Representative Natalie Zeleznikar is a Republican incumbent representing one of Minnesota’s most competitive districts and one of its most extreme lawmakers. Since flipping House District 3B in 2022 by just 33 votes, she has consistently sided with the far right. She voted against Minnesota’s trans refuge law, opposed the state’s ban on conversion therapy for minors, introduced her own bill to bar transgender girls from participating in school sports, and voted against codifying abortion rights into state law.
In 2024, she barely survived again, scraping by with about 0.7 percent of the vote, roughly 160 votes. Her district, which has supported Democrats for president and governor, is trending younger and more inclusive every cycle. Zeleznikar is governing like none of this is true. Her record is documented, her margins are shrinking, and her district is moving away from her extremism. She is exposed, she is vulnerable, and she is beatable.
Her next election is in 2026, but the campaign begins in 2025!
Anti-LGBTQ+ and Anti-Family Record
Voted against HF 146, Minnesota’s trans refuge law protecting access to gender-affirming care.
Opposed HF 16, which banned conversion therapy for minors, siding with a discredited practice.
Authored HF 1233 in 2023 to ban transgender girls from school sports.
Advanced national “culture war” issues into Minnesota classrooms, ignoring warnings from parents, teachers, and civil rights advocates.
Attacks on Reproductive Freedom
Voted against HF 1 (2023), which codified abortion rights into Minnesota law.
Consistently opposed measures protecting patients, doctors, and reproductive privacy.
Aligned with extreme anti-choice voices, leaving women and families vulnerable in medical emergencies.
Record on reproductive rights is out of step with a district that supports pro-choice policies.
Culture War Over Constituents
Campaigned as a pragmatic neighbor focused on affordability and schools.
In office, prioritized divisive bills targeting classrooms, healthcare, and reproductive rights.
Neglected district priorities such as housing, childcare, healthcare, and workforce development.
Chose the far-right national agenda over addressing local community needs.
Key Vulnerabilities
House District 3B is highly competitive.
Won in 2022 by 33 votes out of 21,000 cast.
Held on in 2024 by 0.7% (~160 votes).
District favors Democrats at the presidential and gubernatorial level.
Union households, younger voters, and diverse communities are growing in influence.
Local educators, healthcare professionals, and grassroots groups are organizing against her ahead of 2026.
Her electoral base is shrinking, margins are razor-thin, and the district is trending left.
Natalie Zeleznikar has used her time in office to attack LGBTQ+ kids, oppose protections for reproductive freedom, and introduce divisive culture war bills that harm her constituents.
She has:
A record of voting against LGBTQ+ rights and reproductive freedom
Two consecutive wins by margins under one percent
A district that votes blue at the top of the ticket and is trending further left
No legislative accomplishments addressing affordability, housing, or workforce challenges
