Kristi Achor Pursell is an American politician and member of the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party ** representing **District 58A in the Minnesota House of Representatives, covering parts of Dakota, Rice, and Scott Counties including Northfield, Dundas, Lonsdale, Webster, and New Prague. Elected in 2022 to an open seat following redistricting and the retirement of incumbent Todd Lippert, she began her service in 2023 and is currently in her second term as Assistant DFL Floor Leader. Her professional background includes roles as Executive Director of Clean River Partners , Community Engagement Coordinator at Cannon River Watershed Partnership , and Children's Food Educator at Midwest Food Connection .

Notable achievements and positions include serving as vice-chair of the Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee and Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee, with additional assignments on Elections Finance and Policy, Education Finance, Health Finance and Policy, and Rules and Legislative Administration. She authored a bill to restore a citizens' oversight board to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, emphasizing environmental accountability, and led bipartisan legislation securing $100 million—the state's largest commitment—for rural broadband infrastructure.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: B.A. in English and environmental studies from St. Olaf College ; Graduate Certificate in environmental education from University of Minnesota Duluth .
• Political Experience: First elected to the Minnesota House in 2022 with no prior elected office; currently in second term as state representative for District 58A; serves in key leadership roles including Assistant DFL Floor Leader and committee vice-chair positions focused on agriculture, environment, and policy.