Candidate Spotlight: Mark Heggestad, District 5
Raised in a small prairie town in western Minnesota, Mark Heggestad says his upbringing was shaped by hard work, family and community. Adopted into a Lutheran household, Heggestad grew up in a busy home with four siblings, attending public schools, playing three sports and working from a young age. Summers were often spent laboring in soybean fields or helping out in his father’s custom butcher shop—jobs he says taught him respect for the effort and resilience of working people.
Though politics was not originally part of his career plan, an early interest developed during college while studying computer science and business management. A political science course sparked a curiosity about how government policy shapes everyday life, even as he pursued a career outside public office.
After decades of professional work and forty years as a football official, Heggestad says those experiences ultimately prepared him for public service. Officiating, he notes, requires fairness, composure under pressure and the ability to enforce rules consistently, while his career as a senior project manager demanded accountability, transparency and responsible management of large budgets and teams. Together, those experiences gave him the confidence to step into the political arena, believing the same skills used to lead complex projects and make tough decisions are essential to effective government.
Q&A with Mark Heggestad
If elected, what would be the first piece of legislation you would introduce?
I would pursue two immediate legislative priorities. First, I would introduce the Presidential Orders Compliance Act, legislation designed to ensure that presidential executive orders are legal, constitutional, and firmly grounded within the powers granted under Article II of the Constitution. This is an important first step in restoring the proper balance among our three branches of government and reinforcing the system of checks and balances that protects our democracy.
Second, I would work to write and pass comprehensive singlepayer healthcare legislation so that healthcare is available to everyone. Access to healthcare should not depend on employment status, income, or geography. A universal system would strengthen public health, reduce longterm costs, and ensure that every American can receive care when they need it. And importantly, no family should go bankrupt because they do not have healthcare insurance.
How do you view the current political climate in Florida?
I see what most people see—it’s highly partisan and too often seems to serve politicians more than the people they represent. The constant fighting may energize political insiders, but it doesn’t make life better for families trying to get by. When I’m out collecting petitions door to door, I hear the same message over and over again: people are tired of the division. They want elected officials who will focus less on political games and more on solving real problems. My approach is to listen first, work with anyone willing to govern in good faith, and build practical solutions that put people ahead of party. Floridians are ready for leaders who can bridge divides and deliver results.
What motivated you to run for Congress?
It was Inauguration Day. The nation paused, as it always does, to witness the peaceful transfer of power and to hear the 35 words that bind every president to the Constitution: “I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.” That oath is not a ceremony. It’s a covenant. It’s the guardrail that keeps power in check.
And yet, within hours of that inauguration, a wave of executive orders poured out—dozens of them—sweeping, farreaching directives that bypassed Congress and stretched Article II authority far beyond what the Framers intended. This isn’t about one person or one party. It’s about a pattern that has grown for decades: presidents of both parties using executive orders to legislate from the Oval Office. That is not how our system was designed. That is not what the oath promises. And that is why I wrote the Presidential Orders Legal Compliance Act—to restore balance, to reaffirm that no president can rule by decree, and to ensure that every executive action is grounded in law and accountable to the people. And I did that before filing for office. That is why I decided to run for office.
What three issues are most important to you?
Cost of Living. Wages haven’t kept up with the rising cost of housing, groceries, childcare, and utilities, leaving families squeezed from every direction. Solution: I will fight for policies that lower everyday costs — including affordable housing, fair wages, and competitive markets — so families can build stability instead of falling behind. In addition, I will work to eliminate unnecessary tariffs that drive up the price of goods and services for working families. By reducing or removing these trade barriers, we can make everyday essentials more affordable and increase consumer choice (like coffee from certain countries). I will also prioritize reforms to housing insurance, ensuring that coverage is accessible and affordable for all, especially in areas prone to natural disasters or market volatility. These steps, combined with efforts to address housing, utilities (cap profits at 9.5% for monopolies), wages, and market competition, will help families achieve greater financial security and peace of mind.
Healthcare Access. Too many people skip care or prescriptions because they can’t afford them, and rural and underserved communities face shrinking provider networks. Solution: I will work to expand coverage, lower prescription drug prices, and strengthen community health systems so every person can get the care they need without going into debt. In addition, I will advocate for implementing a single payer system. A single payer system means that one or public or quasi-public agency—rather than multiple private insurers—would handle health insurance for everyone. Under this model, all residents would have access to comprehensive healthcare services, including doctor visits, hospital care, prescription drugs, mental health services, and preventive care, without worrying about high out-of-pocket costs or surprise bills. The government would negotiate prices directly with providers and pharmaceutical companies, helping to control costs and ensure fairness. By streamlining administration and eliminating profit-driven insurance barriers, a single payer system would make healthcare simpler, more affordable, and universally accessible. This approach prioritizes health as a human right, ensuring that no one is denied care because of their financial situation.
