Jennifer Carnahan 
Minnesota Senate District 6

Fighting for Everyday Minnesotans, Not the Political Establishment

The day Jennifer was born, she was found abandoned on the back doorstep of a rural hospital in South Korea, next to a garbage dumpster. Five months later, she was adopted by her parents - John and Cindra Carnahan and forever became a proud Minnesotan and American.

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Jennifer’s family has considered the Brainerd Lakes Area a part of their home for generations. Jennifer's late grandfather, Earl Behning, a U.S. Navy veteran, and her grandmother, Sue Behning, bought property on Lake Hubert more than 50 years ago. Her parents met while working at Camp Lincoln on Lake Hubert as college students further deepening their connection to the area. 

A Leader with Real-World Experience

Jennifer isn’t a career politician—she's a former corporate marketing leader turned small business owner. As the current Mayor of Nisswa and the owner of two businesses in Downtown Nisswa, she understands the challenges that can arise when government imposes too many regulations and taxes making it hard for a small business to thrive.

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For nearly a decade, Jennifer's been involved in the local business community, serving on the Nisswa Downtown Council and previously on the Brainerd Lakes Chamber Government Relations Committee.

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Before becoming an entrepreneur, Jennifer built a successful career in marketing and strategy for some of the world’s most respected Fortune 500 companies, including General Mills, McDonald's Corporation, and Ecolab. She has nearly 30 years of experience in the private sector which has been an asset when involved in the politics and governance. 

A Story of Strength and Resilience

In 2017, Jennifer met her future husband, the late Congressman Jim Hagedorn (MN-01) and they were happily married on December 15, 2018. Exactly two months after their wedding, her husband was diagnosed with stage four kidney cancer. He bravely fought for three years before passing away.​  Inspired by their shared commitment to public service, Jennifer has never stopped fighting for the American Dream. 

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Why I’m Running

I want to be very clear about why I’m running for this seat.
 

During my four years as Chairwoman of the Republican Party of Minnesota, I saw firsthand how the political elite and so-called “movers and shakers” tried to silence everyday people to push their agenda through.  These are the people I’m running against.

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We’re all tired of the same career politicians who come out of the woodwork, make big promises, and then serve the establishment instead of the people. We need one of us in office—someone who understands the struggles of small business owners, hardworking families, and everyday Minnesotans who feel ignored.
 

It’s time for a government that works for the people, by the people, and with the people.

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Core Issues

✅ Cut Wasteful Spending & Lower Taxes

Government is taking too much of our money and wasting it on bureaucracy. I’ll fight to reduce the tax burden and stop reckless spending that drives up costs for all of us.
 

✅ Stop Rising Costs & Strengthen Our Economy

Everything is more expensive—groceries, gas, energy, and housing. I’ll push for pro-growth policies that stop inflation, cut unnecessary regulations, and put more money back in our pockets.
 

✅ Stand with Small Businesses & Job Creators

Small businesses are the backbone of our communities, but government regulations and taxes are making it harder for them to succeed. I’ll work to cut red tape, lower costs, and create an environment where businesses thrive.
 

✅ Defend the Second Amendment

I will always stand up for the constitutional rights of law-abiding Minnesotans to hunt, protect their families, and exercise their Second Amendment freedoms.
 

✅ Support Law & Order

Safe communities start with strong support for law enforcement. I’ll fight against efforts to defund the police and ensure our communities have the resources to keep families safe.
 

✅ Protect Our Lakes & Natural Resources

Our lakes and natural beauty make Minnesota special. I’ll work to protect them without government overreach that punishes landowners and businesses.
 

"We live in a wonderful part of the world, and it’s our job together to keep it shining for generations to come."
– Jennifer Carnahan

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