Press Releases
Fundraising Letter and a Request for Stories
July 5, 2026
Dear Friends,
It was 1990, and I was riding my Big Wheel as fast as my little legs could carry me around the parking lot of ABC Ranch Preschool, in Farmington, New Mexico. The sun blazed down and the makeshift, asphalt track shimmered with heat waves. Adults and teachers stood around the edges of the cracked parking lot and cheered while children flew by on trikes. I felt the thrill of the breeze in my hair, and the adrenaline pumping through my veins. As I rode, other children began leaving the race. I was in the zone and barely noticed! The Big Wheel was a gift from my grandparents and riding it was one of my chief joys.
For weeks, with a sheet of paper and the stub of a dull pencil, I had been collecting pledges for sick children. I was fully invested and locked in!
Soon, a teacher slowed me down and said, “You did 99 laps! Time to go home.” The camera crew drew me aside. I was given a neon green tee shirt, and a small, sky blue tote bag. The children and parents of St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital received the loving contributions of a group of strangers, and everyone involved shared in the victory!! I learned at a young age, the joy of meaningful work and how small contributions make a big difference in the lives of others. Thirty-six years later, I am committed to working for the people of Minnesota and am running to represent district 17a in the MN House of Representatives.
My first job is hearing from you. These are some of the stories folks have shared with me so far:
A disabled, 68 year old cashier was recently forced out of retirement because her Medicare is now automatically taken out of her Social Security.
An incredible musician lost her job as a teacher because of funding cuts and can no longer afford her rent.
A veteran earned health benefits and these, along with her dignity were stripped from her because of an Executive Order.
A teenager does not want to attend college because of the student debt that goes with it, while another considers whether creating a family will be affordable or even wise without living wages. Finding quality, affordable daycare is like finding a unicorn these days.
ICE raids continue to take place in our rural areas, hurting families, communities, and the local economy. They stalked and intimidated our food shelf workers delivering aid.
Meanwhile, farmers are going to the food shelf for help while facing off with corporate giants, climate change, and potential bankruptcy. Many are struggling with the toll on their mental health.
Medical staff are concerned about the well-being of their patients and the resiliency of rural hospitals as a consequence of the Big Billionaire’s Benefit bill, (H.R.1).
A mother worries about how the noise from an incoming data center might impact her child with a sensory disorder. She contemplates selling her house. Others express fear of fire hazards and rising costs of utilities.
There is a severe shortage of affordable housing, with limited public transportation options. Inflation and cost of living has pinched all of us. There are rational fears about losing our Constitutional and Human Rights.
Sharing our stories help us to identify the issues, open dialogue, and recognize our shared humanity. Working alongside each other is a chance for me to hear about your challenges, concerns, and ideas, and have some fun too!
Remember that little underdog? None of the people who pledged expected me to ride so many laps around the track. I was small for my age, but I was tenacious. That Spark still lives inside me in spite of all I have survived. I believe this Light resides in All of us, and if there is ever a time to rise up with Hope, Tenacity, and Teamwork, it is now! Please consider making a donation today. The Way Forward Is Together!
Sincerely, Mali Anderson
Scan the QR Code to learn more about me, learn about the Political Campaign Refund (PCR) for individuals and couples, and donate online with ActBlue.
You can also make a check out to:
Mali for MN House 17a P.O. Box: 7445 Hutchinson, MN 55350
Hutchinson Woman Files for State Legislature
June 11, 2026
Mali Anderson, Hutchinson, has filed for the House District 17A seat in the Minnesota Legislature.
Anderson was born in Colorado and graduated from high school in New Mexico. She earned EMS certificates from UNM, and Texas A&M-ESTI (TEEX). A single mother, she and her children moved to Minnesota, where she graduated from Ridgewater College in 2015. Further college education was interrupted by a severe bicycle accident in 2019. She is currently volunteering at a downtown Hutchinson business. She has also volunteered at the Hutchinson Auxiliary Thrift Shop, and HMAS. She expressed gratitude for government programs that have assisted her and her children with housing and medical care. Her priorities are defending our Human and Constitutional Rights; Universal Healthcare; supporting unions, local family farmers and woman-owned-and-operated businesses; community food programs ; advocating for affordable, accessible, companion animal friendly housing for all; ICE OUT of MN; increasing minimum wages to living wages; holding corporations accountable for environmental harm and potential harm; expanding rural transportation; funding for Head Start, school supply drives, and benefit programs for teachers; and creating welcoming and inclusive communities that support the well being of all individuals living in the district. Her campaign theme is “The way forward is together!” Her email is: mali4mnhouse17a@gmail.com
In April, Anderson was endorsed by local House District 17A delegates to the SD 17 DFL convention in Glencoe to represent their party on the ballot.
House District 17A consists of most of McLeod County, including the cities of Hutchinson, Glencoe, Silver Lake and Stewart, the Cokato area of southwest Wright County, three townships in western Sibley County, and the Dassel-Darwin area of southeastern Meeker County.