Government Accountability. People are tired of corruption, insider deals, and leaders who put themselves ahead of the public. Solution: I will support strong ethics rules, transparency requirements, and independent oversight so government works for the people — not the powerful. To restore trust and effectiveness, we must rebalance the three branches of government and eliminate our constitutional drift. “We the People” must be at the heart of our democracy, ensuring that government can and should improve our lives. Representatives need to be close to the people they represent, listening to their concerns and acting in their best interests. By strengthening ethical standards, increasing transparency, and promoting independent oversight, we can ensure that government serves the public, upholds the Constitution, and remains accountable to the people. Other important and arguably just as important include: Reproductive Freedom, Climate, Environmental Justice, Immigration, Community Safety and Equity, and Civil Rights.
What is your stance on ICE? Abolish or reform?
We will always need some form of immigration enforcement, but what this administration put forward was never what people envisioned. We saw the Bill of Rights ignored, constitutional protections weakened, and forprofit detention centers expanded. That approach is wrong, ineffective, and deeply unAmerican. This issue became personal for me when ICE agents were surged into Minnesota—the place where I grew up, where my sense of fairness and community was shaped. I knew the people back home would stand up for their neighbors—they always have. But watching reports of people being picked up off the streets, hearing accounts of racial slurs, fear, and families being torn apart made it clear that the system was fundamentally broken.
My position is reform—but real reform. ICE funding should be drastically reduced, with funds placed into escrow to cover lawsuits and other legal costs stemming from past abuses. The agency’s leadership must be completely replaced, and ICE must be rebuilt around a new mission that prioritizes due process, public safety, and human dignity. All for-profit detention centers should be closed. Immigration enforcement must be lawful, humane, and accountable. It should strengthen communities—not terrorize them—and it must reflect our constitutional values, not abandon them.
What is your plan to reach moderate and Republican voters in the district to ensure we can flip the seat?
When I say we need to turn down the temperature, I mean we need to model good behavior. That starts with acknowledging good ideas no matter who proposes them, and being willing to criticize our own side when it falls short. Credibility begins there. I’m a moderate on most issues, and I’m upfront about where I lean—especially on social issues and the principle of loving your neighbor. I don’t see that as extreme; I see it as basic decency. In my experience going door to door collecting petitions, I’ve talked with Democrats, independents, and Republicans alike, and I’ve found that moderates on both sides have far more in common than they disagree on. For Republicans who feel politically homeless or disillusioned by the constant outrage and loyalty tests, my message is simple: you don’t have to agree with me on everything to work with me. I’ll respect your concerns, tell you the truth even when it’s uncomfortable, and put solutions ahead of party labels. Most voters I meet aren’t asking for ideological purity—they’re asking for leaders who will lower costs, protect freedoms, and make government work again. By listening first, speaking honestly, and focusing on practical results, we can build the broad coalition needed to flip this seat and govern responsibly once we do.
What advice would you give to those who are leaving MAGA due to the Epstein files?
I would encourage people to keep the focus on justice for the victims. This moment isn’t about movements or political identities—it’s about accountability, transparency, and our shared responsibility to protect the vulnerable. It’s reasonable to ask hard questions about how abuses were allowed to happen, whether there was a coverup, and why accountability has been so slow. A healthy society depends on independent investigations, equal justice under the law, and the understanding that no one—regardless of wealth, status, or connections—is above it. If people are rethinking their views, I’d encourage them to stay grounded in civic values we all share: respect for the rule of law, care for victims, and a commitment to institutions that are honest and accountable. Those principles matter more than any label, and they’re the foundation of a functioning democracy.
Where do you stand on AIPAC and Israel?
The relationship between the United States and Israel is rooted in a long and complex history, shaped by shared interests, regional instability, and decades of conflict and diplomacy. That history deserves to be acknowledged honestly and thoughtfully. AIPAC, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, is a U.S.-based advocacy organization that lobbies Congress and the executive branch in support of policies it believes strengthen the U.S.–Israel relationship. My guiding principle is that U.S. foreign policy should always be guided first by American values, international law, and a commitment to human rights. Support for Israel’s security should never be incompatible with concern for civilian lives, accountability, and the pursuit of a just and lasting peace. I believe both Israelis and Palestinians deserve to live in peace, safety, and dignity—free from violence, fear, and perpetual conflict. No lasting solution can come from dehumanizing one side or ignoring the legitimate rights and security concerns of the other. I hold out hope that one day this conflict can move beyond cycles of retaliation toward mutual recognition and respect. That will require diplomacy, restraint, and leadership willing to prioritize peace over politics. The goal should be a future where all people in the region can live without violence and with equal dignity.
What is your plan for addressing gun violence in America?
Gun violence is now the leading cause of death for American children, and communities face daily trauma from preventable shootings.
Solution: I will support background checks, safe storage laws, and community-based violence prevention programs that save lives while respecting responsible gun ownership. In addition, I will advocate for stronger gun safety measures, including efforts to reduce or eliminate the availability of AR rifles and other high-capacity firearms that are frequently used in mass shootings.
Recognizing the importance of mental health, I will invest in accessible mental health support and crisis intervention services to address the root causes of violence and provide help to those in need. By integrating mental health resources into our communities, we can prevent tragedies before they occur and support individuals and families affected by gun violence. At the same time, I fully support the right to bear arms as enshrined in our Constitution. Responsible gun ownership is a fundamental right, and my policies will ensure that law-abiding citizens can exercise this right safely and securely. By balancing safety, prevention, and constitutional protections, we can create safer neighborhoods while respecting individual freedoms.
