Nelson for District21 A
Nelson for 21A
Common-Sense Leadership
Rusty brings a practical, problem-solving mindset shaped by decades of experience in science, education, emergency service, and community leadership.
He believes progress happens when people work together respectfully, listen carefully, and focus on real-world solutions instead of political division.
Rusty is committed to being a strong voice for rural Minnesota and the agricultural communities that keep the region moving forward.
Protecting Rural Healthcare
Strong healthcare systems are essential to strong rural communities.
Rusty Nelson is deeply concerned about the future of rural hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and ambulance services throughout southwest Minnesota. As a longtime EMT, Rusty has seen firsthand how critical local healthcare access is for families, seniors, farmers, and emergency responders.
With Medicaid cuts threatening healthcare services across rural Minnesota, Rusty believes state leaders - Republican, Democrat, and Independent must work together to protect access to care before communities face devastating losses.
Rusty believes every family deserves dependable healthcare close to home — not hours away.
"We need a cure for the damage caused by Medicaid cuts."
-- Rusty Nelson
Why This Matters
"Medicaid cuts threaten the future of our hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and ambulance services. We must act quickly to protect access to quality healthcare in rural Minnesota. We can’t afford to lose our local hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, or ambulance services. I will fight for sustainable funding and creative solutions so our communities don’t lose the care we depend on." --- Rusty Nelson
When rural healthcare services disappear, communities lose far more than buildings.
Families may be forced to drive long distances for emergency care. Seniors may lose nearby nursing home options. Ambulance response systems become stretched thinner. Healthcare workers leave rural areas. Small communities struggle to attract families, businesses, and future growth.
Every community deserves access to quality healthcare services that are stable, reliable, and sustainable for future generations.
Supporting Emergency & Volunteer Services
Across rural Minnesota, volunteers are the backbone of our communities.
As a longtime EMT, Rusty has seen firsthand the dedication, sacrifice, and commitment required from emergency responders and volunteers. He also understands the growing challenges many departments face, including volunteer shortages, recruitment difficulties, funding concerns, and increasing demands on already-stretched services.
Many volunteer emergency services are struggling to recruit and retain volunteers while facing growing
demands and limited resources. Rusty wants to work toward practical solutions that strengthen these essential services and encourage future generations to get involved.
Rusty believes communities succeed when people come together to help one another.
“A thousand 'thank you’s' to those who staff our fire and ambulance crews, and to the many who make our communities great through their dedicated service and countless volunteer hours.” --- Rusty Nelson
Supporting Volunteer Services
From volunteer firefighters and ambulance crews to community organizations and local nonprofits, countless people quietly step forward every day to serve others. Rusty believes these individuals deserve both recognition and support.
Rusty believes these individuals deserve leaders who understand their work, appreciate their sacrifices, and are willing to fight for solutions that strengthen rural healthcare systems rather than weaken them.
Our fire departments and ambulance services rely heavily on dedicated volunteers. I want to recognize their incredible contributions and make it easier for more people to join them. Strong volunteer services keep our communities safe.
Standing Up for Agriculture & Rural Economies
Agriculture drives our rural communities, but farmers, ranchers, and small businesses continue to face uncertainty from unstable markets, rising costs, and supply chain challenges.
Rusty understands that while Minnesota cannot control every national or global issue impacting agriculture, state leaders still have a responsibility to seek creative, practical ways to improve stability and support rural economies.
He believes rural communities deserve leadership focused on common-sense solutions that help local businesses, farms, and families continue to thrive.
Rusty is committed to listening to the concerns of rural communities and advocating for policies that help communities remain strong, sustainable, and prepared for future generations.
Listening to the People of District 21A
Rusty’s campaign is built on a simple belief: Problems can be solved when people work together with respect, honesty, and a shared commitment to their communities.
Rusty knows we have to stop being angry with each other. Left, right, or center - insults and anger get us nowhere. He isn’t running to create division. He’s running to listen, collaborate, and fight for practical solutions that protect rural Minnesota and the people who call it home.
“I value your experience, your ideas, and your viewpoint.”
--- Rusty Nelson