Sarah Yang

This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.

Sarah Yang

Nonpartisan

Elections and appointments

Last election

November 5, 2024

Education

High school

Brooklyn Center High School

Bachelor's

University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, 2016

Graduate

University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, 2023

Personal

Birthplace

Yuba City, Calif.

Religion

None

Profession

Academic Advisor

Contact

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

Campaign Instagram

Personal Facebook

Personal LinkedIn

Sarah Yang ran for election to the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners to represent District 7 in Minnesota. She lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.

Yang completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Sarah Yang was born in Yuba City, California. She earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities in 2016 and a graduate degree from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities in 2023. Her career experience includes working as an academic advisor and organizer. She has been affiliated with TRIO Upward Bound.

Elections

2024

See also: Municipal elections in Ramsey County, Minnesota (2024)

General election

General election for Ramsey County Board of Commissioners District 7

Kelly Miller defeated Sarah Yang in the general election for Ramsey County Board of Commissioners District 7 on November 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Kelly Miller (Nonpartisan)	49.6	15,437
		Sarah Yang (Nonpartisan)	49.5	15,409
		Other/Write-in votes	0.9	287

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	There were no incumbents in this race. Source	Total votes: 31,133
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Nonpartisan primary election

Nonpartisan primary for Ramsey County Board of Commissioners District 7

Kelly Miller and Sarah Yang defeated Kevin Berglund and Michelle Yener in the primary for Ramsey County Board of Commissioners District 7 on August 13, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Kelly Miller (Nonpartisan)	34.4	1,845
✔		Sarah Yang (Nonpartisan)	29.4	1,578
	Submit photo	Kevin Berglund (Nonpartisan)	21.6	1,156
		Michelle Yener (Nonpartisan)	14.6	784

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. Source 1 Source 2	Total votes: 5,363
= 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.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Endorsements

To view Yang's endorsements as published by their campaign, click here. Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Yang in this election.

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Sarah Yang completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Yang's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My parents, Yia Ntxoov Nyiaj Yang and Sandy Moua Yang, were displaced from their home country of Laos and took refuge in the United States in 1992 as a result of political persecution following the Secret War. I was born in Yuba City, CA, and am the fifth of eight children. My family moved to Minnesota in 2005 in search of better job opportunities and to be closer to family. I’m a family-oriented person, and one of my favorite activities is spending time with my 13 nieces and nephews. I am happily engaged to my wonderful fiancé, Vaj Tsheej Thao, and we’re both excited to raise a family in North Saint Paul where my family and I are so proud to call our home.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• I am the daughter of refugees and proud to be the first in my family to earn both bachelor's and master's degrees. Achieving this milestone allowed me to fulfill my parents' American Dream. I am also a proud aunt to 14 nieces and nephews. Growing up, I experienced firsthand the challenges of housing instability, living paycheck to paycheck, and witnessing my family's struggles with affordable childcare.
• Passion and experience guide everything I do. Throughout my career, I've worked closely with diverse and marginalized groups such as low-income, first-generation students, and individuals striving for social mobility. As a proud product of TRIO UB, a college prep program, and in my role as Academic Coordinator, I've witnessed firsthand the transformative impact I've had on students' lives. My work is enriched by my extensive experience in key roles, including organizing for MNDFL’s Coordinated Field Team, where I collaborated with a team to mobilize voters for leaders like Governor Tim Walz, Ramsey County Commissioner Trista Martinson, and Attorney General Keith Ellison.
• As a seasoned organizer, I lead a grassroots campaign dedicated to expanding our voter base through intensive door knocking and phone banking efforts. Our commitment is to actively engage people from diverse backgrounds, particularly those marginalized within our societal structures.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

1. Resource Allocation: Secure state and federal funds to bolster county programs and services.

2. Property Tax Advocacy: Advocate for increased County Program Aid to stabilize property taxes amidst rising home inflation.
3. Workforce Development: Support young people and working-class individuals in upskilling through earn-and-learn programs.
4. Public Transit (e.g., Purple Line): Champion the Purple Line on White Bear Ave to enhance transportation accessibility for working-class individuals and those with disabilities.

5. Housing Stability: Continue investing in homeownership opportunities to promote housing stability.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I look up to my father, Yia Yang, for many reasons. Despite raising our large family in a single low-income household, he never let us see his fatigue or doubt our worth during long working days. His unwavering respect for everyone, regardless of their financial status, left a lasting impression on me. I recall moments when he selflessly donated his last $20 to a good cause, explaining to me that money can always be earned. His example inspires me to prioritize compassion, hard work, and generosity in everything I do.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Film: "The West Wing" (TV series). While not a film, this series provides a dramatized but insightful look into American politics, emphasizing idealism, public service, and the challenges of governance.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Transparency: I believe in holding everyone accountable and providing citizens with information about their government's actions.

