Sonja Buckmeier
Elections and appointments
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Contact
Sonja Buckmeier (Democratic Party) ran for election to the Minnesota House of Representatives to represent District 30A. She lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.
Buckmeier completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Sonja Buckmeier was born in Nebraska. She attended St. Cloud State University and Mankato State University. Her career experience includes working as an administrative assistant and licensed insurance agent.[1]
Elections
2024
See also: Minnesota House of Representatives elections, 2024
General election
Democratic primary election
The Democratic primary election was canceled. Sonja Buckmeier advanced from the Democratic primary for Minnesota House of Representatives District 30A.
Republican primary election
The Republican primary election was canceled. Incumbent Walter Hudson advanced from the Republican primary for Minnesota House of Representatives District 30A.
Campaign finance
Endorsements
To view Buckmeier's endorsements as published by their campaign, click here. Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Buckmeier in this election.
2022
See also: Minnesota House of Representatives elections, 2022
General election
Democratic primary election
The Democratic primary election was canceled. Sonja Buckmeier advanced from the Democratic primary for Minnesota House of Representatives District 30A.
Republican primary election
The Republican primary election was canceled. Walter Hudson advanced from the Republican primary for Minnesota House of Representatives District 30A.
Endorsements
To view Buckmeier's endorsements in the 2022 election, please click here.
2024
Video for Ballotpedia
Video submitted to Ballotpedia
Released September 8, 2024
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Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Sonja Buckmeier completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Buckmeier's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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I’m Sonja Buckmeier, and for over 25 years, I’ve been deeply connected to our community. Growing up in the small town of Eagle Lake, just outside of Mankato, I was raised in a middle-class working family, where I learned the value of compassion, perseverance, and hard work from my parents.
I earned a Business Administration degree from Mankato State University, funding my education through a combination of job wages, scholarships, and loans. As a first-generation college graduate, I deeply value public education and the importance of equitable access for all students.
Today, I live in St. Michael with my husband, where we’ve raised our four children. Since moving here, I’ve committed myself to the growth and development of our local schools and the broader community. My service includes roles on bond and levy committees within the school district, substitute teaching, serving on PTO boards, election judging, and active involvement with scouting troops.
I’m now ready to bring my experiences and dedication to the state level to improve the lives of all Minnesotans. I believe in the strength and potential of our communities and am eager to represent our district at the state capitol. My commitment is to build safe, supportive, healthy, and inclusive communities where everyone is respected and has access to the resources they need to thrive. - A Safer, Healthier Minnesota: Every Minnesotan deserves access to quality, affordable healthcare, including mental health, vision, dental, and prescription services. Public safety is paramount; I will advocate for measures that strengthen law enforcement, support mental health services, and foster community trust to ensure everyone feels safe in their homes, schools, and communities. Additionally, I am committed to protecting our natural resources and addressing climate change, ensuring a sustainable future for all. I will also protect reproductive rights and push for healthcare policies that prioritize the well-being of every resident.
- An Economy that Works For Everyone: A strong economy is essential to making Minnesota a great place to live, work, and raise a family. I believe all workers deserve a livable wage and the opportunity to thrive. Supporting working families means ensuring access to affordable child care, implementing paid sick leave, family leave, and child tax credits. I’m committed to promoting affordable housing, investing in infrastructure, and developing a skilled workforce to attract and retain businesses. I will advocate for smart tax policies that eliminate wasteful spending, protect social security and pensions, and drive job growth. My focus is on creating opportunities that benefit everyone in our community.
- Investing in Our Educational System: Education is the cornerstone of our future, and we must fully invest in the success of our young people. From early childhood care and learning to college and vocational training, we need to ensure that every student has the resources they need to thrive. This includes fully funding public schools and providing essential support staff like counselors, nurses, social workers, and psychologists to help students navigate today’s challenges. I will advocate for fair and equitable education funding at all levels, preparing our children to build a strong, educated workforce for tomorrow.
Public Education: Schools are the beating heart of our communities, and investing in our students is investing in our future. The connection between students, schools, and families is crucial for every child’s success. Schools provide vital connections to friends, activities, and a sense of belonging. Encouraging parent involvement and fostering strong school-community relationships are key to creating supportive learning environments. I’m committed to fully funding our schools, supporting our educators, and encouraging more people to enter this vital field. By strengthening our education system, we equip students with the skills and critical thinking they need for their future careers.
For an elected official, the most important qualities are the ability to listen, the willingness to work collaboratively across party lines, and a deep commitment to putting people before politics. Effective leadership starts with listening—truly understanding the concerns, needs, and hopes of the people you represent. This means engaging with diverse perspectives, learning from others, and remaining open to new ideas.
Collaboration is essential. Working with legislators from all political backgrounds allows for the creation of well-rounded policies that serve the greater good. Compromise is not a sign of weakness but a testament to an official’s dedication to finding solutions that work for everyone. It’s about balancing different viewpoints and striving to achieve the best possible outcomes for the community.
Compassion is another critical trait. An elected official must approach their role with empathy and a genuine concern for the well-being of all constituents. This means prioritizing human needs and values over political gains, ensuring that decisions are made with the best interests of the people in mind.
