When I first came to this country, I carried with me the same hopes that drive so many immigrants — the belief that if you work hard, serve your community, and lift as you climb, you can make a lasting difference.
That belief has guided me every step of the way — as a husband, a father, a community builder and organizer, and now as a candidate for the Minnesota State Senate in District 35, representing Coon Rapids, Anoka, and Andover.
Over the past fifteen years, I’ve worked alongside neighbors, faith leaders, and public servants to strengthen our communities and build bridges across our rich and diverse cultures.
From supporting small business owners, veterans, and first responders to helping young people find opportunities, my goal has always been simple: to ensure that everyone — no matter their background — has a fair chance to succeed.
In a time when too many are working to divide us, I believe we can do better.
We can choose unity over division, hope over fear, and love over hate.
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Ian Oundo Plan for Minnesota
That’s why this campaign is about more than an election — it’s about a movement. A movement to bring people together from all walks of life to build a Minnesota that works for everyone.
A movement where every voice is heard, every contribution is valued, and every dream is possible.
Our district, like so many others across our state, is filled with hardworking families who want good schools, safe neighborhoods, affordable healthcare, and leaders who listen.
Fully funding public education isn’t just a policy choice — it’s a smart investment in our shared future, one that prepares the next generation for a strong and competitive workforce.
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Call for Leadership
Supporting veterans and first responders isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s a promise we must keep to those who’ve sacrificed for our freedom.
And expanding opportunities for small businesses — especially those started by immigrants and communities of color — is how we grow a resilient, inclusive economy.
Diversity is not an accident — it’s our strength. It’s what makes our communities vibrant, our economy dynamic, and our democracy stronger.
As it says in Revelation 7:9, diversity is a divine gift — a reflection of the richness of creation itself. Our campaign is anchored in that truth.
As an immigrant who found opportunity here, I’ve seen firsthand the best of what Minnesota has to offer. But I’ve also seen where we fall short. Too many families are struggling to keep up with rising costs.
Too many young people feel disconnected from politics and public service. And too many communities — especially immigrant and working-class ones — feel left out of the decisions that shape their lives.
That’s why I’m running — to bring people together, to restore trust in leadership, and to make government work for everyone.
We’re already seeing incredible momentum. Leaders from local and state government, faith and civic organizations, and diverse communities across the district have come together to support this vision.
Together, we’re proving that when we unite around shared values, there’s nothing we can’t accomplish.
This campaign is about us — our families, our values, and our future. I’m asking for your support, your voice, and your partnership in building a District 35—and a Minnesota— that truly reflects the people who make it great.
Together, we will win — with love, with unity, and with the power of community.
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Ian Oundo is a community organizer and candidate for the Minnesota State Senate in District 35, representing Coon Rapids, Anoka, and Andover. Learn more at www.oundoforsenate.com.
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