Shawn Nelson (Bloomington City Council Ward 2, Minnesota, candidate 2025)

Shawn Nelson

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Nonpartisan

Candidate, Bloomington City Council Ward 2

Elections and appointments

Last election

November 4, 2025

Education

Bachelor's

Valparaiso University, 1997

Graduate

University of St. Thomas, 2009

Personal

Religion

Christian: Lutheran

Profession

Business owner and president

Contact

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

Personal LinkedIn

Shawn Nelson ran for election to the Bloomington City Council Ward 2 in Minnesota. He was on the ballot in the general election on November 4, 2025.^[source]

Nelson completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Shawn Nelson provided the following biographical information via Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey on October 6, 2025:

• High school: Apple Valley
• Bachelor's: Valparaiso University, 1997
• Graduate: University of St. Thomas, 2009
• Other: Christ College at Valparaiso University, 1997
• Gender: Male
• Religion: Christian: Lutheran
• Profession: Business Owner and President
• Prior offices held:
  • Bloomington Councilmember District 2 (2017-Prsnt)
• Incumbent officeholder: Yes
• Campaign website

Elections

General election

General election for Bloomington City Council Ward 2

Andrew Luckraft and Shawn Nelson ran in the general election for Bloomington City Council Ward 2 on November 4, 2025.

		Candidate
	Submit photo	Andrew Luckraft (Nonpartisan)
	Submit photo	Shawn Nelson (Nonpartisan)

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	Incumbency information for this election was not available.
= 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.

Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Nelson in this election.

Campaign themes

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Shawn Nelson completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Nelson's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Shawn Nelson is a member of the Bloomington City Council representing District 2. First elected in 2017, he has focused on expanding parks and recreation amenities, supporting economic development, strengthening public safety, and promoting fiscal responsibility through Priority-Based Budgeting and public engagement. A Bloomington resident since the late 1990s, Shawn and his wife, Ann, raised their family here and remain active in the community. He has served on the boards of the Bloomington Chamber of Commerce and the I-35W Solutions Alliance, and currently serves on the boards of VEAP, Bloomington MN Travel & Tourism, and the Bloomington Port Authority.

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?

• Building a thriving community through support for businesses of all sizes, strategic investments in parks and recreation, and a strong commitment to public safety.
• Ensuring responsible budgeting through Priority-Based Budgeting, public engagement, and a commitment to strong financial reserves that keep Bloomington’s taxes stable and services reliable.
• Expanding housing options that balance affordability, senior living, and homeownership while enhancing parks, trails, and amenities that make Bloomington a great place for families and seniors alike.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I’m passionate about local policies that strengthen community well-being and long-term sustainability. This includes supporting small and large businesses to keep Bloomington’s economy strong, investing in parks and recreation to enhance quality of life, ensuring our public safety departments are fully staffed and equipped, and promoting fiscal responsibility through transparent, data-driven budgeting. I’m also committed to expanding housing options that serve families, seniors, and working residents while maintaining Bloomington’s character and livability.

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

The most important qualities of an elected official are the ability to listen, keep an open mind, and ask thoughtful questions before making decisions. Good leadership requires seeking input from residents, staff, and experts, then weighing what’s best for the entire community — not just what’s popular or convenient. Honesty and transparency are also essential to earning and maintaining public trust. I believe that by listening carefully, being open to new ideas, and always focusing on the common good, we can make balanced, well-informed decisions that serve Bloomington well.

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

My first and only job has been with New Spaces, our family’s design-build remodeling company. I started in middle school working as labor on job sites for my dad, then continued remotely in the 1990s using a dial-up connection and during summers while in college. After graduating in the late 1990s, I joined full time and later earned my MBA while working. Over the years, I’ve networked and consulted with remodeling and business leaders, served on multiple Chamber boards and trade groups, and eventually purchased New Spaces from my parents in the 2000s. I’ve also started other ventures, including Blue Sky Skylights, and have spoken nationally and locally to help educate others in the remodeling industry.

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Candidate

Bloomington City Council Ward 2

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