Tawnja Zahradka

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

Tawnja Zahradka

Democratic Party

Elections and appointments

Last election

November 3, 2020

Education

Bachelor's

The University of North Dakota, 1989

Personal

Birthplace

Grand Forks, N.D.

Religion

Lutheran

Profession

Executive director

Contact

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

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Personal Facebook

Personal LinkedIn

Tawnja Zahradka (Democratic Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent Minnesota's 6th Congressional District. She lost in the general election on November 3, 2020.

Zahradka completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2020. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Tawnja Zahradka was born in Grand Forks, North Dakota. She earned a bachelor's degree from the University of North Dakota in 1989. Zahradka's career experience includes working as an executive director with Twin Cities Regional Cable, as a business owner, as an environmental activist, and as an equal rights advocate.

Elections

2020

See also: Minnesota's 6th Congressional District election, 2020

Minnesota's 6th Congressional District election, 2020 (August 11 Republican primary)

Minnesota's 6th Congressional District election, 2020 (August 11 Democratic primary)

General election

General election for U.S. House Minnesota District 6

Incumbent Tom Emmer defeated Tawnja Zahradka in the general election for U.S. House Minnesota District 6 on November 3, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Tom Emmer (R)	65.7	270,901
		Tawnja Zahradka (D)	34.2	140,853
		Other/Write-in votes	0.1	553

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 412,307
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Minnesota District 6

Tawnja Zahradka advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House Minnesota District 6 on August 11, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Tawnja Zahradka	100.0	29,445

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 29,445
= 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.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Ian Todd (D)
• Aaron Aanerud (D)
• Nikolay Nikolayevich Bey (D)

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Minnesota District 6

Incumbent Tom Emmer defeated Patrick Munro in the Republican primary for U.S. House Minnesota District 6 on August 11, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Tom Emmer	87.2	30,654
		Patrick Munro	12.8	4,518

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 35,172
= 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 Zahradka's endorsements in the 2020 election, please click here.

Campaign themes

2020

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Tawnja Zahradka completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2020. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Zahradka'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.

Tawnja is a University Of North Dakota Communications Graduate, a 25-year Minnesota Business Owner, a Survivor of Workplace Discrimination, a Passionate Environmental Activist and an Equal Rights Advocate. Tawnja Accepts No Corporate PAC, Fossil Fuel or Big Pharma Campaign Money. Tawnja is National & Local AFLCIO Endorsed, National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 9 Endorsed, Education Minnesota, American Federation of Teachers, MEA, DFL Senior Caucus Endorsed, DFL Environmental Caucus Endorsed, Boundary Waters Action Fund Endorsed, Teamsters Joint Council 32 Endorsed. Tawnja is also a Gun Sense Candidate.

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?

• The U.S Congress must address climate change through an equitable clean energy future and sustainable infrastructure
• Our federal government needs to build upon the Affordable Care Act until a public option is available, and stop trying to decimate pre-existing conditions coverage currently protected by the ACA.
• Its time that our government works for everyone & not just the top one percent and that starts with getting dark money out of politics. End Citizens United.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

The physical and financial health of the country, planet and individuals are intertwined and create the platform for all other issues to be resolved. Without a healthy population and planet, we are severely weakened and without financial stability, we have few tools to deal with these or any other problems which beset us. My top priority would therefore be the stabilization of this country through efficient management of our resources, both physical and financial, which cannot be accomplished without a comprehensive plan to harness and rein in this Pandemic. We need a cohesive, "one for all, all for one" approach which unites rather than divides, facilitates the return to caring for rather than attacking one another. We further need to streamline our approach and seal up loopholes which allow billionaires to apply for programs meant to help small business and individuals in need, absconding with our tax dollars for their own greed. They should also be made to return any money they inappropriately procured in this manner.

I am running for Congress because I am sick and tired of the imbalance and inequality in all facets of today's society. Women should not continue to make .21 cents less on the dollar, the blue-collar worker who puts in a full day of work should be able to enjoy the basics of life, healthcare, food security, and an affordable, safe place to live. People of all races, creeds and religions should all enjoy the same freedoms and protections.

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

I look up to Ruth Bader Ginsberg. RBG was a champion for all human rights.

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

Harvest the Vote by Jane Kleeb

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

Honesty, Integrity, Empathy. Country over self-aggrandizing.

