Hi, neighbors!

I’m Ann Johnson Stewart. I’m a former State Senator, a civil engineer, and a small business owner. I’m running to return to the Minnesota Senate to build a Minnesota where all of us can thrive.

I’m a proud wife, mother, stepmom, and grandma, and I’ve worked hard to balance a loving home and family with the demands of owning a business, teaching, and community involvement. I care deeply about our community – my husband and I have lived in Minnetonka for over 25 years, our four children attended Wayzata public schools, and I’m an active member of Wayzata Community Church. (Family Picture)

Growing up, my parents were both teachers, so I learned very early about the value of education. The lessons they taught me are why I’m passionate about making sure that all of our students have access to a world-class education that will prepare them to be active participants in our democracy and for whatever career they may choose to pursue. Thanks to our strong public schools, I was able to take my talents in math and science to pursue a career in engineering.
(Young ann or photo of ann with parents)

My commitment to serving others is deeply rooted in who I am. As a young person, I saw that women were being harassed by protesters while seeking reproductive care. I knew that I had to take action, so I became a clinic escort to make sure that individuals seeking access to reproductive care had the support they needed. I’ve continued that activism for choice by being on the board of the Pro-Choice Minnesota/Naral, and I’m a founder of the Pro-Choice Caucus in the Minnesota Legislature.
(Ann at NARAL thing)

Professionally, I’m a civil engineer, so I help design and build the infrastructure projects that we all depend on every day. 28 years ago, I started a business where I helped make sure that public works projects were done on time, on budget, and were built to specification. I grew my business from nothing to a staff of 40 that managed hundreds of millions of dollars of infrastructure projects. I’m proud of not just the projects we helped build for the public, but also the job opportunities that we created for veterans, workers from historically excluded populations, and people wishing to change careers. I understand the importance and intricacies of government-funded infrastructure projects, and have devoted my career to workforce development. (Hard hat picture)

I’m also a teacher. Since 1997, I’ve taught courses in construction management and civil engineering at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and several local technical colleges. My students are maintenance workers, engineers, tradespeople, and managers, many of whom take my classes to gain knowledge and skills that enable them to advance in their careers. I’ve also developed workforce training that aims to provide jobs for women and people from underrepresented populations in an effort to meet the demographic participation goals the federal government sets for public work. Each of these experiences gives me insight into the changes around education, workforce development, and post-secondary training. (professor ann picture)

As an engineer, I believe in data-driven problem solving and building solutions that will last us for generations to come. Whether it is tackling the climate crisis, defending clean water, repairing and replacing our aging infrastructure, or creating legal protections for reproductive freedom, I’m ready to get to work on Day One as an effective problem solver. I have seen firsthand the importance of having experts at the decision-making tables. We need an expert in infrastructure and workforce development in the Senate. It’s also why I’m so proud to be endorsed by my former colleagues in the Senate and in Labor. I’m ready to bring my common-sense approach to policy back to the
Senate, and I’ll vigorously defend us from the MAGA and Project 2025 extremists that would seek to roll back our rights. (ann in community picture)

As your Senator, I worked diligently to ensure a voice for all people in all areas, especially those who currently have no voice and little power in our government. I’m excited to return to the MN Senate, as our current excellent Senator Kelly Morrison pursues a seat in Congress. I’m ready to return to the Senate and pick up where I left off, and I’ll bring my decades of diverse experience to the Capitol. I’d like nothing more than to represent you in Senate District 45! I look forward to our work ahead!