Who is Kobey?

Growing up, I was one of 8 children in a blended family. My mother, a homemaker, and my dad, a small business owner. My family was rooted in tradition — family dinners at the table every night, attending the Fourth of July parade in Walker, Minnesota, reminiscing old memories at our family reunion, and attending Mass on Christmas, Ash Wednesday, and Easter. Public service is a value I’ve always been committed to. In high school, I led our Interact Club, a subsidiary of Rotary International; we organized volunteers for projects around the Leech Lake community. In college, I served as a resident assistant, helping students navigate personal and interpersonal conflict. I also served on the Hamline Midway Coalition Board of Directors during the George Floyd Uprising. I graduated from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs with my Master of Public Policy degree at the age of 22, an accomplishment only due to Minnesota’s Post Secondary Enrollment Options program. I was equipped to understand the science behind public policy. I worked on projects ranging from:

• • Studying perceptions of civic engagement

  • Studying signage ordinances in St Paul’s zoning code

  • Best practices in other states for dual enrollment education opportunities, and

  • Interning with the City of Walker, MN.

By the end of graduate school, I had been in school for 17 years straight (not including pre-school), and was ready to put my skills and education to use. My first job post-graduation, was with Minnesota Senator Jim Abeler serving as his Committee Legislative Assistant on the Human Services Reform Committee. It was there that I learned how crucial and hidden disability services are, with nursing homes and group homes in a closure crisis. My latest vocation is organizing and creating community in the Twin Cities trans community. Living in a trans refuge state, I work with community organizations to connect and navigate transplants to local resources.

I am running for Minnesota Governor because I have witnessed the value in rural and urban areas of our state. Different parts of the state have different needs, and I am not afraid to discuss issues affecting Minnesotans. After all, I’m a public servant, not a politician.