Senator Carla Nelson is a Republican representing Minnesota State Senate District 24, which includes Dodge County, portions of Olmsted County , and parts of Wabasha County. Born on May 22, 1957, she moved to Rochester, Minnesota, in 1983 with her husband, Terry, a small business owner; they have three children. An outspoken advocate for public education, health care reform, small business, jobs, taxes, and economic growth, she has served in various leadership roles in business, nonprofit, and faith communities, including Junior Achievement, the Rochester Chamber of Commerce, and Autumn Ridge Church. Notable achievements include defeating an incumbent Democratic state senator in 2010, winning re-election in 2012, 2016, 2020, and 2022, chairing the Senate Taxes Committee and Senate Education Finance and Policy Committee, securing funding for honor guard funerals, establishing a Medal of Honor memorial, reducing charitable gaming taxes, and helping resolve budget deficits without tax increases. She also ran unsuccessfully for U.S. Congress in Minnesota's 1st District primary in 2018.

Education and Political Experience

• Education and Early Career: Stayed home with children after moving to Rochester until 1992, then resumed teaching at Homes Elementary School and Willow Creek Middle School; later built a successful family insurance and investment firm, earning numerous awards.
• Political Experience:
  • Unsuccessful runs for Minnesota House .
  • Elected to House , focusing on education reform, job growth, and budget solutions.
  • Elected to Senate ; serves on committees including education, health, jobs, capital investment, agriculture, and taxes.