House 49A DFL candidate Q&A: Alex Falconer

Biography

Alex Falconer lives in Eden Prairie with his wife, Erica, a marriage and family therapist, and their three children, who attend Minnetonka public schools. He holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from St. Olaf College. Falconer has experience in political organizing and campaign management, having volunteered on campaigns for Paul Wellstone and Barack Obama. He began working with the Minnesota DFL in 2006 and is the DFL-endorsed candidate for House District 49A.

According to his website, Falconer’s campaign priorities include equitable access to education, universal pre-K, and addressing disparities in school funding. He supports expanding affordable healthcare through MinnesotaCare for all residents and maintains a pro-choice stance. His platform also emphasizes a livable minimum wage, support for small businesses, and workers’ rights. Falconer says he is committed to environmental conservation, advocating policies to protect natural resources and promote renewable energy.

Since 2015, Falconer has served as the campaign manager for the Campaign to Save the Boundary Waters, a coalition of conservation organizations, businesses, and hunter-angler groups. He played a key role in securing a 20-year ban on sulfide-ore copper mining on federal lands and continues to work toward making this ban permanent.

More information on Alex Falconer and his candidacy can be found on his campaign website: alexforhouse.org.

Question 1

What inspired you to enter the race for the Minnesota State House, and what unique experiences or perspectives do you bring to the table?

Falconer: My journey to seek this position is deeply rooted in both my personal and professional experiences. From my dad, I learned firsthand what hard work, tenacity, and dedication mean for a business owner who must provide for his family and employees alike. My mom, a retired family practice physician (and) a trailblazer when not many women were welcome in the field at the time, showed me through her work the importance of what real, affordable access to healthcare means to everyone, and that healthcare should remain between a woman and her doctor. 

My passion for politics and grassroots organizing grew during my time volunteering with the Wellstone and Obama campaigns. These experiences showed me the power of community and collective action. Working for the Minnesota DFL and managing various campaigns helped me understand the intricacies of political strategy and effective leadership. Since 2015, I’ve led the Campaign to Save the Boundary Waters, securing a 20-year ban on harmful mining projects, which reinforced my commitment to environmental conservation. As a longtime resident of Eden Prairie, I’ve also been inspired by Rep. Laurie Pryor’s leadership these past eight years, and when she announced her retirement from the Legislature, I felt compelled to step up and carry the torch.

All these experiences mean that on Day 1, I’m ready to hit the ground running for the people of Eden Prairie and Minnetonka. Our community deserves experienced, effective leadership, and I bring that to the table.

Question 2

What are the top three issues you believe the Minnesota State Legislature should address in the next session, and why?

Falconer: The top three issues I believe the Minnesota State Legislature should address in the next session are affordable healthcare, environmental protection, and educational equity.

Firstly, affordable healthcare is a fundamental right that should be accessible to all Minnesotans. The rising costs of healthcare services and prescription drugs are placing an undue burden on families. We need to expand access to affordable healthcare by supporting initiatives that lower costs, improve transparency, and ensure that no one has to choose between paying for their health and other essential needs. Additionally, we must safeguard reproductive rights and ensure that healthcare decisions remain between a woman and her doctor.

Environmental protection is crucial for the future of our state and planet. Climate change poses a significant threat to our communities, economy, and natural resources. Minnesota must lead the way in implementing sustainable practices, reducing carbon emissions, and investing in renewable energy sources. Protecting our natural treasures, like the Boundary Waters, from harmful mining and other industrial activities is essential to preserving our environment for future generations.

Lastly, educational equity is vital for the success of our children and the prosperity of our state. We are lucky in our district to have access to such high-quality education, but all students, regardless of their background or zip code, deserve access to high-quality education. We must address disparities in school funding, provide support for teachers, and ensure that schools have the resources needed to help every child succeed. Investing in early childhood education, mental health services, and career and technical training will prepare our students for a bright future.