Ultimately, human empathy is the cornerstone of good governance. Understanding and addressing the challenges faced by individuals and families requires an official who can connect on a human level. By putting people before politics, an elected official can build trust, foster unity, and make meaningful progress.
In summary, the most important characteristics for an elected official are the ability to listen, work across party lines, find compromise, and lead with compassion. These principles ensure that decisions are guided by what truly matters—the well-being and prosperity of the people they serve. I am organized, thoughtful, and open-minded, approaching every situation with a willingness to listen and learn. I work effectively with people from different backgrounds, beliefs, and life experiences, valuing the unique perspectives everyone brings. I believe that acknowledging our differences with mutual respect is essential for building strong relationships and fostering collaboration. My perseverance and commitment to understanding others allow me to create policies that truly reflect the needs of our community. By focusing on shared understanding and respect, I am dedicated to working together to achieve common goals and build a more united and inclusive community.
The core responsibilities of a State Representative in Minnesota include passing budgets and laws that directly impact the lives of all Minnesotans. This involves careful consideration of how state funds are allocated, ensuring that resources are used effectively to benefit the public. A State Representative must also advocate for legislation that reflects the needs and values of their constituents, working to improve public services, education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Additionally, they must be responsive to the concerns of their district, serving as a bridge between the community and the state government. Upholding transparency, accountability, and fairness in all legislative actions is essential to building trust and ensuring good governance.
I want to leave a legacy that reflects a deep belief in the good in people and a commitment to making the world a better place. My work has been centered on uplifting others, fostering understanding and respect, and creating positive change in my community. By focusing on collaboration and compassion, I aim to inspire a future where we continue to build a more just, inclusive, and connected world, where every individual is valued and has the opportunity to thrive.
One of the first historical events I remember was the fall of the Berlin Wall when I was in high school. Witnessing this moment was profoundly impactful, as it symbolized breaking down barriers that had long divided people. It was a powerful reminder of our shared humanity and the importance of connecting rather than dividing. The fall of the wall underscored how, despite our differences, we are all interconnected, and it reinforced my belief in the need to build bridges that bring us together rather than walls that separate us.
My very first job was at Cub Foods, where I worked all through high school and into college. I started as a cashier and later took on various front-end duties, including working at the service desk and bookkeeping. I loved the experience of interacting with people every day. The job was fast-paced and offered a flexible schedule, which allowed me to balance work with school. This experience taught me valuable lessons in customer service, teamwork, and the importance of a strong work ethic—skills that have stayed with me throughout my career. It was a formative experience that deepened my appreciation for community and hard work.
"Lessons in Chemistry" It's a book that blends humor, intelligence, and a strong female lead to tackle important themes like gender equality and the power of perseverance. It's both inspiring and entertaining, showing that science and life lessons can come from the most unexpected places.
The ideal relationship between the governor and the state legislature in Minnesota is one of mutual respect, collaboration, and open communication. The governor provides leadership and sets a vision for the state, while the legislature works together to craft and pass laws that bring that vision to life. Both branches must value each other’s roles and focus on getting things done for the people of Minnesota.
Historically, the Minnesota governor has taken on the role of leadership and agenda-setting as the state's chief executive, responsible for proposing budgets, signing or vetoing legislation, and guiding overall state policy. Governors in Minnesota have traditionally worked to build consensus across party lines, recognizing the often divided nature of the legislature. While the governor leads by setting priorities and advocating for specific policies, they must also engage in negotiation and compromise with the legislature to ensure that laws are passed and budgets are enacted. This balanced approach ensures that both executive authority and legislative collaboration work together to address the needs of Minnesotans effectively.
One of Minnesota's greatest challenges over the next decade will be overcoming the growing divisions within our state. Hyper-partisan politics have deepened these divides, making it harder to work together and find common ground on the issues that matter most. Disinformation, especially around voting and voter registration, undermines trust in our democratic process and leaves many feeling left out of the political system. This alienation can lead to apathy and disengagement, further weakening our ability to address pressing challenges.
The divide between metro and outstate areas often fuels an "us vs. them" mentality, which is harmful and counterproductive. Instead of seeing each other as adversaries, we must recognize that every part of our state is vital to Minnesota’s overall success. We need to work together to ensure that all communities, regardless of location, have the support and resources they need to thrive.
To address these challenges, we must foster a spirit of collaboration and mutual respect, seeing our differences as strengths rather than obstacles. By bridging these divides and working together, we can create a more united and prosperous Minnesota for everyone. I believe that while previous experience in government or politics can be helpful, it is not a necessity for state legislators. What’s most important is that legislators are civic-minded and deeply connected to their communities. Understanding the needs and concerns of the people they represent is crucial. A strong connection to the community fosters empathy, accountability, and a commitment to serving the public good. Legislators should bring diverse perspectives and real-life experiences to the table, ensuring that the voices of all constituents are heard and respected.
