Kotyza-Witthuhn aims to build on family-focused agenda in bid for 49B reelection

Rep. Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn, who has represented House District 49B since 2019, is campaigning for a fourth term against Republican challenger Wendi Russo with a platform focused on family support, stronger public education, and securing reproductive rights.

Kotyza-Witthuhn, 37, flipped the seat from GOP control in 2018, marking a shift in what had long been a Republican stronghold. Her priorities, she says, are informed by both her legislative record and her life as a mother of four. Kotyza-Witthuhn highlights her commitment to Minnesota families through her legislative track record and ongoing engagement with constituents.

“After the 2016 election, I felt I hadn’t done enough to advance the causes I cared about,” she said of her motivation to enter public office. Initially considering local positions, she ultimately ran for the state House with encouragement from DFL leadership. Her 2018 victory over longtime Republican incumbent Jenifer Loon signified Eden Prairie’s shifting political landscape.

Family experiences inform legislative work

As a mother of four, including three adopted children, Kotyza-Witthuhn says her family life has deeply influenced her policy priorities. Balancing public service with parenting drives her support for family-centered policies like paid family leave. “We all have lives outside our jobs,” she said, emphasizing her belief in policies that help families manage life’s challenges.

Access to healthcare and reproductive rights also remain central to her legislative focus. In response to the Supreme Court’s reversal of Roe v. Wade, Kotyza-Witthuhn served as the chief author of the Protect Reproductive Options (PRO) Act, which enshrined reproductive rights at the state level.

“Securing these rights was essential,” she said, underscoring the potential risk of a federal abortion ban overriding state protections.

Collaboration on key issues

In the state House, Kotyza-Witthuhn has worked on initiatives focused on consumer protections, healthcare access, and education, many of which garnered bipartisan support. She stresses the need for robust funding formulas for public schools, particularly as local districts manage rising costs. “We need funding that keeps pace with real costs,” she noted, highlighting budget challenges for Eden Prairie schools.

Her advocacy for paid family and medical leave, she adds, is rooted in her experience as a working mother. “Paid family and medical leave is essential,” she said. “It supports not just individuals but entire families.”

Engaging a diverse constituency

Kotyza-Witthuhn says staying connected with her constituents is a top priority, hosting town halls and attending community events throughout her tenure. “People are moving away from divisiveness,” she observed. “I’ve had polite, productive interactions, even with people who identify as conservative.”

As part of a younger, more diverse Minnesota Legislature, Kotyza-Witthuhn views representation as vital. “Representation matters,” she said. “The Minnesota House and Senate are increasingly reflective of the state’s diversity, which strengthens our ability to address broad issues.”

Economic stability and consumer protections

Beyond family-focused policies, Kotyza-Witthuhn has also targeted economic issues, corporate accountability, and inflation. She points to record-breaking profits among major corporations and highlights consumer protections passed during the pandemic to prevent price gouging. “The cost of living is a major concern,” she said. “We need to address corporate greed to protect consumers.”

Looking ahead

As the election approaches, Kotyza-Witthuhn says she is focused on supporting families, expanding healthcare access, and strengthening public education. “The work we’re doing now can have a lasting impact on Minnesota families,” she said, adding that she remains committed to progress without succumbing to partisan gridlock.

---

Learn more about House District 49B candidates

Voters can learn more about the candidates for Minnesota House District 49B 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 DFL Rep. Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn and additional questions with Republican challenger Wendi Russo.