By tackling these three issues – affordable healthcare, environmental protection, and educational equity – we can build a stronger, healthier, and more equitable Minnesota for all.

Question 3

How would you propose to make Minnesota’s tax system fairer and more equitable for all residents?

Falconer: I believe we should take a fresh look at our tax code to ensure we have a more fair and equitable system – one that makes it easier for working families to benefit from tax breaks and help families build wealth.

Our tax code must ensure those on a fixed income aren’t overly burdened, and that the ultra-wealthy and large corporations are paying their fair share. Once elected, I will push for proposals that stop taxing Social Security, unemployment, and tip wages to help ease the burden on many of our citizens. Additionally, we need to ensure auditing of state agencies and contracts is open and transparent so Minnesota taxpayers can see that their dollars are being spent wisely and fairly. 

Question 4

What measures do you support to improve the quality and funding of public education in our state?

Falconer: To improve the quality and funding of public education in our state, here are a few measures I support:

First, we need to level the playing field for all school districts in Minnesota. Right now, there’s a big gap in funding depending on where kids go to school, and that’s just not fair. Every student should have access to the same quality of education, no matter their zip code. We need to find a way to distribute resources more evenly while protecting our high-performing districts. 

Second, let’s make teaching more attractive by offering higher pay and better benefits. Teachers do an incredible job and should be compensated fairly for their hard work. On top of that, we can introduce programs for student loan forgiveness or even free tuition for teachers who commit to staying in Minnesota. This would help bring in more talented educators and keep the great ones we already have.

To improve the quality of our schools, we have to invest in early childhood education and measures to support students throughout their academic life. By supporting early learning programs, we give kids a strong start right from the beginning. This funding for universal pre-K and affordable childcare can make a huge difference in a child’s development. Kids are also facing a lot these days, and having proper mental health resources is essential. I will fight to do all I can to make sure students have the support they need to succeed both academically and personally.

By making these changes – equalizing funding, paying teachers what they deserve, investing in early childhood education, and boosting mental health resources – we can make sure every student in Minnesota gets the quality education they deserve.

Question 5

What strategies would you advocate to control rising healthcare costs and improve access to medical services for Minnesotans?

Falconer: Many Minnesotans face the tough choice between getting the healthcare they need and paying for other necessities due to rising healthcare costs. Once elected, I will work to move Minnesota toward a state with full universal care, but as we work toward this goal, there are a few key strategies to lower healthcare costs for Minnesotans. 

First, let’s expand MinnesotaCare to function as a public option. By allowing more people to buy into MinnesotaCare, we provide an affordable, high-quality alternative to private insurance. This will boost competition, lower costs, and ensure more Minnesotans have access to comprehensive coverage. 

Secondly, I’ll work to cap insurance company premium increases. By limiting how much premiums can go up each year, we protect consumers from sky-high rate hikes. This brings financial stability to families already struggling with rising healthcare costs and helps keep coverage affordable.

Lastly, we should cap deductible limits. High deductibles can prevent people from getting the care they need because they can’t afford the out-of-pocket costs. By capping deductibles, we reduce this barrier and make it easier for folks to seek necessary medical care without fear of huge bills.

By taking these steps, we move closer to our ultimate goal of universal healthcare in our state.

Question 6

Given the importance of local party endorsements, how do you view their role in this race, and what is your response to the endorsement outcomes in this primary?

Falconer: Local party endorsements are essential in this race, and I’m incredibly honored to have received the endorsement of the Minnesota DFL Party. Their support is a testament to our campaign’s strength and the unity we’re fostering within our community.

In the wake of President Biden’s decision to step aside from the 2024 presidential race, we’ve seen a groundswell of renewed support for Democratic campaigns and candidates at local, state and national levels. Grassroots support, like what we’ve seen throughout this cycle, channeled through state and local parties, is a powerful force that propels local candidates like myself to office. I’m proud to have the support of the MN DFL and the broad coalition of organizations and elected officials that are supporting our campaign.