Po Vang/Mark Frascone

"I was born in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and I live with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a form of muscular dystrophy that affects my nerves and causes gradual physical decline. I’ve had to navigate that reality my entire life.

I once planned to become an electrical engineer and work on alternatives to fossil fuels. But over time, I chose a different path—one shaped by real-life experience, by studying on my own, and by seeing how systems actually work for people like me.

This became personal when I saw what my brother is going through. He has the same disease, but more severe. His lung capacity is dangerously low, and he cannot travel long distances—especially not by plane—to access the most advanced treatments available in the world.

And that’s the problem.

We are living in a state—and a country—where people with serious chronic illnesses are forced to look overseas for care. Leading European countries already have higher medical standards and more accessible advanced treatments. But here in Minnesota, too many families are left behind.

That’s why I’m running for governor.

We should not have to leave this country to get the care we need. We should not have to go to Europe for cutting-edge treatment. Those standards should exist here, in Minnesota, for everyone.

I’ve lived this. My family is living this.

And I know that real healthcare isn’t just about technology—it’s about the full picture: access to advanced treatment, holistic care, clean water, proper nutrition, and conditions that allow people to actually recover and live with dignity.

Paul Wellstone showed that grassroots candidates can overcome the odds. I intend to follow that example—and fight for the people who are being overlooked."