Lisa Hanson, a small business owner who was jailed for violating COVID-19 restrictions imposed by Governor Tim Walz, will run for a Minnesota Senate seat.
She will campaign in a new district that covers Freeborn County and parts of Mower, Faribault, Waseca, and Steele counties.
Hanson served 90 days in jail and was ordered to pay a $1,000 fine after she opened Interchange Coffee and Wine Bistro and served coffee to her customers. Furthermore, the judge imposed a sentence more harsh than the terms recommended by prosecutors.
“My life was forever changed when I stood against Governor Tim Walz’s unconstitutional and fraudulently issued executive orders to keep my business open to serve the people of our community,” she wrote in a Facebook post.
“I know firsthand of corruption in all three branches of our government aimed at the erosion of our fundamental rights. At the whim of tyrannical leaders I was dragged through court, abusively fined, and thrown in jail. As your senator in District 23, I will boldly advocate to restore the Rule of Law and to return our government to the People. My commitment proven. My stand for the People demonstrated.”
In an exclusive interview with The Minnesota Sun, Hanson detailed that she, while serving her jail sentence, missed interacting with customers.
“Whether it was a busy summer lunch with guests enjoying the patio under the pergolas or a ‘Live Music Friday Night’ watching the guests relax and enjoy themselves while all their worries melted away to the tunes the musicians were strumming or plunking out,” she said. “Seeing family and friends laugh and relax together was so special – these are some of the things I miss.”
If elected, she may have the opportunity to represent some of her same patrons.
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Cooper Moran is a reporter for The Minnesota Sun and The Star News Network. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Lisa Hanson” by Lisa McDuell Hanson. Background Photo “Minnesota State Capitol” by Myotus CC BY-SA 4.0.
