My name is Kelly Martini, and I am honored to announce my candidacy for the Minnesota Senate to represent District 13. I have deep roots in this community. I grew up in Avon Township in Stearns County, and for 26 years I ran a small child-care business. My husband, also a lifelong small-business owner, has worked as a mechanic since he was 17. Together, we raised three wonderful children who now have families of their own. As a family, we cherish Minnesota’s great outdoors, especially our time spent hunting and fishing.

For 22 years, I’ve had the privilege of serving as Treasurer for Avon Township. I also served on the Family Child Care Task Force, created by the Minnesota Legislature, and worked alongside my local representatives to help pass legislation establishing the Ombudsperson for Family Child Care. Former Stearns County Commissioner Jeff Mergen invited me to join the Human Services Advisory Committee, where I served for several years.

I’ve been involved with the Stearns Benton Child Care Association (SBCCA) for 12 years, including 10 years as president. I’ve long participated in the Minnesota Association of Townships Legislative and Research Committees and have served on the Stearns County Township Officers Association for 19 years—most of them as president. In this role, I’ve coordinated town hall meetings with legislators and organized semiannual gatherings of township officers, county commissioners, and legislative leaders to address key township issues.

I am running because I believe we need leadership grounded in common sense, fiscal responsibility, and a commitment to ensuring government works for the people—not the other way around.