Woodbury Woman Announces Bid for State Senate

The race for the new Senate district that encompasses the south part of Oakdale just got a new candidate.

Susan Kent announced her intentions Thursday to seek the DFL nomination for Senate District 53.

The Woodbury resident sent out a release highlighting some of her qualifications, including more than two decades “as a consultant in strategic marketing and media ranging from major U.S. corporations, to state agencies focused on economic development and tourism, to local arts and nonprofit organizations.”

Kent is also a PTA president in a District 833 school, a founder of the Twin Cities East Chapter of Mothers & More, and a member of other district groups, according to the release.

Her platform focuses on access to quality education, healthcare, and job creation, the release says. 

“Minnesota has a proud legacy of commitment to education, health care and job creation that has contributed to a healthy population,” Kent said in a statement. “As we look toward economic recovery, it is critical that we renew our commitment to our citizens and end the legislative gridlock at the Capitol.” 

Kent added in the release: “As a mom, a wife, a former small business owner, and an education advocate, I care deeply about ensuring that we have a quality education system for our kids, as well as quality healthcare for all. If given the opportunity to serve, I will work tirelessly on behalf of my community to be their voice at the Capitol on issues that are so important to us at every stage of life."

Kent’s husband of 24 years, Chris, is a Maplewood native and has worked for 3M for almost 30 years. She and Chris live in Woodbury with their son, Andrew.