Meet Caitlyn
I grew up in Tracy, Minnesota, where my family taught me the value of hard work, service, and community from an early age. Like many families in rural Minnesota, we learned to rely on one another, work hard, and show up when people needed help.
After graduating high school, I attended Bethany Lutheran College before returning home to work as a daycare teacher and bartender while continuing my education. I later earned my B.A. in English Literature from Southwest Minnesota State University.
My professional background includes childcare, hospitality management, and higher education. I currently serve as the Circulation Supervisor at an academic library and as a leader within my local union. These experiences have shaped how I approach leadership: listening first, solving problems collaboratively, and understanding the challenges working families face every day.
Today, I live in Lake Benton with my husband, Eric, and our three cats.
Why I'm Running
I'm running for Minnesota State Senate because rural Minnesota deserves a strong voice at the table.
Too often, decisions are made for our communities instead of with them. I believe policy should be guided by transparency, data, and the lived experiences of the people affected — not by division or political theater.
We need to strengthen small towns, protect family farms, invest in healthcare and education, support emergency services, and ensure rural communities are not left behind.
Rooted in Rural Minnesota
Hard work has always been part of my family's story.
My maternal grandparents owned and operated the Walnut Grove Sale Barn, where my grandmother woke early each Friday morning to bake fresh buns, pies, and caramel rolls for the daily operations, while my grandfather, a veteran, worked as the auctioneer. As a child, I helped run tickets, served customers, and learned the value of community-centered small businesses.
My paternal grandparents also built their lives around hard work and service. After years operating a mink farm and later working at Schwan's, retirement never slowed them down. My grandmother reupholstered furniture and beanbag boards, while my grandfather, a Korean War veteran, continued taking on jobs throughout the community while tending his garden.
My parents carried those same values forward. My father served in the National Guard while working at Schwan's, and my mother balanced raising our family with part-time work when needed.
That work ethic and sense of service shaped my siblings and me. My sister works in healthcare as a licensed clinical social worker, my brother works in research and serves as a firefighter, and I chose a career centered around public service, education, and community support.
Growing up, Sundays followed a familiar rhythm: Sunday school and church in the morning, lunch with my mom's side of the family, and supper with my dad's side. Family was constant, and helping one another was simply expected. If someone needed support, people showed up.
That spirit of community is something I still see across rural Minnesota today. Whether it's neighbors helping after a storm, supporting local businesses, or coming together during difficult times, our communities are strongest when we look out for one another. It's a value I carry with me in both my work and my commitment to public service.
