Saint Paul Public Schools Board Director Carlo Franco to Run for State Senate in District 65

Saint Paul Public Schools Board Director Carlo Franco announced today that he will run for the Minnesota State Senate in District 65, following news that longtime Senator Sandy Pappas (D) will not seek re-election in 2026. Born and raised on Saint Paul’s West Side, Franco emphasized that his campaign will center working families, public education and community-rooted policy.

“As a life-long public servant deeply rooted in the communities of District 65, I am committed and determined to fight for our families and working people. In a time when our federal government is being dismantled by extremists and billionaires, our community can count on me to fight to make our lives more affordable and safer with policies that center our people.”

The campaign launched with the early support of both State Representatives for District 65, Samakab Hussein and Maria Isa Perez-Vega. In a joint statement, the legislators said:

“Carlo’s work and experiences define what a public servant is and what our community deserves in leaders. We have worked with him for years in the community and during his time as a School Board Director. We look forward to serving with him in true partnership when he is senator.”

If elected, Franco says he intends to prioritize

• Fully funding public education

• Workforce development and youth employment pathways

• Community safety and thriving neighborhoods

• High-quality out-of-school programming

• Affordable housing

• Livable wages and union protections

As President of the Movimiento Latino DFL Caucus, Franco led statewide outreach efforts in 2022 that helped boost Latino voter turnout and contributed to the Minnesota DFL’s “trifecta” control of the governor’s office, the state senate and the state house.

Sen. Pappas has represented the district since 1991 and leaves behind a legacy of more than three decades of legislative service. Her decision not to run opens the door to a new chapter in one of the state’s most diverse and historically Democratic districts.

“The Legislature has been so much a part of my life that leaving is like saying farewell to my family,” Pappas said in a press release. “I am proud of the work I have accomplished to help Minnesotans of all ages, backgrounds, and beliefs live healthier, safer and more fulfilling lives.”