Marisa Simonetti: From Real Estate to the U.S. Senate

Welcome to an in-depth exploration of Marisa Simonetti's inspiring journey, from revitalizing distressed properties in Minnesota to her bold decision to run for U.S. Senate in 2026. This blog post delves into her background, her successful real estate career, her transition into the political arena, and her vision for a more affordable and economically vibrant Minnesota. We'll examine her platform, focusing on affordable healthcare, housing, and expanded economic opportunity, and discover what makes her a unique and compelling candidate. Just as we explored in our podcast episode, "Marisa Simonetti," we'll uncover the driving forces behind her aspirations and the impact she hopes to make on the lives of Minnesotans.

Marisa Simonetti: Background and Experience

Marisa Simonetti's story is one of dedication, hard work, and a deep commitment to her community. A proud graduate of the University of Minnesota, where she earned a degree in Psychology in 2024, Marisa has always been driven by a desire to understand and improve the lives of those around her. Her educational background laid a strong foundation for her future endeavors, providing her with critical thinking skills and a nuanced understanding of human behavior.

Beyond her academic achievements, Marisa is a dedicated mother and a seasoned real estate investor. Since 2017, she has been at the helm of the Simonetti Real Estate Team, leading the charge in revitalizing distressed properties across multiple counties in Minnesota. This hands-on experience has given her a unique perspective on the challenges faced by homeowners, renters, and communities struggling with housing insecurity and economic hardship.

Marisa's journey from real estate to politics is not a random leap, but rather a natural progression driven by her passion for creating positive change. Her experiences in the real estate sector have provided her with invaluable insights into the systemic issues that affect individuals and families across Minnesota. Her desire to address these challenges on a larger scale led her to announce her candidacy for U.S. Senate in 2026.

Real Estate Career: Revitalizing Distressed Properties

Marisa's career in real estate is marked by a remarkable ability to transform distressed properties into stable, thriving homes. As the leader of the Simonetti Real Estate Team, she has developed a keen understanding of the intricacies of property ownership, renovation, and management. Her work goes beyond simply fixing up houses; it involves creating safe, welcoming environments that foster a sense of community and belonging.

Her approach to real estate is rooted in a commitment to responsible development and community engagement. She works closely with local residents, contractors, and community organizations to ensure that her projects align with the needs and aspirations of the people who live in the neighborhoods she serves. By prioritizing collaboration and transparency, she has built a reputation for integrity and trustworthiness within the real estate industry.

The impact of Marisa's work extends beyond the physical transformation of properties. By revitalizing distressed homes, she helps to stabilize neighborhoods, increase property values, and reduce crime rates. Her efforts contribute to the overall economic health and social well-being of the communities she serves. This hands-on experience has given her a firsthand understanding of the challenges faced by homeowners, renters, and communities struggling with housing insecurity and economic hardship.

Moreover, Marisa's experience in real estate has provided her with valuable insights into the complexities of the housing market. She understands the factors that contribute to housing affordability, including zoning regulations, construction costs, and access to financing. This knowledge will be invaluable as she works to develop and implement policies that address the housing crisis in Minnesota.

Transition to Politics: Running for U.S. Senate in 2026

Marisa's decision to run for U.S. Senate in 2026 is driven by a deep sense of responsibility and a desire to serve the people of Minnesota. After years of working in the real estate sector, she realized that many of the challenges facing her community require systemic solutions that can only be achieved through effective policy-making.

Her transition from real estate to politics is not without its challenges. She is aware that she is entering a complex and often contentious arena. However, she is confident that her unique blend of experience, her strong work ethic, and her unwavering commitment to her values will enable her to effectively represent the interests of Minnesotans in the U.S. Senate.

Marisa's campaign is focused on building a broad coalition of supporters from across the political spectrum. She believes that by working together, people from different backgrounds and perspectives can find common ground and create meaningful change. Her campaign is committed to engaging with voters in every corner of the state, listening to their concerns, and developing solutions that address their needs.

She understands the importance of grassroots organizing and community engagement. She plans to build a strong network of volunteers and supporters who are passionate about her vision for a more affordable and economically vibrant Minnesota. Her campaign will focus on educating voters about her platform, mobilizing them to participate in the electoral process, and ensuring that every voice is heard.

Platform: Affordable Healthcare, Housing, and Economic Opportunity

Marisa's platform is built on three core pillars: affordable healthcare, affordable housing, and expanded economic opportunity. She believes that every Minnesotan deserves access to quality healthcare, safe and affordable housing, and the opportunity to pursue their dreams.

Her commitment to affordable healthcare is rooted in her belief that healthcare is a human right, not a privilege. She supports policies that expand access to healthcare, lower costs, and improve the quality of care. She is a strong advocate for protecting and strengthening the Affordable Care Act, and she supports efforts to expand Medicaid and Medicare.

Her focus on affordable housing stems from her experience in the real estate sector. She understands the challenges faced by homeowners, renters, and communities struggling with housing insecurity. She supports policies that increase the supply of affordable housing, reduce housing costs, and protect renters from eviction.

Her commitment to expanded economic opportunity is driven by her belief that everyone deserves the chance to succeed. She supports policies that create jobs, raise wages, and invest in education and training. She is a strong advocate for small businesses, and she supports policies that encourage entrepreneurship and innovation.

