I was born in the small farming community of Red Oak, Iowa, and moved to Shakopee with my family in 1992. I grew up in Shakopee, Savage, and Prior Lake, graduating from Burnsville High School in 2008.

Just a few weeks later, I left for Marine Corps boot camp in San Diego. I served on active duty for four years as a motor transport operator. I was primarily stationed in Iwakuni, Japan, but traveled throughout Southeast Asia on humanitarian relief missions and community relations projects, while also helping deter military threats from North Korea. I also served at duty stations in California, North Carolina, Missouri, and Hawaii.

Following an honorable discharge, I returned home to Prior Lake and earned a bachelor's degree in Political Science from the University of Minnesota. I then earned a dual Juris Doctor and Master of Public Policy and Administration degree from the University of St. Thomas School of Law.

While in law school, I clerked with the Minneapolis City Attorney's Office, the Scott County Public Defender's Office, and the Scott County Attorney's Office. In Scott County, I helped lead the creation of Veterans Treatment Court by bringing together stakeholders, developing policies, and co-authoring a successful $400,000 federal grant application. The program was unanimously approved by the County Board.

After graduating from law school, I was hired by the Scott County Attorney's Office as a juvenile prosecutor. I handled cases ranging from petty tobacco possession to serious felony sex crimes. I also worked in the adult criminal division, prosecuting misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor offenses. I later worked at Hennepin County Adult Representation Services, representing clients in civil matters such as eviction proceedings and child protection cases.

I now serve as an Assistant County Attorney in the Child Protection Division of the Hennepin County Attorney's Office.

I live in Savage with my wife, Rachel, our two children who attend the Prior Lake School system, and our German Shepherd, Count Dooku (aka Duke). I coach sixth- and seventh-grade in-house baseball in Prior Lake and still try to play softball myself between injuries. We (usually) love watching Minnesota sports teams, taking Duke to local breweries, and spending time outdoors whenever the weather allows.

I've lived in this community for most of my life, and it has already been a privilege to serve it. I look forward to the opportunity to continue giving back to the community that has given me so much.