Yes, it’s absolutely beneficial to build relationships with other legislators. Strong relationships foster collaboration, trust, and open communication, which are essential for effective lawmaking. By working together, legislators can find common ground, share ideas, and develop policies that better serve the people of Minnesota. Building these relationships across party lines also helps to reduce partisan gridlock and encourages compromise, ensuring that diverse perspectives are considered. Ultimately, good relationships among legislators lead to more thoughtful, inclusive, and effective governance, benefiting all constituents.
Yes, the legislature should have a role in overseeing or granting the use of emergency powers. While it's important for the executive branch to have the ability to act swiftly in times of crisis, legislative oversight ensures that these powers are used appropriately and with the necessary checks and balances. This collaboration between branches of government helps maintain transparency and accountability, ensuring that emergency powers are exercised in a way that is in the best interest of the people and consistent with democratic principles. The legislature’s involvement ensures that the use of such powers remains balanced and temporary, reflecting the will of the people through their elected representatives.
If elected, I would focus on education and introduce a bill to increase funding to close the special education cross-subsidy. This is an urgent issue, as schools often struggle to cover the costs of special education services, diverting funds from other essential programs. By fully funding special education, we can ensure that all students receive the support they need without placing an undue financial burden on school districts. This bill would help provide equitable educational opportunities for all students, ensuring that schools can meet the needs of every child, regardless of their abilities.
Minnesota DFL, Minnesota Association of Professional Employees, AFSCME Council 5, Education Minnesota, National Association of Social Workers - Minnesota Chapter, Women Winning, Pro-Choice Minnesota, Planned Parenthood, DFL Rural Caucus
The committees that interest me are Education Finance, Education Policy, Elections, Ethics, and Environment. These areas are critical to shaping the future of our state. Education Finance and Policy are essential for ensuring our schools are adequately funded and that policies support the needs of all students. The Elections Committee is vital for maintaining the integrity and accessibility of our democratic process. The Ethics Committee plays a key role in upholding transparency and accountability in government. Lastly, the Environment Committee is crucial for protecting our natural resources and addressing climate change, ensuring a sustainable future for Minnesota.
I believe that financial transparency and government accountability are absolutely essential. Elected officials must be transparent about how taxpayer dollars are being spent, ensuring that resources are used wisely and efficiently. Transparency is critical for building trust and faith in government, ensuring that representatives are acting in the best interest of the people of Minnesota. Accountability ensures that officials are responsible for their actions, with checks and balances in place to prevent misuse of power or funds. Ultimately, a transparent and accountable government is crucial for maintaining public confidence and fostering a healthy democracy.
I believe the current system in Minnesota, where changes to state laws or the constitution must go through the legislature and then be approved by voters in a general election, effectively meets the needs of the people. This process ensures that any proposed changes are thoroughly debated and vetted by elected representatives, who are accountable to their constituents. It also prevents the potential for hastily crafted laws or amendments that might arise in a state ballot initiative process. By maintaining this structured approach, Minnesota ensures that laws and constitutional amendments are considered carefully and reflect the broader will of the people through their elected officials.
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.
2022
Sonja Buckmeier completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2022. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Buckmeier's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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I'm Sonja Buckmeier. Many of you may know me as a volunteer, a board member, and an advocate for education and the pro-choice movement. Over the last 25+ years, I have connected with many of you in our community, and I look forward to meeting more residents of all the communities that encompass District 30A. I am running to represent the local communities of Otsego, Albertville, St. Michael, Hanover, and Rockford Township in the Minnesota Legislature as State House Representative for District 30A. I will bring equitable ideas to the table. I believe in our communities strength and growing diversity, and I am asking for your support. Together we will continue to build a safe, supportive, healthy, and inclusive community where all residents are respected and have access to the resources needed to support their families.
- A SAFER, HEALTHIER MINNESOTA
- AN ECONOMY THAT WORKS FOR EVERYONE
- INVESTING IN OUR EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM
Public education. Schools are the beating heart of our communities. Investing in our students is investing in our community’s future. For our family, school was also a connection to friends and activities. I love our schools, and I am grateful for the excellent education they provide all students. I support Education Minnesota and its mission to give every student regardless of where they live, what they look like, where they pray, or who they love, a safe and welcoming school environment. I will continue to advocate for fully funding our schools at the state level. Teachers and staff need our support, now more than ever, to help lower class sizes. We need to hire counselors and social workers to improve access to mental health resources for students. Furthermore, attacks on school curriculum and equity policies violate one’s freedom to learn. As disinformation and “alternative facts” divide our country, teaching children how to think for themselves has never been more crucial. Teachers are equipped to shed light on our nation’s complicated past while empowering students to formulate their own fact-based opinions. I support our educators who teach the skills needed, including critical thinking, to our students so they can pursue jobs and careers. Public education is an essential investment in society.
One that sticks out is the fall of the Berlin wall when I was in high school.
My first job was as a cashier at Cub Foods. I worked at Cub Foods all through high school and college.
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.
Campaign finance summary
Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.
See also
External links
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on October 14, 2022
Leadership
Speaker of the House:Lisa Demuth
Majority Leader:Harry Niska
Representatives
Republican Party (67)
Democratic Party (66)
Vacancies (1)