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

I love to solve problems. I enjoy bringing people together, figuring out a solution, and making sure it is implemented to the satisfaction of all involved.

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

Listening to the needs of my constituents. Fighting for the forgotten. Being honest and transparent.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I helped save our planet.

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

My first historical memory is the Challenger space shuttle accident.

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

My first job was mowing lawns for my entire neighborhood starting in 6th grade and continuing through high school.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Where the red fern grows by Wilson Rawls. I have spent my entire life as an animal lover, and this is a very touching story about a boy and his two dogs.

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

Wonder Woman.

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

The Christmas Song (Chestnuts roasting on an open fire).

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

Bullies seem to have been a constant theme in my life. It feels good to fight back - AGAIN!

What process do you favor for redistricting?

The practice of gerrymandering must be put to a stop. Districts need to be drawn by non-partisan independent commissions, not-the legislation that is currently in power.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

The U.S. House of Representatives has several powers assigned exclusively to it, including the power to initiate revenue bills, impeach federal officials, and elect the President in the case of an electoral college tie. The Constitution also grants the House a unique set of powers in the federal government, embodying the framers' intent to make it uniquely responsive to the will of the people. It is the only branch of government that has been directly elected by American voters since its formation in 1789.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

I believe anyone who has the drive to run for office should be valued as much as someone that has been in office for decades. We need fresh ideas and uncorrupted new leaders in the U.S. Congress.

What do you perceive to be the United States’ greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

I feel that we were on the right track in reducing carbon emissions but have taken a giant step backward during this administration. We have critical work to do and no time to waste. We are in trouble whether we recognize it or not and the failure to acknowledge the state of this planet is at our peril. I think we need to quit giving huge subsidies to oil companies and other fossil fuel industries. Providing actual corporate welfare for those who make more money than any other industry in the history of the world makes no sense. Instead, we need to reward innovation and give farmers and laborers the tools and financial backing to expand into the clean energies of the future, giving them a base of income that would sustain them through leaner market years. Further, we need to ensure a smooth transition for workers who may lose their jobs because of the changing demand in the energy sector. Minnesota miners should not lose one day of income while their job transitions. They should be paid while in training for a new job which expands their skill set, increases their income, and improves their own outlook for good health and the health of our planet.

Living on Forest Lake, one of Minnesota's most beautiful lakes for the past eight years, I wake every day in awe of mother nature.

The endangered creatures that call our planet their home take my breath away. I believe our environment should be protected with all of our might. I believe the boundary waters should be left in its pristine condition to be enjoyed for generations to follow.

I believe spraying our food supply with known carcinogens and lifting safe water regulations is unforgivable. The choice is simple, take care of our precious planet, protect it's natural beauty and animals, or continue facing mother nature's wrath.

I choose, and I am betting you do as well, to protect and stop disrespecting mother nature.

If you are not a current representative, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

Select Committee on the Climate Crisis, Ethics, Education and Labor

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

I believe a four-year term would serve the office more efficiently because with a two-year term the newly elected official must focus their attention on campaigning from day one after being elected. An elected official should be able to focus their attention on the issues affecting the American people instead of being consumed with getting reelected.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I don't think any elected official should for more than one decade.

If you are not currently a member of your party’s leadership in the U.S. House of Representatives, would you be interested in joining the leadership? If so, in what role?

I would never turn down any opportunity to be in leadership in the U.S. House of Representatives. I would be honored to help my party and the citizens of our country in any way that presents itself.

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Betty McCollum, Angie Craig.

Both sitting representatives 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?

One of my constituents shared a story with me that if cannabis had been legal her son would not have overdosed on opioids. I am a firm supporter of legalizing medical and recreational marijuana in Minnesota.

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.

See also

2020 Elections

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Government

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External links

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Footnotes

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Minnesota's current delegation to the United States Congress

Senators

Amy Klobuchar (D)

Tina Smith (D)

Representatives

District 1

Brad Finstad (R)

District 2

Angie Craig (D)

District 3

Kelly Morrison (D)

District 4

Betty McCollum (D)

District 5

Ilhan Omar (D)

District 6

Tom Emmer (R)

District 7

Michelle Fischbach (R)

District 8

Pete Stauber (R)

Democratic Party (6)

Republican Party (4)