. Subsequent GOP presidents reversed these efforts and look where we are today.
What was your very first job? How long did you have it?
I started babysitting at the age of 11 for many of my neighbors. Much of the money i made went into savings and I was able to contribute about half of the tuition for my first year in college at Gustavus Adolphus College. Today, no matter how vigilant a child might be in pursuing summer employment opportunities the days of making a significant dent in the cost of college are gone.
What is your favorite holiday? Why?
I have always loved Halloween because it is a fun opportunity to be silly and celebrate with the community.
What is your favorite book? Why?
Women Who Run With Wolves is one of my favorite books because it includes so many perspectives on the success and lives of great women who inspire me every day.
If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?
I love the writing of Edith Warton, an American short story and novelist whose writing and command of language captures real people, strong emotion and visual depiction with so much vibrancy. Her writing literally pops off the page and earned her the Pulitzer Prize for Literature in 1921 - as the first woman writer to be bestowed with this highest honor.
What is your favorite thing in your home or apartment? Why?
My well is my favorite thing on my property. I love the direct connection with the earth. Not to mention that the water tastes so amazingly good.
What was the last song that got stuck in your head?
Rocky Mountain High is a song that makes me hopeful for our shared love of the planet in all its beauty. I am a John Denver fan, enjoying his happy melodies of a peaceful life.
What is something that has been a struggle in your life?
I am a single parent of three amazing teenagers. They have been my priority and focus. Everything I have done in my career has been motivated by providing my babies with the best opportunity and upbringing that I could create for them. I love them dearly and have put in the time and effort to see that they are all doing their best, even when they may not always like it.
Every state besides Nebraska has two legislative chambers. What do you consider the most important differences between the legislative chambers in your state?
The term of two as compared to four years makes for an important distinction between the House and the Senate. In my mind and perhaps in an ideal world, the shorter term seats in the House should be filled by people who are invested and active in their communities - the more accountable and responsive voice of we the people. I am someone who believes in showing up and doing the work.
Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?
Not necessarily, I think real world experiences are potentially more important.
What do you perceive to be your state’s greatest challenges over the next decade?
Creating positive opportunities for everyone to participate in a state and world that works for us, not against us. The time is now to invest in our future, instead of kicking the proverbial can down the road for short term immediate gains.
What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and the state legislature?
Ideally a governor would be able to tell his or her legislators what he would like to see and get the team on board to serve its constituents with real results.
Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.
Yes, the best solutions come from ideas that bring people together. Building relationships is the best way to integrate as many voices in the process as possible.
What process do you favor for redistricting?
I would like to have the current district remain largely as is, without significant changes. As I invest in my community, I would like that community to remain consistent so that the opportunity to work together continues to grow exponentially.
If you are not a current legislator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?
There are many areas that I would be interested in, e.g., Agriculture, Education , Energy, Judiciary, Natural Resources, and Small Business, to name a few.
If you are not currently a member of your party’s leadership in the legislature, would you be interested in joining the leadership? If so, in what role?
At this point, I would prefer to learn and grow rather than assume a rank.
Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?
I had the honor to work with Rep. Phyllis Kahn during my time in law school at William Mitchell College of Law. We worked on various environmental issues in the district that we shared at the time. We were successful in getting a sound wall for my neighborhood. It was a joy to have her as my guest of honor at my birthday party during my run for office. She was a champion for women, for the environment and for Minnesota during her 44 years of service. While these are big shoes to follow in, I am up for it!
Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?
My most dear volunteer was door-knocking with me with a hair-line fractured hip. As a retired person, she was working to pay for the cost of health insurance. But even with health insurance, she did not want to use it because of her family's high deductible plan. She also wanted to support my election because she believed in me so strongly. In my community, people are that in need of and thirsty for a change in leadership. I am both indebted for their unwavering support and ready to serve.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
2016
Wazlawik's campaign website highlighted the following issues:[5]
Education
- Excerpt: "We need to invest in our future by investing in our children, and that starts with education. While we’re doing a lot of things right in Minnesota there’s a lot more that we can do to help all of our children be successful both in and out of school."
Environment
- Excerpt: "We must do all that we can to ensure that current and future generations of Minnesotans enjoy healthy lives and get to experience the beauty that is Minnesota. Locally, we have to work together to develop and implement solutions to the lake level issue."
Jobs and economic security
- Excerpt: "We need to advocate for working Minnesotans while ensuring that our business community has the skilled workers they need to be successful."
Scorecards
A scorecard evaluates a legislator’s voting record. Its purpose is to inform voters about the legislator’s political positions. Because scorecards have varying purposes and methodologies, each report should be considered on its own merits. For example, an advocacy group’s scorecard may assess a legislator’s voting record on one issue while a state newspaper’s scorecard may evaluate the voting record in its entirety.
Ballotpedia is in the process of developing an encyclopedic list of published scorecards. Some states have a limited number of available scorecards or scorecards produced only by select groups. It is Ballotpedia’s goal to incorporate all available scorecards regardless of ideology or number.
Click here for an overview of legislative scorecards in all 50 states. To contribute to the list of Minnesota scorecards, email suggestions to editor@ballotpedia.org.
2022
In 2022, the Minnesota State Legislature was in session from January 31 to May 23.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to labor issues.
- Legislators are scored on their support for the organization's principles, which it defines as "provid[ing] a basis for a constitutionally limited government established to sustain life, liberty, justice, property rights and free enterprise."
- Legislators are scored on their votes on labor issues.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to business issues.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to business issues.
2021
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2021, click [show]. |
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In 2021, the Minnesota State Legislature was in session from January 5 to May 17.
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2020
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2020, click [show]. |
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In 2020, the Minnesota State Legislature was in session from February 11 to May 17. Special sessions were convened: June 12 to June 19; July 13 to July 21; August 12; September 11; October 12 to October 15; and November 12.
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2019
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2019, click [show]. |
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In 2019, the Minnesota State Legislature was in session from January 8 through May 20.
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2018
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2018, click [show]. |
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In 2018, the Minnesota State Legislature was in session from February 20 through May 21.
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See also
2020 Elections
External links
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Candidate Minnesota House of Representatives District 38B |
Personal |
Footnotes
- ↑ Minnesota Secretary of State, "Candidate Filing Search," accessed August 25, 2016
- ↑ Minnesota Secretary of State, "General election results, 2016," accessed December 19, 2016
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Minnesota Secretary of State, "Candidate Filings," accessed June 3, 2016
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Minnesota Secretary of State, "Minnesota State Primary: Tuesday, August 9, 2016," accessed August 9, 2016
- ↑ Ami Wazlawik, "Issues," accessed October 11, 2016
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Matt Dean (R) |
Minnesota House of Representatives District 38B 2019-2023 |
Succeeded by Samantha Vang (D) |
