Falconer pitches community-driven vision in House race for 49A

For Alex Falconer, the Minnesota House District 49A race represents an opportunity to bring environmental preservation and community-focused solutions to state government.

Running as a Democrat against Republican Stacy Bettison, Falconer, 44, aims to fill the seat left open by Rep. Laurie Pryor’s retirement from a seat she has held since 2017.

The district, encompassing northern Eden Prairie and southern Minnetonka, has evolved from a Republican stronghold to a more competitive landscape, which Falconer says calls for “real Minnesota values.”

Falconer has led advocacy efforts for Minnesota’s wilderness as campaign director for Save the Boundary Waters. “We’ve pushed hard from the outside to protect places like the Boundary Waters,” he said. “Now, with Laurie retiring, there’s a chance to bring that energy into the state Legislature.”

An Eden Prairie resident with three school-aged children, Falconer’s platform centers on strengthening education, protecting natural resources, and supporting Minnesota’s economic stability.

He and his wife moved to the area for its strong public schools, and he now coaches the Minnetonka Middle School East cross-country team and the Minnetonka High School Nordic ski team.

“Coaching gives me a direct link to families in the district,” he said, adding that these connections reinforce his commitment to the community.

Policy experience and environmental preservation

Falconer’s work has focused on building bipartisan support for environmental protections. “Seventy percent of Minnesotans want [the Boundary Waters]protected,” he said. “We’re working for a ‘Boundary Waters majority,’ not just a Democratic one.”

Raised in Red Wing, Falconer’s path to environmental advocacy began with a background in biology and field experience with Democratic campaigns.

After college at St. Olaf, he pursued a career in science before shifting to public policy. His experience includes advocacy roles with the Blue Cross Foundation and Minnesota Credit Unions, where he worked on health and financial access programs. He’s brought a similar commitment to his work with Save the Boundary Waters, advocating at both state and federal levels.

Economic stability and healthcare access

While acknowledging Minnesota’s higher tax rates, Falconer points to the benefits of these investments. “Minnesota’s investment in public welfare allows our communities to thrive,” he said, citing the state’s strong economy and low unemployment as outcomes of effective public spending. He supports family leave expansion while advocating for grants to offset small business costs associated with these policies.

Falconer also prioritizes healthcare expansion, including broadening MinnesotaCare to move toward universal healthcare coverage. “There are 400,000 Minnesotans without health insurance who need affordable access to care,” he said, emphasizing that accessible healthcare is essential for a stable workforce and healthier communities.

Education and local involvement

Falconer is concerned that Minnesota’s education funding has not kept pace with inflation, creating budget pressures for districts like Minnetonka.

“Funding needs to reflect the real costs facing our schools so we don’t see classroom cuts,” he said, adding that recent legislation, such as unemployment benefits for seasonal school employees, has added further budget demands.

Beyond policy, Falconer’s involvement in education extends through his coaching roles. “My wife and I are very enmeshed in this community,” he said. “We’re invested in making sure Minnesota remains a place where our kids want to build their lives.”

Aiming for unity and practical solutions

Falconer acknowledges the polarized political landscape but emphasizes a focus on local, practical concerns.

“People here want inclusivity, a strong economy, and reliable schools,” he said. He describes his campaign as an effort to engage all residents, including those across political lines, and frequently canvasses with his family.

A passionate ultramarathon runner, Falconer draws a parallel between long-distance running and campaigning. “Campaigning, like running, requires resilience and determination,” he said.

With a platform centered on education, environmental preservation, and economic stability, Falconer aims to represent the shared values of his district.

“Minnesota’s strength is in its community,” he said, “and that’s what I want to protect and build upon.”

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Learn more about House District 49A candidates

Voters can learn more about the candidates for Minnesota House District 49A in multiple ways: the Eden Prairie Local News 2024 Voters Guide, the League of Women Voters of Minnetonka, Eden Prairie, and Hopkins House Districts 49 A/B candidate forum, and through EPLN’s additional questions with Democrat Alex Falconer and additional questions with Republican Stacy Bettison.