Cole Birkeland

Cole Birkeland is an attorney from Lake Elmo running to flip a seat in the Minnesota House this fall. As an attorney, Cole formerly served as legal counsel to various local governments, ensuring government furthers the public interest. Today, he represents working people, fighting to protect their rights and hard-earned retirement savings against predatory actors. Cole is ready to put his experience and values to work in St. Paul, where he is committed to supporting public schools, safeguarding precious natural resources, and standing up for working families facing an affordability crisis.

In 2024, District 41A came within 350 votes of electing a Democratic representative. Now, Cole is stepping up with the DLCC’s support to flip this battleground district and help Democrats form a majority in the Minnesota House.

Minnesota is on the frontlines of the fight against Trump and MAGA extremism. 2026 is a historic opportunity to build power in this true battleground, expand the one-seat blue majority in the state Senate, and re-establish a Democratic majority in the Minnesota House.

Minnesota Democrats have worked tirelessly for progress while standing up to federal bullying. Meanwhile, Republicans have largely stood by while the Trump administration has withheld federal funds, targeted Minnesota communities with masked federal agents, and failed to address rising costs and quality of life concerns.

The DLCC’s continued support in Minnesota helped Democrats win and protect a majority in the state Senate in 2022 and tie the state House in 2024. On the heels of six majority-deciding special elections this cycle, Democrats have momentum on their side, announcing that the DFL has reached a fundraising record and full candidate recruitment for the first time ever.

Minnesota is poised for historic progress this year, but Republicans are desperate to sell out their constituents to advance Trump’s self-serving agenda. The stakes have never been higher, and the DLCC is all hands on deck to bring national support and attention to the Minnesota candidates fighting for the future of the North Star State.