Service. Accountability. Results.
I’m running to represent Big Lake, Becker, Clear Lake, and our surrounding townships with disciplined leadership and a commitment to putting our communities first.
Growth is good but not if local families are left paying the bill.
That means holding large corporations accountable, protecting our infrastructure, and making sure every decision puts our communities first, not outside interests.
Leashes Off, Conversation On: 5/21 6:30 PM @ Becker Dog Park
Trivia Thursday with SD27 & SD30 DFL (must sign up on Mobilize)
Door Knocking with Vanessa Davenport - Big Lake: 6/3 5PM @ Big Lake Lions Park. Volunteers needed!
Door Knocking with Vanessa Davenport - Becker: 6/4 5PM @ Becker Community Center. Volunteers needed!
Back to the Majority - Virtual Fundraiser: 6/29 7 PM
Top Campaign Priorities
We can grow responsibly, protect our communities, and plan for the future without asking local families to carry the burden.
#1: AI Datacenter - Protecting Our Communities While Planning for the Future
Growth is coming but local families shouldn’t be left paying the bill.
Require corporations to cover infrastructure, grid, and water costs
No blank checks for large corporations -
Independent third-party audits at every phase
Full public transparency before approvals
Local communities must have a real voice
Open to pausing expansion until safeguards are in place
Opponents Approach:
HF28 - As chief author of HF28, Shane Mekeland advanced legislation that reduces regulatory oversight to accelerate data center energy infrastructure, while my approach prioritizes requiring corporations to cover costs, ensuring transparency, and protecting local communities before expansion.
HF4153 - As chief author of HF4153, Shane Mekeland supported policies that ease water usage approvals and provide tax advantages for data centers, whereas I advocate for full public transparency, independent oversight, and ensuring corporations, not local families, bear the long-term costs.
HF4990 - As an author/coauthor of HF4990, Shane Mekeland backed expanded exemptions and incentives for data centers to encourage rapid development, in contrast to my position that growth should be paused or limited until strong safeguards, accountability, and community protections are in place.
#2: Reliable Energy & Grid Security
Reliable power isn’t optional and neither is protecting ratepayers.
Keep energy reliable and affordable
Support reviewing/lifting the nuclear moratorium
ONLY with:
Ratepayer protections
Transparent financing
Public oversight
Focus on grid resilience + affordability
Long term planning
Opponents Approach: Short-term, deregulation-first approach that risks long-term costs and instability.
More
Priorities
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These decisions belong to patients and their doctors—not politicians.
Protect access to abortion and reproductive healthcare
Maintain Minnesota’s role as a state that respects personal freedom
Ensure government does not interfere in private medical decisions
Opponent’s approach: Supports restricting abortion access and putting government between patients and their doctors.
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Getting care shouldn’t depend on your zip code or your income.
Expand access to rural healthcare and telehealth services
Address workforce shortages so families can actually get care when they need it
Improve access to mental health services, especially for veterans and families
Require clear, upfront pricing so people aren’t hit with surprise medical bills
Lower prescription drug costs and increase transparency
Opponent’s approach: Focus has not been on expanding access or cost transparency, with less emphasis on addressing rural healthcare shortages and affordability challenges.
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Families shouldn’t be carrying the burden alone.
Lower everyday costs through energy efficiency and infrastructure
Expand access to affordable childcare, especially in rural areas
Increase transparency in healthcare pricing
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Working families shouldn’t be subsidizing everyone else.
Ask the highest earners to contribute slightly more
Invest in schools, roads, and emergency services
Focus on tax fairness, not across-the-board cuts
Opponent’s approach: Broad tax cuts regardless of income level, which can shift the burden onto local communities.
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If projects come into our communities, the jobs should stay here.
Support apprenticeships and workforce pipelines
Promote fair wages and labor standards
Prioritize local hiring for local projects
Opponent’s approach: Reducing regulations with less emphasis on wages, labor protections, and local hiring.
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Taxpayer dollars should be protected. Period.
Strengthen oversight before money is lost
Modernize fraud detection systems
Enforce real consequences for misuse
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Public safety starts with accountability and results.
Fully prosecute violent crime
Strengthen coordination with local law enforcement
Keep illegal firearms out of the hands of criminals
Promote responsible gun ownership
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Service doesn’t end when the uniform comes off.
Expand rural access to mental health care
Improve job credential recognition
Ensure veterans and families receive the support they’ve earned
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Government should answer to voters, not big money.
Strengthen transparency and disclosure
Enforce clear rules around coordination
Expand reforms that elevate everyday voices
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Privacy isn’t optional, it’s a right.
Set clear limits on surveillance technology
Strengthen data privacy protections
Uphold warrants and due process
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Our communities need housing—but local families should have a fair shot at owning a home.
Support converting underused properties into housing
Reduce outdated zoning barriers where it makes sense locally
Support local builders and responsible development
Limit large-scale corporate and private equity purchases of single-family homes
Prioritize homeownership opportunities for individuals and families
Opponent’s approach: Focus on reducing regulations and fewer restrictions on the housing market, without prioritizing safeguards to ensure local families can compete for homeownership.
Let’s Build This Together!
Campaigns in small communities are about relationships. I want to hear what matters to you and your family.
Whether you want to volunteer, host a conversation, or simply stay informed — I’d love to connect!
Accepting Mail:
PO Box 102
Big Lake, MN 55309
About Vanessa
I’m running for the Minnesota House of Representatives in District 27A because I believe in hard work, accountability, and making sure working families aren’t left behind. After years of serving in different roles, I want to continue serving my community in a more meaningful and impactful way.
I was raised by a single mother in Tennessee, and from an early age, I learned the value of responsibility and resilience. I worked three jobs while in high school, which shaped my work ethic and my understanding of what it takes to get ahead.
I went on to study Aviation and International Studies at Jacksonville University and completed FAA Air Traffic Control training, gaining experience in high-pressure, high-accountability environments.
My career has been grounded in logistics, operations, and public service. I’ve worked as a QA Auditor for Endeavor Airlines and as a Materials Manager and Heavy Equipment Operator in industrial construction across multiple states. I also served on active duty in the United States Navy as a Logistics Specialist aboard the USS Nimitz during its longest deployment since Vietnam, including during the COVID-19 pandemic, and I continued to serve in the Navy Reserves.
Today, I work as an analyst at a Minnesota electric company while completing my Master’s degree in Engineering, focused on supply chain transportation and logistics.
Having lived in nine states and visited more than 30 countries, I bring a broad perspective and a deep commitment to community. I’m running to protect our communities from unchecked expansion of AI data centers, safeguard and strengthen our electric grid, strengthen accountability in government, and ensure that our economy works for everyone, not just the few.
Current endorsements:
DFL
Minnesota Young DFL
FairVote Minnesota
Our District
Explore MN House District 27A
Haven ~ Palmer ~ Santiago ~ Clear Lake ~ Becker ~ Orrock ~ Big Lake