Minnesota Legislative races: House District 33B

Rep Josiah Hill, DFL-Stillwater, is seeking a second term representing District 33B, which includes the cities of Stillwater, Bayport and Marine on St. Croix. Jessica L. Johnson of Stillwater is the Republican challenger.

General information about the Nov. 5 election is online at twincities.com/tag/elections. In addition, twincities.com/news/politics/elections will have a full voters guide with candidates for Ramsey, Dakota and Washington county races online this month. To find out where to vote, visit the Minnesota Secretary of State’s online polling place finder at pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us.

Josiah Hill (incumbent)

Age: 47

Party: DFL

What would your top priorities be if elected?

Clean water is of particular importance to me. Without it, little else matters. I also want to continue to invest in Minnesota’s young people by ensuring we have strong public schools for ALL students. I am also energized to pass the long-overdue Equal Rights Amendment by getting it on the ballot in the near future for our voters to decide.

What qualifies you to hold this position?

I am the incumbent and a 25-year veteran of teaching high school English in public schools.

What do you think is the primary role of government?

To support the needs of our citizens and to ensure safety, quality education, and to secure our future through strategic investments in our people and ensure we protect our precious environment.

How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you?

I work to actively listen and to always seek first to understand the perspectives of those I work with. This has served me well during my time at the Capitol and I will continue forward in this way. I am proud of the work I was able to complete with colleagues across the aisle during my time at the Capitol.

Website or contact information: josiahhill.org

Jessica L. Johnson

Age: 46

Party: Republican

What would your top priorities be if elected?

If elected, my top priorities will include promoting fiscal responsibility by ensuring that tax dollars are spent efficiently on essential services like education, infrastructure, first responders, and environmental protection. I will advocate for limited government, reducing unnecessary regulations while maintaining strong oversight. I am committed to upholding the U.S. and Minnesota Constitutions and supporting policies that enhance local control in education and other key areas, ensuring decisions are made by those closest to the community. Additionally, I will work to improve transparency and accountability in government.

What qualifies you to hold this position?

I am a middle-class working mom, wife, and businesswoman, balancing multiple jobs to make ends meet for my family. I understand what it means to wait tables, work second shifts, and manage a small business, all while juggling family responsibilities. My life experiences represent you better than those of my opponent, who earns a six-figure salary at the expense of taxpayers. I am independent—not an insider—owing no special interest groups any favors. I have no conflicts of interest when it comes to the oversight duties that your State Representative should be performing. I can serve you with integrity. My professional experience in management, negotiations, finance, auditing, contract writing, and applying state statutes has prepared me to do this job, and to do it well. Coaching youth basketball and volleyball, graduating from the Chamber of Commerce Leadership program, and volunteering with local nonprofits have deepened my ties to our community. Democracy needs servant leaders from among our neighbors, not elitist “experts” who do not listen and merely follow their political herd. I will listen and then lead.

What do you think is the primary role of government?

First, fiscal responsibility. It’s your money, and the government needs to live within a budget, just like you do. It is crucial that your tax dollars are spent efficiently on essential services like education, infrastructure, first responders, and environmental protection. Second, limited government. This keeps the focus on what is essential. We must reduce overreaching and unnecessary regulations while maintaining strong oversight. Third, the rule of law. Constitutionally, it must be applied equally and fairly to all. I am committed to defending and upholding our U.S. and Minnesota Constitutions. These documents guarantee our freedoms—not bureaucrats. Fourth, government transparency and accountability are essential at all levels. Government should act in ways it is proud to show and should ensure those actions are visible to the public. Fifth, local control. As a general principle, from fixing potholes to education, decisions should be made by those most affected—locally and close to the community.

How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you?

Thoughtful discussions, including disagreement, are essential to good lawmaking. Minnesotans are a diverse people, deserving to be heard with compassion and empathy. Ask good questions, genuinely listen for understanding, and engage in open dialogue. Foster mutual respect by modeling it. Hear all perspectives, enlist others to collaborate when needed, and look for common goals, even if approaches differ. By working together in this way, we can find practical solutions.

Website or contact information: JessicaforMNHouse.com