My name is Ian Oundo, and I’m running to be a strong, unwavering voice for the people of Minnesota Senate District 35

I believe together we can build a Senate District 35 where everyone can thrive, is treated with dignity, feels they truly belong, and knows their voice is heard

Meet Ian

My name is Ian Oundo, and I live in Coon Rapids with my wife, Laura, a former math teacher & educator, our daughter, our five sons, and our golden doodle, Ziggy.

Minnesota is our home, and for the past thirteen years, Coon Rapids in Senate District 35 has been the heart of our story. It’s where my wife, Laura, and I have built a life grounded in shared values, hard work, and deep community ties. It’s where we’ve watched our children grow, learning in local schools, playing in our parks, and forming friendships that feel like family.
Our love for this community runs deeper than evening walks with our dog, weekend visits to neighborhood parks, or supporting local businesses. For us, true community care means rolling up our sleeves: engaging in civic life, reaching out to neighbors, and volunteering to make a real difference. Every day, we strive to give back to the people who have given so much to us, and to help build a future where everyone feels seen, supported, and proud to call this place home.

I’m a first-generation Ugandan-American, but my journey began in a low-income neighborhood in Kampala, Uganda. We didn’t have much in terms of material wealth, but we had faith, love, and a strong sense of community. My parents worked tirelessly to raise us with enduring values: to be God-fearing, compassionate, and committed to caring for others.

Twenty years ago, education opened a door that changed my life. A kind missionary family took a chance on a young boy with big dreams, bringing me to the United States to continue my studies.

My American journey started in Wichita, Kansas, and in 2005, it led me to Minnesota, a place I’ve proudly called home ever since. I earned my degree in Legal Studies from the Minnesota School of Business and began building a life rooted in service, leadership, and community.

Service & Leadership

My first job in America was delivering pizzas for Domino’s. From there, I moved into corporate roles, including project management, before my wife Laura and I took a leap of faith and opened our own small business, a local coffee shop in St. Paul.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of serving our community in many capacities, including:

Member, Coon Rapids Parks & Recreation Commission
Member, Coon Rapids Sustainability Commission
Member, Governor’s Emerging Farmers Working Group, MN Department of Agriculture
President, Resilient Cities and Communities
President, Uganda Association of Minnesota
Community Connector, Renewing the Countryside

Whether through business, public service, or grassroots volunteering, one thing has remained constant: my passion for building and uplifting community. It’s a passion planted in me as a child in Kampala and nurtured every day here in Minnesota. It’s what drives me, and it’s why I continue to serve.

Why I’m Running

I’m running for Minnesota Senate District 35 because I believe every family deserves the chance to thrive, every child deserves the opportunity to succeed, and every voice deserves to be heard. My story is rooted in the values we share across Coon Rapids, Anoka, Andover, and beyond, faith, hard work, service, and a deep commitment to community. Like so many in our district, I’ve faced the challenges of raising a family, navigating rising costs, and working within systems that too often leave everyday people behind. I’m stepping forward to make sure government works for all of us, not just the well-connected.

In a rapidly changing world, we need bold, inclusive, forward-thinking leadership that protects what we value while preparing us for the future. That means fully funded public education to uplift our kids and strengthen our economy, safe neighborhoods where opportunity outweighs fear, and policies that support small businesses, working families, and the diverse communities that make District 35 strong. This campaign is about building a Senate District 35 where everyone, regardless of background, or income, has the tools to succeed. When people feel respected, empowered, and hopeful, our communities grow stronger, our democracy thrives, and our future shines brighter.

A Call to Action

As your senator, I will be a steady voice and fierce advocate, working every day to ensure no one in District 35 is left behind or left out of the conversation. But real progress takes all of us: neighbors, families, and friends coming together with shared purpose. I look forward to meeting you, listening to you, and earning your support as we build a brighter, more inclusive future for our communities in Coon Rapids, Anoka, Andover, and beyond.

While some may try to divide us, pointing to our differences in faith, background, or language, I believe those differences are our greatest strength. District 35 is a vibrant mosaic of identities and experiences, and that diversity is what makes us resilient. We can honor our values and individual stories while still finding common ground to achieve great things. That’s how I’ve always led, and it’s how I’ll serve: by working side by side with anyone committed to unity, progress, and a better future for all Minnesotans.

