Stokes to Seek District 36 Senate Seat

Theresa Stokes, Farmington, announced today she will seek the Republican Party endorsement for the Minnesota Senate District 36 seat.

Stokes said that she is a solid conservative to the core. "Now more than ever, conservative values are needed in Minnesota government."

"I believe Minnesota stands at a tipping point of liberal, progressive ideals taking hold that will undermine our individual freedoms and prosperity as Minnesotans," Stokes said. “I want to engage in the pullback necessary to restore and fortify the conservative state I believe Minnesota is at her core."

“Minnesota, like the rest of the country, is at a crossroads,” Stokes said. “We face tremendous economic challenges. But more than that, we need to decide whether we will allow government to control us, or if we push back and keep it from intruding further into our lives, our purses and our wallets.”

Stokes said that she intends to be an outspoken advocate on behalf of the people of Senate District 36. "This district has been a solid, conservative anchor for the State of Minnesota. I intend to build on this legacy and inspire my fellow neighbors to stand up and help take back Minnesota," Stokes said.

"As a conservative, my first priority is to be a Senator who is fiscally responsible with the money provided by Minnesotans. To that end, I will stand for minimal taxation and prudent spending," Stokes said.

"Second, the state of Minnesota needs jobs. I will pursue re-establishing the robust business climate that Minnesota once had. We need to do more to attract and keep companies in our state. This is my second priority, Stokes said.

"Wasteful spending equals money lost to important needs in the state. In particular, we can do more to reform welfare and other entitlement programs. This is my third job priority", said Stokes.

Stokes has been a delegate for Senate District 36 at the local conventions since 2008 and has been a poll challenger. She currently is a standing delegate for State Central, Republican Party Minnesota.

Stokes grew up and lived most of her adult life in the metro area. She is married to LtCol Geoff Stokes (retired) and has two children. In the service, the Stokes family lived in Virginia, Illinois, Japan and California. She and her family returned to Minnesota when her husband retired from the Marine Corps in 2007.

Stokes holds a Bachelor of Arts in Telecommunications from Arizona State University. Prior to the birth of her children, she worked as a professional for 10 years. Stokes says she would bring that private sector business experience and skills to her role as senator

Senate District 36 holds its endorsing convention on Saturday, Feb. 27, at the Lakeville South High School. Stokes registered her candidacy with the state campaign finance board last week.