Putnam Highlights his bipartisan record on holding government accountable, cutting taxes and making sure no kid goes hungry in Minnesota
ST. CLOUD, MN — On Wednesday, Senator Aric Putnam released his first digital ad of his 2026 reelection campaign, focused on his record fighting fraud and making the lives of Minnesotans more affordable.
In the ad, Putnam highlights his work done across the aisle to help create Minnesota’s new independent Office of Inspector General to be a government watchdog by detecting and stopping fraud to protect taxpayer dollars. In July, he was appointed to the commission that will select candidates for the Inspector General nomination. He also emphasizes his continued commitment to bringing costs down, cutting taxes and fighting food insecurity for working people and families.
Putnam has delivered on his legislative promises ranging from fighting fraud, investing in farmers and rural infrastructure, securing property tax relief, and supporting our veterans, by bringing both parties together to get the job done. Putnam authored the legislation that made sure over 80% of Minnesotans pay no tax on their Social Security benefits. He has championed expanding the farmer tax credits to lower the barrier for young, aspiring farmers to lead the next generation of critical agriculture work.
Transcript
I love life in central Minnesota.
Teaching here for more than 20 years. Working around my house.
Bumping into folks from all walks of life at the grocery store.
I’m Aric Putnam, and this is what Minnesota’s about.
I ran for State Senate to fight for this community…
So I brought together both parties to crack down on fraud…
Cut taxes…
And make sure that no kid goes hungry at school.
Now, I want to keep fighting to cut costs.
And protect this place we all love.
About Aric Putnam
Aric Putnam represents Senate District 14 in the Minnesota State Senate, which includes the communities of St. Cloud, Waite Park, St. Augusta, St. Joseph, Haven and Minden Townships. First elected to the Senate in 2021, Putnam has focused on delivering for working people, families and seniors, strengthening education, rural development, addressing food insecurity and holding the government accountable.
Notable achievements of his this past legislative year include the allocation of $1.5 million to establish a residency and training program between Centra Care and the University of Minnesota in Saint Cloud. Putnam also helped secure state funding for clean jet fuel research utilizing local Minnesota crops, increased National Guard base pay for the first time in nearly 30 years, and established formal recognition and benefits for Veterans of the Secret War in Laos.
Prior to serving in the State Senate, Putnam built a long career in higher education. He currently teaches as a Professor of Strategic Communication Studies at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University, where he has taught since 2003. He and his wife Laurie live in Saint Cloud with their two children.