"The highest compliment is an endorsement—nothing means more than support from the neighbors who know Cole best."

Official Endorsements

“I’m proud to endorse Cole Hanson as my #1 choice for St. Paul City Council in Ward 4! Cole is a true people’s candidate — rooted in community, committed to renters and fighting against displacement, and laser-focused on championing the basics: safe streets, responsive services, thriving business corridors, and a city that shows up for working families.

We need leaders who don’t just talk equity — they deliver courageously and unapologetically. That’s Cole.”

— St. Paul Councilmember Nelsie Yang

“Cole Hanson shares my passions for improving the lives of our neighbors who rent, making Snelling Avenue safer for walking and biking, and enhancing the State Fair experience for our communities near the fairgrounds.

I look forward to having a strong partner in Cole Hanson for everyone who calls our neighboring cities home.
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— Falcon Heights Councilmember, Paula Mielke

“Robin and I first met during the uprising, running food relief across Minneapolis and St. Paul to make sure our communities had what they needed in a time of crisis. We built trust in those urgent days — hauling groceries, sharing stories, and working shoulder to shoulder when government systems weren’t stepping up.

Since then, Robin’s brought that same principled leadership to City Hall in Minneapolis Having her support means everything — not just because she’s a friend, but because she’s the councilmember directly across the river along the Green Line, where so many of our Ward 4 neighbors live, work, and travel every day.”

— Cole Hanson, on his endorsement by Minneapolis CM Robin Wonsley

“It’s rare to have a community champion who can speak so clearly to the challenges of today while framing them in the context from years of experience. From championing the Legacy Amendment to secure permanent public funding for the arts, to leading the Senate Finance Committee with integrity and bold vision—Senator Cohen’s career shaped Minnesota for the better.
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His legacy reminds us that smart, creative policy can change lives. I’m proud to carry that spirit forward here in Ward 4—fighting for housing, public services, and budgets that truly serve the people. Let’s build a city worthy of the communities who call it home.”

— Cole Hanson, on his endorsement by former State Senator Dick Cohen

Neighbor-endorsed!

Whether you grew up here, live here, work here, or are just passing through,

I’m proud to call you my neighbor!

Read Carrie Wasley’s Letter to the Editor on why my campaign represents a “breath of fresh air” in our local politics.

"A Different Kind of Candidate" by Carrie Wasley

What do organizations say, even when they didn’t endorse this year?

Your understanding and appreciation for the complex work our firefighters, paramedics and EMTs provide 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, was on full display. Respectful authenticity and reliability are cornerstones in a relationship between an elected official and a labor union.

Our conversations around Public Safety, particularly sustainable funding for Fire and EMS resources, leads us to believe you will be an effective City Councilor and we are optimistic about your vision for our City.

- Kyle Thornberg, St. Paul Firefighter and President of IAFF Local 21

“As a public health educator and active union member, Cole Hanson has a deep understanding of the impact municipal government can have on working people. Actively campaigning for PILOT and the institution of a Land Value Tax… is a recognition that the current system is unsustainable for many people.

Championing prevailing wages and PLAs, alongside investigating bad actors for Earned Sick and Safe Time and Wage Theft are critical for creating a city where workers thrive.”

- SPFE Statement on “no endorsements” for the 2025 Ward 4 Special Election

I’m deeply honored to receive the Moms Demand Action candidate distinction for 2025.

Gun violence prevention is personal for me. My dad spent decades as a police officer, witnessing how widespread gun access turns domestic disputes deadly and puts first responders at risk. Our family lived with that weight—always worrying he might not come home safe. That's why I support comprehensive background checks, extreme risk protection orders, and community violence intervention programs.

Real safety means preventing violence before it happens!

Organization-endorsed!

The endorsement from Starbucks Workers United Minnesota means a great deal to me because they represent the newest wave of courage in our labor movement—workers standing up to one of the most powerful corporations in the world and saying, "We deserve a seat at the table."

As one of the newest members of our organized labor family, their fight embodies the energy, resolve, and solidarity that is shaping the future of worker power. I’m deeply honored to stand with them, and to be recognized by them, as someone who will bring that same fight to City Hall on behalf of all working people.

The endorsement from Sunrise Movement Twin Cities means so much to me—not just as a candidate, but as a parent, camper, and lifelong lover of the outdoors who wants a livable future for my daughter and for every child growing up in St. Paul.

Sunrise represents the bold, youth-led, justice-rooted movement we need to meet this climate moment head-on. Their commitment to climate action, social equity, and boldness aligns with the kind of future I’m fighting for—one where policy reflects urgency, compassion, and common sense. I’m honored to stand with Sunrise and carry their energy into City Hall.

From the streets during the uprising, to organizing in my bargaining unit at the U of M, to fighting for tenant protections right here in our neighborhoods—this campaign is rooted in collective action and working-class power.
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I’m proud to join other DSA-endorsed leaders in St. Paul like Councilmembers HwaJeong Kim and Nelsie Yang, and those across the river in building a Twin Cities that puts people before profits.