Seeking a seat in the Minnesota Legislature seemed like a natural progression for District 622 School Board member Pam Cunningham.

Her current term ending this year, and “I didn’t ever plan to be on the school board forever,” she said.

“But I love being engaged in the community and in the politics part of it,” said Cunningham, who recently received the Republican endorsement to run for the House seat in District 53A, which includes the northwest corner of Woodbury, southern Maplewood, Landfall and Oakdale south of 10th Street.

Over her years on the school board, Cunningham said she’s learned firsthand how decisions at the state level influence local levels of government.

As would be expected, Cunningham said she's interested in education, but also health care—Cunningham has been a nurse for 30 years, and her husband is a doctor in Woodbury.

She wants to see more local control over health care, she said, and is also interested in supporting small businesses and families.

“Anything you can do to support families, be it job accessibility for families … housing,” she said, “anything we can do to support strong families is very important.”

Cunningham said she has the full support of her husband of 27 years, Bruce, and she’s ready to get out door-knocking, fundraising and meeting people.

“I’m in this 100 percent and we’ll proceed accordingly,” she said. “I’m really excited about it.”

Cunningham works as a nursing supervisor at St. Mary’s Health Clinics, she said, and lives in Maplewood. She and her husband have four adult children. 

More coverage

• Woodbury Woman Announces Bid for State Senate
• Woodbury DFLer Announces Run for State House
• Democrats Endorse Kent, Metzger and Ward for the Minnesota Legislature
• Rep. Nora Slawik Won't Seek Re-Election
• Local DFL Chair: 2012 Candidates Recall 2006 Sweep
• Woodbury Woman Seeks DFL Endorsement for District 53A
• Oakdale Man Seeks DFL Nod for Senate District 53 Seat
• Sen. Lillie Plans Move To Woodbury, Will Run In New District
• Party Leaders Say They’re Pleased Woodbury Remains In One Senate District

Be sure to follow Woodbury Patch on Twitter, like us on Facebook and sign up for our newsletters, which send you updates about stories, breaking news, announcements, events and blogs on the site.