Psychiatric nurse from Moorhead running for Minnesota House
MOORHEAD (KFGO) – Erika Yoney announced her candidacy for the Minnesota House of Representatives in District 4A representing Moorhead.
Yoney says her campaign will be centered on affordable healthcare, strong public schools, and an economy that works for working families.
She says the values she learned growing up in Moorhead, caring for one another, showing up for our neighbors, and solving problems together, align with democrats’ long-standing priorities.
“This community taught me that every single person matters,” Yoney said. “We care for our neighbors, we value differences, and we find common ground. That’s how we build strong, growing communities.”
She will seek the party’s endorsement beginning with the Moorhead DFL Caucus on February 3.
Yoney is a psychiatric nurse practitioner who provides therapy and medication management in a community health center. Her work includes partnerships with homeless shelters, treatment centers, correctional facilities, schools, and agencies serving people with disabilities to ensure access to healthcare, regardless of life circumstance or financial situation.
“Nurses are taught from day one that advocacy is essential to quality care” Yoney said. “That experience has prepared me to advocate for Moorhead families at the Capitol.”
Yoney says she has worked in both traditional and community healthcare settings to strengthen healthcare access and support public education.
“As federal uncertainty places greater pressure on educators, healthcare workers, and the people they serve, Minnesota needs leaders who understand how these systems actually work—and where they don’t,” Yoney said. “Protecting what we have and building better systems requires real experience and practical solutions.”
Yoney says she consistently hears the same priorities from community members: accessible healthcare, strong public schools, and the ability to afford housing, food, and childcare.
Others running for the District 4A seat are Moorhead Mayor Shelly Carlson, and firefighter and union organizer Kevin Salisbury.
The District 4A seat is currently held by Rep. Heather Keeler, who is not seeking another term in the legislature. Keeler hopes to receive the party’s nomination to challenge 7th Republican representative Michelle Fischbach next November.
