DISCLAIMER: The opinions expressed in the candidates responses are the sole views of their own. They do not reflect the opinions or views of the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce or its members. The publication of the candidates statements therein do not imply the expression of any endorsement whatsoever by the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce or its members.
District 24B
Tina Liebling (I) (DFL)
Why are you running for State Representative, and how does your experience qualify you for the position?
I am running to continue standing up for my constituents: standing up to insurance companies and drug companies, standing up to big tech, standing up to corporations that would harm our environment, and standing up to fraudsters who try to steal from individuals and from our state.
What are your top two priorities/issues as a candidate for the legislature?
Two of my top priorities are protecting Minnesotans from the impacts of Republican cuts to health care and making health care accessible and affordable for all Minnesotans. For the next session, I am focusing on reducing costs and improving accountability by removing private insurers from Minnesota’s public health programs and improving access to mental health care for everyone.
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What can the state legislature do to improve Minnesota's business climate and make the state more competitive for business and job growth?
Minnesota was recently rated #5 for business by CNBC, but we face challenges, especially in attracting and retaining workers. We should continue to focus on attracting and supporting working-age people with excellent and affordable educational opportunities, affordable housing, support for child care, valuing diversity, and protecting the freedom to make one's own personal choices.
John Michael Ajouri (R)
Why are you running for State Representative, and how does your experience qualify you for the position?
I’m running because the people of District 24B deserve a representative who listens to them, asks hard questions, and puts their interests ahead of party leadership. I want state government to be accountable for how it spends public money and for the results it delivers.
My background is in industrial engineering technology and construction. I earned my general contractor license in 1985 and have worked on major international projects. Those projects taught me to manage complex work, examine costs, coordinate teams, and solve problems before they grow. When public money is involved, I believe elected officials should apply that same attention to detail.
I will bring practical experience and independent judgment to the Legislature. I will listen to residents, scrutinize spending, and work with anyone willing to solve problems for Rochester and Minnesota.
What are your top two priorities/issues as a candidate for the legislature?
My first priority is stopping fraud and restoring accountability. Taxpayers should be able to trust that public money reaches the people and programs it was intended to serve. I will push for stronger verification before payments are made, independent audits, prompt investigation of warning signs, and public reporting on what was lost, recovered, and fixed. When oversight fails, the Legislature must find out why and hold decision makers accountable.
My second priority is affordable housing and homeownership. Working families need a realistic path to owning a home. I want to reduce unnecessary permitting costs and delays and examine rules that prevent the construction of modest, lower-cost homes. Housing proposals should be judged by whether they produce homes people can actually afford.
These priorities reflect a simple commitment: protect taxpayers’ money and make government work for the people it serves.
What can the state legislature do to improve Minnesota's business climate and make the state more competitive for business and job growth?
The Legislature can make Minnesota more competitive by lowering unnecessary costs and giving employers stable, predictable rules. Small businesses in particular have limited capacity to absorb new taxes, fees, and mandates. Before passing a new requirement, legislators should ask what it will cost, how it will affect hiring, and whether there is a simpler way to achieve the same goal.
We should also make permitting faster and more transparent. Businesses need clear requirements, reasonable timelines, and a way to resolve delays so they can make investment decisions with confidence. At the same time, Minnesota should strengthen technical education, apprenticeships, and workforce training that connect people with available jobs.
My experience on major international projects taught me that investment follows sound planning and reliable execution. Minnesota can compete for business and job growth when employers know the rules, can find skilled workers, and have confidence that state government respects their time and resources.