Hi, neighbors!

I’m Ann Johnson Stewart, and I had the great honor and privilege of representing my neighbors at the Capitol from 2021-2022. 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 business, teaching, and my 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.

By trade, I’m a civil engineer and former successful small-business owner. I started an engineering business in my home 28 years ago, which is now a flourishing enterprise with 34 employees. I sold the business to another woman in 2021, and it continues to grow.  That company (Professional Engineering Services) has worked successfully with townships, cities, counties, and the state to build publicly-funded roads, bridges, and buildings, creating many job opportunities for veterans, workers from historically excluded populations, and people wishing to change careers. I understand the importance and intricacies of government-funded infrastructure projects.

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. I’ve created and taught classes to 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.

Everyone’s perspectives should be considered, and everyone’s challenges should be addressed. As your Senator, I have 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 bring decades of experience to the legislature, and I have seen firsthand the importance of having experts at the decision-making tables.

I was first motivated to run for Senate by the Republican majority’s failure to pass meaningful gun violence prevention legislation. My frustration has only grown since then as I’ve watched those same Senators show a lack of compassion, courage, and knowledge as they’ve blocked desperately-needed police and criminal justice reforms. I will continue to work diligently to ensure a voice for all people – especially people of color and Indigenous Minnesotans; who face systemic racism and have historically been excluded from our government.

I’m a bridge-builder, an educator, a creative problem solver, and I know the value of teamwork. I’m excited for the new possibility to return to the MN Senate, as our current excellent Senator Kelly Morrison pursues a seat in Congress.  I’m ready to run if she wins the election, and I’ll bring these decades of diverse experience to the Capitol.  I’d like nothing more to represent you in Senate District 45! I look forward to our work ahead.