Nancy Jost, a resident of Fergus Falls, early childhood leader, and experienced rural advocate, has announced her candidacy for Minnesota House District 9A for the 2022 Election.

“Together we can create the communities we need for our district to thrive,” said Jost, a Democrat who will face Republican Jim Backer. “I am running because I care deeply about children, their families and their start in life. I care deeply about the elderly, our earth, education, and most importantly, I’m running because I am dedicated to listening to and serving the people in my district and across the state.”

Minnesota House District 9A is in West Central Minnesota, and includes the communities of Fergus Falls, Pelican Rapids, Rothsay, Wolverton, Breckenridge, Nashua, Elbow Lake, Ashby, Dalton, Wheaton, and Browns Valley. 

The district’s total population is just below 40,000 people, and spans four counties: Traverse, Grant, Wilkin, and Otter Tail.

Jost grew up on a farm between Alberta and Chokio, in West Central Minnesota. Jost’s dad was a farmer; her mom was a full-time caregiver for their eight children. 

“Our parents raised us to care deeply about our community, and to advocate for our neighbors with the greatest needs,” said Jost. “I have lived in west central Minnesota almost my entire life. I love rural life, the beauty, and the people here.”

Jost’s life has been dedicated to supporting families, young children, and caregivers in West Central Minnesota, which in turn has supported the economic development needs of the state. 

For the past 20 years, Jost has served as the Director of Early Childhood at West Central Initiative. In that work, she has created partnerships across the region that ensure families have access to the resources they need to raise healthy children.

To the Minnesota Legislature, Jost will bring important experience representing the district to build statewide initiatives, and ensure rural perspectives are heard and addressed. 

She has served as an Advisor of the Women’s Economic Security Task Force, was appointed the Chairperson for the Minnesota Early Learning Council, and has worked as a childcare provider, an early childhood special education professional, and an early childhood advocate on countless coalitions. 

Jost is a graduate of the University of Minnesota, Morris. 

Jost and her husband have been married for 46 years, and they raised their two children in Morris. Jost is the proud grandmother of eight grandchildren.