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Meet
A.J. Prospect
A lifelong Minnesotan, retired cosmetologist, and beauty school instructor — ready to bring real-world, working-family experience to the Minnesota House.
A Neighbor,
Not a Politician
A.J. Prospect isn't a career politician. A.J. is a neighbor — a lifelong Minnesotan and longtime Apple Valley resident who spent a career as a cosmetologist and beauty school instructor, and who earned an Associate of Arts in Political Science from Inver Hills Community College. That combination of real-world experience and formal study of government is exactly the kind of grounded perspective that's missing in the Minnesota Legislature.
Working directly with clients and training the next generation of cosmetologists gave A.J. a deep understanding of what working families face every day — the cost of education, navigating licensing requirements, and a government that often feels out of touch with the people it's supposed to serve.
A.J. is running to change that — to be a representative who actually shows up, listens, and delivers results for the people of Minnesota.
Why I'm Running for the Minnesota State House of Representatives
"I'm running for the Minnesota House of Representatives to give the people of Minnesota a practical, hands-on choice for State Representative. I'm not a career politician — I'm a working Minnesotan who has spent a lifetime serving people directly. I bring real-world experience, a strong work ethic, and a genuine commitment to the families of Minnesota. It's time for a representative who shows up, listens, and delivers real results."
What Led Me Here
My career as a cosmetologist and beauty school instructor taught me more about people than any political science degree ever could. For years I worked directly with clients — listening to their concerns, their struggles, and their hopes for their families. I trained the next generation of cosmetologists, many of them working students trying to build a better life.
I also hold an Associate of Arts in Political Science — so while my heart is rooted in the everyday experiences of working Minnesotans, I've studied how government works and how to make it work better for the people it's supposed to serve.
I've built a career grounded in service, skill, and dedication. Those experiences gave me a clear understanding of what working Minnesotans need from their government — and the drive to do something about it. That's what led me here.
What Voters Are Talking About
When I talk to voters across Minnesota, the same concerns come up again and again. Here's what matters most — and where I stand.
Protecting Social Services — Stopping the Fraud
Minnesota has a generous social safety net — and that's something to be proud of. But rampant fraud is draining resources that should be going to the people who truly need them. I've talked to hardworking Minnesotans who are frustrated watching their tax dollars get abused while neighbors in genuine need go without adequate support.
I believe we can do both: crack down hard on fraud and abuse in our social services system, and make sure that every dollar saved goes back to delivering real, adequate services to the citizens who depend on them. That's not a partisan issue — that's common sense accountability.
Protecting taxpayers and protecting the vulnerable aren't opposites. Done right, they go hand in hand.
What Drives A.J.
Rooted in Minnesota
Born and raised in Minnesota and a longtime Apple Valley resident — these aren't just constituents, they're neighbors, friends, and family. That connection drives everything.
Real-World Experience
A career spent serving people directly as a cosmetologist and beauty school instructor taught A.J. that hard work, skill, and showing up every day are what actually get results.
Community First
Strong communities are built from the ground up — by working families, educators, and neighbors who look out for each other.
Principled Leadership
A.J. believes in saying what you mean and doing what you say. No political games, no empty promises — just honest, accountable leadership.
The Road to
Minnesota
Born & Raised in Minnesota
A.J. Prospect grew up in Minnesota, developing a deep appreciation for the state's values, work ethic, and tight-knit communities — and a genuine love for all four seasons: the crisp beauty of Winter, the renewal of Spring, the warmth of Summer (mosquito season and all), and the brilliant colors of Autumn.
Licensed Cosmetologist
A.J. built a career as a licensed cosmetologist — working directly with clients, running a chair, and understanding what it means to earn a living through skill and hard work.
Beauty School Instructor
A.J. went on to teach at beauty school, mentoring the next generation of cosmetologists and gaining firsthand experience with workforce training, education policy, and the needs of working students.
Associate of Arts — Political Science
A.J. earned an Associate of Arts degree in Political Science from Inver Hills Community College — building a foundation in civics, government, and public policy while continuing to serve the community.
Running for Minnesota House
Frustrated by career politicians who talk but don't deliver, A.J. decided it was time to bring a working Minnesotan's perspective and principled leadership to the Minnesota House of Representatives.
Ready to Make a Difference?
A.J. Prospect is one of us — a working Minnesotan with a career built on service, skill, and showing up every day. It's time to send someone to the Minnesota Legislature who understands what Minnesota families actually need.