Endorsements

Endorsed by:  Mayor Jim B. Hovland

“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

Endorsed by:  Sheriff Dawanna Witt

“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 justice partners and community will be of much value to the Hennepin County Attorney’s office. I strongly support this experienced prosecutor and public servant.”

Dawanna Witt, Hennepin County Sheriff

Endorsed by:  Attorney General Keith Ellison

“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

Endorsed by:  Ramsey County Attorney John Choi

“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

Endorsed by:  Mayor Ron Case

“Hao Nguyen is a bridge builder and collaborator. His many years of demonstrated work experience in a large county attorney’s 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

Endorsed by:  Representative Samantha Vang

“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 attorney’s office.

His proven track record of collaboration with justice partners and community makes him best suited to lead. Hao is a 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

Endorsed by:  Representative Xp Lee

“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 manager of a large prosecutor’s 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

Endorsed by:  Mayor Mark Steffenson

“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. I am proud to give him my endorsement as our next Hennepin County Attorney.”

Mayor Mark Steffenson, Maple Grove

Endorsed by:  Mayor Brad Wiersum

“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

Endorsed by:  City Council Member Kissy Coakley

“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

Endorsed by:  Mark Haase

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

Endorsed by:  Jim Fleming

Jim Fleming, Former Chief Public Defender

Endorsed by:  Senator Susan Pha

“I’m proud to stand with and endorse Hao Nguyen for Hennepin County Attorney. Hao is a proven public servant who understands that our community deserves both fairness and safety. He has the experience, integrity, and leadership to advance meaningful reforms while standing up for victims and holding people accountable. From his humble refugee beginnings to becoming a respected and highly experienced prosecutor, Hao’s story reflects a deep commitment to justice. Hao is a bridge-builder and a person who knows how to lead with humility. I believe he is the right leader to be our  next Hennepin County Attorney.”

Senator Susan Pha
Senate District 38 – Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, & Osseo

Endorsed by:  Mayor Kaohly Her

“I have known Hao for many years, and I firmly believe he is the most experienced and best choice to be the next Hennepin County Attorney. Hao brings not only the qualifications and practical experience of a seasoned prosecutor, but also a deep and demonstrated commitment to serving marginalized and underrepresented communities.

Endorsed by:  Activist Shanasha Whitson

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