I grew up with Minnesota values — faith, hard work, service, and a deep love for our country. My story begins in the farmland of Morris, where my parents were born and raised before my dad began his service in the United States Navy. As they moved around the world serving our nation, they built a family and eventually came home to Eden Prairie.

My childhood was filled with trips to my grandparents’ farm, visits to the family cabin, and endless games of basketball, baseball, and football with friends. Those experiences, and the example set by my parents, instilled in me a lifelong commitment to serve others and protect the values we hold dear.

After graduating from Eden Prairie High School, I attended the University of Notre Dame, participating in the Navy ROTC program. I graduated with honors in Civil Engineering in 2000 and was commissioned in the United States Navy in 2001. The lessons I learned in uniform — leadership, accountability, and putting service above self — will guide me as I work to represent the people of Minnesota in the United States Senate.