Marisa believes that by focusing on these three core pillars, she can help to create a more just and equitable society for all Minnesotans. Her platform is not just a collection of policy proposals; it is a reflection of her values and her commitment to serving the people of her state.

Goals for Affordable Housing in Minnesota

Marisa's goals for affordable housing in Minnesota are ambitious and comprehensive. She recognizes that the housing crisis is a complex problem that requires a multi-faceted solution. Her plan includes policies to increase the supply of affordable housing, reduce housing costs, and protect renters from eviction.

To increase the supply of affordable housing, she supports policies that incentivize developers to build affordable units, streamline the permitting process, and reduce construction costs. She also supports investments in public housing and other forms of subsidized housing.

To reduce housing costs, she supports policies that address the underlying drivers of housing affordability, such as zoning regulations and land costs. She also supports efforts to increase energy efficiency in homes, which can lower utility bills and make housing more affordable.

To protect renters from eviction, she supports policies that strengthen tenant protections, such as rent control and just cause eviction laws. She also supports investments in legal aid for tenants facing eviction.

Marisa understands that addressing the housing crisis will require collaboration between government, the private sector, and community organizations. She is committed to working with all stakeholders to develop and implement effective solutions that meet the needs of Minnesotans.

Vision for Expanded Economic Opportunity

Marisa's vision for expanded economic opportunity in Minnesota is based on the belief that everyone deserves the chance to succeed. She supports policies that create jobs, raise wages, and invest in education and training. She is a strong advocate for small businesses, and she supports policies that encourage entrepreneurship and innovation.

To create jobs, she supports investments in infrastructure, clean energy, and other industries that have the potential to create long-term economic growth. She also supports policies that encourage businesses to invest in Minnesota, such as tax incentives and workforce development programs.

To raise wages, she supports policies that increase the minimum wage, strengthen unions, and promote pay equity. She also supports efforts to expand access to affordable childcare and paid family leave, which can help working families make ends meet.

To invest in education and training, she supports policies that increase funding for public schools, community colleges, and vocational training programs. She also supports efforts to make college more affordable, such as tuition-free college and student loan forgiveness.

Marisa believes that by creating a level playing field and investing in the success of all Minnesotans, she can help to build a stronger and more prosperous economy for everyone.

Simonetti's Unique Blend of Experience

What sets Marisa apart from other candidates is her unique blend of experience in real estate, community revitalization, and her deep commitment to social justice. Her hands-on experience in the real estate sector has given her a deep understanding of the challenges faced by homeowners, renters, and communities struggling with housing insecurity and economic hardship. Her work in revitalizing distressed properties has demonstrated her ability to transform communities and create positive change.

Her commitment to social justice is evident in her platform, which focuses on affordable healthcare, affordable housing, and expanded economic opportunity. She is a strong advocate for policies that promote equity and opportunity for all Minnesotans, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, or socioeconomic status.

Marisa's unique blend of experience and her unwavering commitment to her values make her a compelling candidate for U.S. Senate. She is a proven leader who is ready to fight for the interests of Minnesotans in Washington, D.C.

Commitment to a Resilient and Equitable Minnesota

Marisa is deeply committed to building a more resilient and equitable Minnesota for all its residents. She understands that resilience involves not only economic strength but also social cohesion, environmental sustainability, and access to essential services for every community. Her focus on equity seeks to dismantle systemic barriers and create opportunities for those who have been historically marginalized.

She plans to foster resilience through strategic investments in renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure, which will help Minnesota adapt to climate change while creating new jobs. Furthermore, she emphasizes the importance of supporting local businesses and diversifying the economy to reduce reliance on any single industry. This approach will ensure that Minnesota remains competitive in a rapidly changing global landscape.

To achieve equity, Marisa is dedicated to addressing disparities in education, healthcare, and criminal justice. She advocates for increased funding for public schools, particularly in underserved communities, and for reforms to ensure that all students have access to quality education regardless of their zip code. Similarly, she supports policies to expand access to affordable healthcare and address racial and ethnic disparities in health outcomes.

Marisa’s commitment extends to reforming the criminal justice system to reduce recidivism and address systemic biases. She believes in investing in community-based solutions, such as job training and mental health services, to help individuals reintegrate into society and break the cycle of poverty and incarceration. Through these comprehensive efforts, Marisa aims to build a Minnesota where every resident has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.

Conclusion: Marisa Simonetti's Journey and Aspirations

Marisa Simonetti's journey from real estate to the U.S. Senate is a testament to her dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment to the people of Minnesota. Her experiences in revitalizing distressed properties have given her a unique perspective on the challenges facing communities across the state, and her platform reflects her passion for creating a more affordable and economically vibrant Minnesota. As we heard in the "Marisa Simonetti" podcast episode, she brings a unique blend of hands-on experience in property ownership, community revitalization, and a deep commitment to building a more resilient and equitable Minnesota.

Her focus on affordable healthcare, housing, and expanded economic opportunity demonstrates her understanding of the interconnectedness of these issues and her commitment to addressing them in a comprehensive and holistic manner. Her vision for Minnesota is one where every resident has the opportunity to succeed and where communities are thriving and resilient. Marisa's journey is just beginning, and her aspirations for Minnesota are inspiring and achievable. It's a journey worth watching and supporting as she strives to make a positive impact on the lives of Minnesotans.