Clinical Practice to Capitol: Nurse Practitioner Erika Yoney Seeks Minnesota House Seat
- Psychiatric nurse practitioner Erika Yoney announced candidacy for the Minnesota House of Representatives in District 4A.
- The Moorehead NP is hoping to earn the Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) party's endorsement.
- She is running on a platform that includes addressing issues of education, affordable housing and food, and healthcare.
Psychiatric nurse practitioner Erika Yoney is stepping out of the clinic and into the political spotlight. She’s announced her candidacy for the Minnesota House of Representatives in District 4A, aiming to snag the Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) party's endorsement.
Yoney, who currently provides mental health care at Family HealthCare in Moorhead, will kick off her campaign at the Moorhead DFL Caucus on February 3, 2026.
"Nurses are taught from day one that advocacy is essential to quality care," Yoney said when announcing her campaign. “That experience has prepared me to advocate for Moorhead families at the Capitol.”
From Caring for Patients to Caring for Communities
Throughout her career as a nurse practitioner, Yoney has been focused on serving vulnerable populations, a stance that can serve her well moving forward in public service.
For instance, at Family HealthCare, she provides therapy and medication management for patients navigating mental health challenges. Her work is also deeply rooted in collaboration with organizations like homeless shelters, correctional facilities, schools, and treatment centers. She’s seen the barriers people face in accessing healthcare, regardless of income.
With a nursing degree from Minnesota State University Moorhead and a Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of Minnesota, Yoney is no stranger to hard work. She’s also a member of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association and the International Society for Psychiatric Nursing, demonstrating her dedication to her field.
Political Platform
Yoney’s campaign platform is built on three pillars that probably sound familiar to most nurses:
- Affordable healthcare
- Strong public schools
- An economy that supports working families
Her stances on these topics aren’t just talking points; they’re issues she’s seen firsthand in her practice. She knows how lack of access to healthcare or stable housing can ripple into every area of someone’s life, and she’s ready to fight for change.
"As federal uncertainty places greater pressure on educators, healthcare workers, and the people they serve, Minnesota needs leaders who understand how these systems actually work—and where they don’t," Yoney said.
Nurses in Politics: A Growing Movement
Yoney isn’t just running for office; she’s part of a bigger trend of nurses stepping into political roles. According to the American Nurses Association, more nurses are making the leap into elected office, from local school boards to state legislatures and even Congress.
On her campaign website, Yoney also noted that no nurse has ever served in the Minnesota House of Representatives, a gap she hopes to remedy.
"We need leaders who understand healthcare and education, not just on paper, but in practice — leaders who have sat with families in crisis, worked within strained systems, and built partnerships to make those systems work better," she says on her campaign site.
Why? Because nurses bring something unique to the table. Nurses are problem-solvers, collaborators, and advocates by nature. They're used to juggling a million priorities at once, whether it’s managing a crashing patient or keeping a chaotic unit afloat. These are exactly the skills needed in policy-making.
While the exact number of nurses serving in state legislatures is tough to pin down, the trend is clear: nurses are increasingly using their evidence-based mindset to influence public policy. Yoney is the latest example of how clinical expertise can translate into political advocacy—and she’s not afraid to lean into the values that make nurses so trusted in their communities.
"This community taught me that every single person matters," Yoney said. "We care for our neighbors, we value differences, and we find common ground. That’s how we build strong, growing communities."
The Next Steps for Yoney, and Nurses Everywhere
Yoney’s campaign is already making waves, but she’s not the only one vying for the DFL nomination. Her competition includes Moorhead Mayor Shelly Carlson and firefighter/union organizer Kevin Salisbury. The District 4A seat, currently held by Rep. Heather Keeler, is up for grabs after Keeler announced she’s running for a U.S. House seat instead.
For nurses watching Yoney’s journey, her campaign is a reminder that they don’t have to stop at the bedside when it comes to advocacy. Whether it’s running for office, joining a committee, or simply staying informed about policy issues, there are so many ways to use our voices to make a difference.
The Minnesota House District 4A race will play out during the 2026 election cycle, with the DFL endorsement process kicking off in early 2026. No matter the outcome, Yoney’s campaign sends an important message: nurses belong in every room where decisions are made.
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