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Hao Nguyen for Hennepin County Attorney

 

I’ve dedicated my career to public service because I want everyone to have the same kind of opportunity that I did.

My mom fled war in Vietnam seeking safety for her family.  When she and my brothers and I finally landed in Minnesota, we had nothing but each other. But we were given so much, and I was able to become a police officer and later a lawyer. Now I lead one of the largest prosecutor units in the state.

I’m running for Hennepin County Attorney because my experience as a prosecutor and in law enforcement has taught me that we can do better, we can work together to create both safety and fairness. We can hold people accountable, and provide support. We can protect people’s rights, and hear victims. We can partner with law enforcement, and also hold them accountable. I know we can because I’ve done it.

I’m Hao Nguyen and I hope I’ll earn your support to become our next Hennepin County attorney.

This campaign is for everyone who believes that they and their neighbors have a right to both  safety and fairness, let’s get to work!

Thank you,

Hao Nguyen

Hao Nguyen SCPD
Hao Nguyen speaking to members of the media.

“Hao brings an extensive combination of experience, leadership, and perspective to the role of Hennepin County Attorney. His career as a police officer, prosecutor, and senior manager in a large metropolitan county attorney’s office demonstrates both deep legal expertise and proven executive leadership. He is uniquely prepared to lead the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office from day one.

Just as compelling as his professional qualifications is Hao’s lived experience. He knows firsthand what it means to arrive in this country as a refugee, to grow up with limited resources, and to rely on public education as a pathway to opportunity. These experiences shaped his values and his unwavering belief in fairness, accountability, and justice. Hao’s commitment to giving back to a country that has given him so much is evident to anyone who meets him and guides his approach to public service. I am proud to endorse Hao Nguyen as he embodies all the qualities we seek in our next Hennepin County Attorney.”

Mayor Jim B. Hovland, Edina

“Hao Nguyen is an experienced prosecutor and leader who manages the largest division of prosecutors in my office. He has what it takes to be an outstanding Hennepin County Attorney. In addition to his important prosecution and leadership experience, his work as Hennepin County Attorney will be informed by his past work in community corrections and as a police officer. Hao has overcome much adversity throughout his life and I believe that all of his important life experiences will serve the people of Hennepin County well.”

John Choi, Ramsey County Attorney

“Hao Nguyen is an experienced prosecutor who knows how to manage and lead a county attorney’s office. The fact that he’s been a law enforcement officer, prosecutor and for the past several years a senior level manager in a metro area prosecution office puts him in an excellent position to serve the citizens of Hennepin County well. It’s my honor to endorse this life long public servant for the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office.”

Keith Ellison, Minnesota Attorney General

“Prosecutor Nguyen has advocated for victims of crime for over 15 years. As Criminal Director for the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office, Hao has the experience necessary to run a large county attorneys office.

His proven track record of collaboration with justice partners and community makes him best suited to lead. Hao is collaborator and bridge builder, serves with humility and make sound decisions that will keep all communities safe. I am proud to endorse Hao Nguyen for Hennepin County Attorney.”

Representative Samantha Vang, Brooklyn Center

“Hao’s dedication to public safety and fairness will serve the people of Hennepin County well. I am proud to support a former law enforcement officer and current prosecutor who believes in both safety and fairness for all of Hennepin County. Hao’s focus on holding violent offenders accountable for their actions while amplifying the voices of victims will add to the work of ensuring stability and safety to our community.

His demonstrated history of working with justices partners and community will be of much value to the Hennepin County Attorney’s office. I strongly support this experience prospector and public servant.”

Dawanna Witt, Hennepin County Sheriff

“I’m proud to endorse Hao Nguyen for Hennepin County Attorney. Not only does he have the extensive experience necessary to lead the largest county attorney’s office in Minnesota, he has the values, temperament and humility required to bring folks together. Hao’s lived experience coupled with an impressive resume of already being a current high level manger of a large prosecutors office, a prior police officer, refugee, and zealous advocate for those who are marginalized, makes Hao the best choice to be the next Hennepin County Attorney. Hao brings experienced, sound minded leadership to the job.”

Representative Xp Lee, Brooklyn Park

“Hao Nguyen, is a bridge builder and collaborator. His many years of demonstrated work experience in a large county attorneys office, coupled with his prior law enforcement experience makes him the best choice to lead the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office. Hao’s refugee and immigrant background added to his humble beginnings provides him with the lived experiences that will no doubt further enhance his ability to serve the public well. He is a competent and thoughtful leader. I am proud to endorse Hao for Hennepin County Attorney.”

Mayor Ron Case, Eden Prairie

“Hao’s extensive experience in the criminal justice system makes him an excellent choice to be the next Hennepin County Attorney. His life experience and prior law enforcement experience as a correctional officer, police officer and sheriff’s deputy is quite remarkable. He brings a proven commitment to public safety and accountability and will lead with pragmatism. To me, Hao’s compassion for victims and his appreciation of how crime impacts the lives of ordinary people whose lives are upended by the crimes committed against them is truly distinctive.

From his journey as a refugee to his professional accomplishments, Hao exemplifies the American dream. He is a principled servant leader who builds coalitions, makes tough decisions, and treats every community with dignity and fairness. I am proud to endorse Hao Nguyen to be the next Hennepin County Attorney.”

Mayor Brad Wiersum, Minnetonka

“Crime is a complex problem with no simple answers to it. After nearly 35 years of practicing law I found that no one person can fix the crime issue, it’s something we all must do together. I’ve known Hao in a professional capacity for nearly a decade now. He is a bridge builder, a good listener and a person who consistently strives to seek fair outcomes. I am honored to endorse Hao for Hennepin County Attorney. His humble beginnings as a refugee and demonstrated years of public service working in the trenches at the district court level makes him well equipped to serve our Hennepin County community.”

Jim Fleming, Former Chief Public Defender

“Hao brings an exceptional combination of legal expertise, executive leadership, and practical working experience to the role of Hennepin County Attorney. His service as a police officer, prosecutor, and senior manager in one of the nation’s largest county attorney’s offices has prepared him to lead decisively and effectively.

Hao’s qualifications are matched by the power of his lived experience. As a former refugee who grew up with limited resources and relied on public education to build his future, he understands firsthand the stakes of justice and public safety. These experiences shaped his unwavering commitment to fairness, accountability, and the rule of law. Hao Nguyen is exactly the leader Hennepin County needs, and I am proud to give him my endorsement as our next Hennepin County Attorney.”

Mark Steffenson, Mayor of Maple Grove

“I worked closely with Hao for three years in his role leading one of the largest prosecutor trial divisions in Minnesota. I can think of nobody better for the job. I saw how he leads with honesty and integrity, is motivated by his compassion for others, and builds strong and lasting relationships across differences. He has the exact kind of life experience, skills, and temperament needed to be county attorney.”

Mark Haase, Attorney, Former DFL endorsed candidate for Hennepin County

“I proudly support Hao as our next Hennepin County Attorney. Hao has a proven track record, having served both as a correctional officer and as a prosecuting attorney. Hao’s extensive demonstrated history of fighting for and uplifting the voices of domestic violence survivors is critically important to me. That experience is necessary and truly matters.  It is important to me that our next Hennepin County Attorney understands the criminal justice system from multiple perspectives and has firsthand knowledge of what true public safety requires. I believe Hao is the right leader for this moment. He is a reasonable fair minded leader and I am proud to stand behind him as our next Hennepin County Attorney.”

Kissy Coakley, Minnetonka City Council Member, Ward 4