Like local election coverage? Join now to support local news.
Community activist Raeisha Williams of St. Paul launched a campaign for state senate in district 65, representing the northern half of West St. Paul.
Where: Senate District 65 includes the northern half of West St. Paul, the West Side, downtown, and portions of the Frogtown, Midway, and North End neighborhoods. The district skews heavily to the DFL—current Sen. Sandy Pappas won the 2022 election with more than 80% of the vote.
Context: It’s an open seat this year since incumbent Pappas announced her retirement. West St. Paul City Council Member Robyn Gulley and DFL activist Jamael Lundy are also running.
The Candidate
Raeisha Williams is a small business owner and community activist.
- Why: “I am stepping up because I believe representation matters, not just who sits in the seat, but who is willing to do the work. Over the past several years, District 65 has experienced a painful rise in gun violence, drug use, and safety concerns along our corridors, beltways, public transportation, and shared public spaces. I do not want my children, or any children, to grow up in a community where they feel unsafe in their own homes or neighborhoods.”
- Day job: Williams runs a media company and a food and beverage company.
- Experience: While not a career politician, she cofounded the violence prevention nonprofit Guns Down Love Up after losing her brother to gun violence.
- More: Learn more at Williams’ Instagram.
What’s Next
Caucuses are February 3, and the party endorsement process happens in the spring, with the filing period closing on June 2. A primary, if necessary, will be Aug. 11, 2026.
April 10, 2026 Update: Campaign Suspended
On April 8, Williams announced she was suspending her campaign.
Appreciate local election coverage? Then support it! $3 a month to be informed is a deal. Join now.
