Heather Gustafson is a Democratic-Farmer-Labor member of the Minnesota Senate, representing District 36, which includes communities such as Centerville, Circle Pines, Lino Lakes, North Oaks, Vadnais Heights, White Bear Lake, Gem Lake, White Bear Township, and Birchwood Village. Elected in 2022, she is currently in her first term , serving counties of Anoka, Ramsey, and Washington. She resides in Vadnais Heights with her husband and four children. Her legislative priorities include educational success for students, stronger infrastructure, safe communities, and civil and human rights protections. Notable achievements include chief authoring legislation for universal school meals , $300 million in statewide public safety aid, Social Security tax relief for most Minnesota seniors, and a 2024 ban on binary triggers with enhanced penalties for illegal straw purchases of firearms. She serves as vice chair of the Education Finance Committee and on the Agriculture, Broadband, and Rural Development; Jobs and Economic Development; and State and Local Government and Veterans committees.

Education and Political Experience

• Born and raised in Sartell, Minnesota.
• Earned a B.A. in Mass Communications from Minnesota State University Moorhead.
• Worked 14 years in radio broadcasting.
• Returned to school for a teaching license and master’s degree in education.
• Taught history at Centennial High School in Circle Pines until her 2022 election to the Minnesota Senate.