"We are who we've been waiting for" - Ian Oundo

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TOP PRIORITIES

Educational Excellence & Investing Wisely in Our Kids and Educators

District 35 has long taken pride in Minnesota’s strong graduation rates, but behind those numbers, we’re seeing troubling declines in reading and math proficiency, and persistent gaps in achievement. I believe our local schools, from Coon Rapids to Anoka, can lead the way by investing in what works: early childhood education, evidence-based curriculum, and targeted support for high-need schools. My plan ensures that more dollars reach classrooms, not overhead, and that every student has the tools to succeed.

I will champion community partnerships that bring mentorship and enrichment to students at low cost, while supporting educators with competitive pay, mental health resources, and professional development. Retaining great teachers isn’t just good policy, it’s smart budgeting. With a focus on measurable outcomes and transparent spending, my approach reflects the values of District 35: preparing every child for success, and doing it with care, efficiency, and accountability.

Health Care That Works for District 35

In Coon Rapids, Anoka, and across Senate District 35, families and seniors are facing real challenges, from rising prescription costs to limited access to care and coverage that disappears when jobs do. I believe no one should have to choose between paying their bills or buying groceries, and getting the medical attention they need. My healthcare plan focuses on smart, compassionate solutions that expand access, lower costs, and protect the programs our communities rely on.

I will fight to expand MinnesotaCare’s public option for more working families, cap insulin and essential medication prices, and ensure uninterrupted care through Medical Assistance. My plan also supports telehealth access for seniors, mobile clinics, and local health centers that meet people where they are. With a focus on fiscal responsibility, I will safeguard taxpayer dollars while making sure every resident, from young parents to retirees, can count on affordable, reliable care close to home. That’s the kind of practical, community-first leadership District 35 deserves.

Clean Energy & Environmental Stewardship

Minnesota’s path to 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040 is a bold step toward cleaner air, lower energy costs, and a stronger economy. In our Senate District 35 which includes communities like Coon Rapids, Anoka and Andover, I'm committed to making sure this transition works for everyone. That means investing in reliable, affordable clean energy while protecting ratepayers and partnering with local businesses to modernize our grid without raising taxes. It also means prioritizing solar, wind, and geothermal projects that create jobs and reduce long-term utility costs for families right here at home.

My plan reflects the values of District 35: protecting our natural treasures like the Mississippi River and Rum River, reducing pollution in our neighborhoods, and ensuring every household can benefit from clean energy upgrades. I'll advocate for stronger oversight in high-risk areas, support conservation funding, and back smart infrastructure, from EV charging stations to energy-efficient public buildings, that delivers real savings and measurable environmental impact. This is about building a cleaner, healthier future that includes all of us.

Growing Our Local Economy & Tackling the Rising Cost of Living

In District 35, from Coon Rapids to Anoka and Andover, families are feeling the squeeze. Rising grocery prices, housing costs, and child care expenses are making it harder to get ahead. I know firsthand the challenges of running a small business, or trying to keep food on the table, and I believe real economic growth starts locally.

My plan focuses on supporting small businesses, entrepreneurs, investing in workers, and attracting employers who offer good-paying jobs with real benefits, so families can build stability and thrive.

I will expand funding for small business partnerships, streamline startup costs, and promote local procurement to keep dollars circulating in our community. I'll advocate for infrastructure improvements that make our district attractive to clean energy and green tech industries, and invest in apprenticeship programs and career pathways for veterans, youth, and workers in transition. From affordable housing and child care, to mental health support for caregivers and tradespeople, my approach reflects the values of District 35: practical leadership, community investment, and a commitment to making everyday life more affordable for everyone.

Tech & Infrastructure

Technology is reshaping how we live, work, and connect, and District 35 is ready to lead. From Coon Rapids to Anoka, to Andover, my plan invests in the digital infrastructure and workforce training that will shape Minnesota’s future, with a focus on inclusion and opportunity for every resident. That means expanding high-speed broadband in underserved areas, creating public Wi-Fi zones in libraries and parks, and funding digital literacy programs for seniors and low-income families.

I will work to accelerate EV charging station installation across the northwest metro, modernize roads and transit systems, and champion clean energy upgrades in public buildings and affordable housing. I will expand tech training programs in cybersecurity, biotech, and green industries, while supporting union-led initiatives that ensure fair wages and career mobility. From innovation hubs to secure, user-friendly government tech, my approach reflects the values of District 35: forward-thinking leadership, practical investment, and a commitment to building wealth and opportunity for every household in our district.