Fairness: I value ensuring everyone has an equal opportunity to showcase their abilities, regardless of gender, age, nationality, or life experience.
Respect: I strive for positive impacts and long-term success by treating everyone with respect.

Integrity: I prioritize integrity as it fosters high-quality public services and builds community trust.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Having a strong sense of community and belonging has always been important to me because I grew up in a low-income household where my family didn’t have a stable place to call home as we moved constantly, never settling down. I'll always remember that even though we grew up not having wealth, we were always wealthy in love, resilience, and community. I gained a profound understanding and appreciation for the concept of home when my family purchased our first house. Through that experience, I grasped the significance of housing stability. I developed a deep connection to housing justice work, ensuring that all people have stable, safe, and dignified housing, with no exceptions. This led me to discover even more hopes and dreams that I have for the community and aim towards building every day--racial, economic, gender, and climate justice.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Community Engagement: I am committed to actively engaging with the community.

Resource Allocation: I prioritize allocating resources effectively to benefit the community.

Collaboration with Elected Officials: I will collaborate closely with other elected officials to address community issues effectively.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Firstly, I aspire to serve as a role model for the younger generation, instilling in them the belief that with determination and dedication, they can achieve anything they set their minds to.

Secondly, I am driven to become the youngest person elected to the County Commissioner board, demonstrating that age is not a barrier to making meaningful contributions to our community and governance.

Lastly, my goal is to enact changes that will have a lasting positive impact, shaping policies and initiatives that will benefit not just the present, but also the next ten generations. By focusing on sustainable practices and equitable policies, I hope to leave a legacy of progress, fairness, and opportunity for all.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

When I was 13 years old in 8th grade, Barack Obama's historic inauguration as the first African American President of the United States is the first significant historical event that I remember.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first job was at Cookie Cart, where I dedicated five years of service. Cookie Cart's mission and values focus on teaching life, leadership, and employment skills to teens of color through hands-on experience in nonprofit bakeries. Starting as a youth worker, I advanced to the position of White Coat, overseeing and mentoring other youth workers in the bakery and assisting with closing operations at the end of each day.

What is your favorite book? Why?

"Becoming" by Michelle Obama is one of my favorite books celebrating strong women in today's world. Michelle Obama's memoir resonates deeply with me for its candid and inspiring account of her journey from humble beginnings to becoming the First Lady of the United States. I admire Michelle Obama's resilience, grace, and determination in overcoming challenges and breaking barriers. Her story illustrates the power of education, hard work, and authenticity in achieving personal and professional success. The book not only explores the complexities of balancing career and family but also highlights Michelle Obama's advocacy for education, health, equality, and women's empowerment. Her commitment to diversity, inclusion, and positive change continues to inspire me and others. "Becoming" is more than a memoir; it is a testament to the strength, courage, and influence of women in shaping a better world and leaving a lasting legacy through their actions.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

If I could be any fictional character, I would choose Merida from "Brave." Her belief in writing her own story and defying tradition while maintaining integrity resonates deeply with me. Merida's courage and determination to change her fate inspire me, reflecting the belief that with dedication, anyone can achieve their goals.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Beyoncé - I Was Here

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

A significant struggle in my life has been navigating the challenge of living paycheck to paycheck, particularly without qualifying for government assistance, despite being categorized as middle class. This financial strain has been compounded by the rising inflation rates following the COVID-19 pandemic. It has required careful budgeting and prioritization of expenses to make ends meet and maintain financial stability during uncertain times.

Tell us your favorite joke.

Why did the scarecrow win an award?
Because he was outstanding in his field!

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Run for Something

Maplewood City Council Member Nikki Villavicencio
St. Paul City Council Member Nelsie Yang
House Representative Brion Curran

Ramsey County Commissioner District 6, Mai Chong Xiong

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Financial transparency and government accountability are crucial pillars of a well-functioning democratic system.

1. **Financial Transparency:** I believe that transparency in government finances is essential for fostering trust and accountability among citizens. This transparency helps prevent corruption, mismanagement, and wasteful spending. It also allows citizens to make informed decisions about their support for government policies and programs.

2. **Government Accountability:** Government officials must be accountable for their actions and decisions. Accountability involves holding public officials responsible for their performance, adherence to laws and regulations, and ethical conduct.

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.

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Ramsey County Board of Commissioners District 7

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