Senate Race Puts 2040 Clean Power Goal in Focus

Minnesota utility operators should track whether the new senator backs the state's 100% carbon free electricity target.

Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Utilities

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a simplified capitol dome silhouette above a prairie horizon, with a transmission tower in the foreground. — Two candidates for Minnesota Senate District 47 answered questions at a Woodbury forum on state policy, including the state's goal of 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Two candidates for Minnesota Senate District 47, based in Woodbury, answered questions about their records and priorities in a candidate forum. Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger, who was elected to the Senate in 2025, cites statewide policies including Minnesota Paid Leave and a goal of 100% carbon free electricity by 2040.

Why it matters

Utilities and energy operators in Minnesota should track the candidates' stated positions because the state's 100% carbon free electricity goal by 2040 is a long-range compliance target that shapes generation planning. Candidate positions on policy such as this can influence the regulatory environment operators face after the vote.

The 2040 target of 100% carbon free electricity is the one quantified energy goal cited, drawn from candidate descriptions of statewide policy rather than an official filing. Both candidates have lived in Woodbury for more than 15 years, and Hemmingsen-Jaeger has held state office since 2022.

The players

Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger

Minnesota state employee since 2011 and state senator elected in 2025, previously a member of the Minnesota House and the Met Council Transportation Advisory Board.

Brian Stalboerger

Woodbury resident and candidate for Minnesota Senate District 47 with community involvement including HOA board service and Braver Angels East Metro steering committee membership.

The details

The forum asked each candidate three questions about their records and priorities. Hemmingsen-Jaeger described advocacy for Woodbury including bonding money for Central Park and La Lake and a ban on crypto-currency kiosks. She listed Minnesota Paid Leave, the 2040 carbon-free electricity goal and universal school breakfasts and lunches as legislative accomplishments. Stalboerger's background includes service on a local HOA board, youth soccer coaching and steering committee work with Braver Angels East Metro.

2011: Hemmingsen-Jaeger began state employment.
2020: She joined the MetroTransit Gold Line Bus Rapid Transit advisory committee.
2021: She joined the Met Council Transportation Advisory Board.
2022: She began serving in the Minnesota House of Representatives.
2025: She was elected to the Minnesota Senate.

Market Landscape

Minnesota's 100% carbon free electricity by 2040 goal is the state energy policy both candidates reference in describing their records. The forum shows that candidates for the district are positioning around statewide energy and transit policy rather than new utility regulation.

Utility operators should monitor how the Senate District 47 result affects the state's clean-energy and transit agenda over the coming session. Operators with Minnesota generation or distribution exposure should consult qualified counsel on any regulatory changes tied to the 2040 goal.

The takeaway

The 2040 carbon-free electricity goal is the policy marker most relevant to utility planning in this race. Operators should track the new senator's committee assignments and any bills tied to that target.