Rochester teacher, union leader announces state senate bid

A longtime Rochester teacher launched his campaign for the Senate District 24 seat, last week, during a campaign event at Rochester John Marshall High School.

“Simon Glaser, longtime educator, community advocate, and labor leader, is officially launching his campaign, seeking the DFL endorsement for the Senate District 24 seat to be filled in the 2026 election,” a press release read.

The seat is currently held by longtime State Sen. Carla Nelson, a Republican who was first elected in 2010.

According to the press release Glaser, is a teacher in Rochester Public Schools, has spent over 30 years “fighting for public education, fair wages, and policies that uplift working families.”

He currently serves as the vice president of the Rochester Education Association, the announcement stated.

“I am running for the Minnesota Senate to be a strong, progressive voice for racial and economic justice, and to ensure that education, civil liberties, and environmental action remain priorities in southern Minnesota,” Glaser said. “I have worked on these locally and realize the best way to advocate for those who share these priorities is in St. Paul as the Senator for Senate District 24.”

A campaign spokesperson for Nelson did not respond to a text message asking if Nelson is running for reelection or not.