Why Latonya Is Running

I’m Latonya Reeves, a democratic candidate for U.S. Congress in Minnesota’s 5th district running because the people of the 5th District deserve a representative who truly listens—one who shows up not just during election season, but year-round. I’ve heard from residents across this district who are frustrated and feel unheard. They want effective leadership that prioritizes real issues impacting our families, neighborhoods, and future, and sadly this is not what they get from our incumbent.

My opponent in this race for the democratic nomination is Ilhan Omar.

I am a lifelong Minnesotan—born and raised right here in the 5th District by a strong single mother who worked tirelessly to provide a better life for my sisters and me. Those values of perseverance, community, and service are what guide me today.

Our community deserves a representative who focuses on the needs of Minnesotans right here at home, while still standing firm against extremism and threats to our democracy. We need someone who knows how to collaborate, not bully those who do not agree; build bridges with local and national elected leaders, not burn them down for their own political gain; and we need someone who can – when possible – work across the aisle to deliver results—while also fighting fiercely for our values, our rights, and our communities.

People across this district—Black, brown, white, Jewish, Muslim, Christian, Asian, Latino, immigrants, progressives, moderates, conservatives, veterans, seniors, justice-impacted, law enforcement and everyone who calls CD5 home—deserve to be seen, valued, and heard. Every voice matters, we cannot allow division, hostility, or ideological extremes to drown out the needs of everyday people.

We are one community. One district. One Minnesota family. And we all deserve representation that reflects that unity.

Growing up, I always believed I would one day work in politics . My parents, who have both passed on, were deeply passionate about politics. I often argued with my mother about candidates who did not understand marginalized communities, or who only came to our community when it was time to vote making empty promises. If they were here today, they would tell me to fight for what’s right—and that is exactly what I intend to do.

As a mother of three Black sons and a grandmother to two beautiful girls, I feel a responsibility to push for a future where they, and all children, have equal opportunity to thrive. I have always been a fighter, and I am ready to fight for this community with everything I have.

I will represent all of MN-CD-5—North Minneapolis, South Minneapolis, and every city and suburb that makes up this incredible district: Saint Anthony, Fridley, Spring Lake Park, Columbia Heights, Hilltop, Brooklyn Center, Richfield, Crystal, Robbinsdale, New Hope, Golden Valley, St Louis Park, Edina—every community matters. No one should feel overlooked or dismissed because of where they live or what they believe.

Political extremism and divisiveness have damaged the sense of community that once held us together. It’s time to return to listening, collaborating, and bringing people together. We need leadership that will ask:

How can I help? How can I uplift you? How can we solve these challenges together?

We cannot afford leadership that is disconnected from the daily realities of the people they serve. Grocery bills are too high and affordability is a major issue, medical insurance and prescription drugs are priced out of reach, public safety and economic development initiatives are lacking.  We have community members literally being kidnapped off the street!  Gunfire erupting in our schools!  We must challenge this administration to do what is right for our community. We need to focus on our neighbors with common sense policies to make their lives better, instead of focusing on personal agendas and making millions while others starve. Minnesota continues to have some of the highest racial disparities in the nation. That must change. We deserve leadership that does more than acknowledge the problem—we deserve leadership that takes action to fix it.

Six years is long enough to see whether progress is happening. The challenges facing our community are too urgent to wait any longer. The constitution has become an optional document, and legislators are catering to the loudest voices, instead of fighting for all. Minnesota’s 5th should be at the center of finding a way through this democratic crisis rather than at the center of petty dramas that do nothing to solve our community, and our nation’s, serious problems.

Positive, accountable, community-centered change that brings everyone to the table starts now.  I am ready to deliver that change.

Learn more about my campaign and what I’ll do as the next U.S. Representative from Minnesota’s 5th at www.latonyaforcongress.org

I’m Latonya Reeves, I ask for your support and vote in the DFL Caucus’ and the August 8th democratic primary.

Thank you and God Bless these United States of America.