Endorsements and Support
Minnesota DFL Letter of Support Recipient
“I’m proud to support Sofi Villena for Ward 3 because she doesn’t just talk about her values, she lives them. Sofi has shown a deep commitment to community, equity, and accountability through action, consistently stepping up to listen, lead, and advocate for the Robbinsdale community. At a time when trust in local leadership matters more than ever, Sofi brings both conviction and the willingness to do the work to move our community forward. “
-Mia Parisian - Robbinsdale City Council Member Ward 3
“I’m proud to endorse Sofi Villena for Robbinsdale City Council Ward 3. I am grateful for her local community service, passion for civic engagement, and desire to drive positive local change. As a fellow woman in STEM, I’m especially thrilled to support another scientist bringing her skills to public service, and I know Sofi will work to build a stronger, more inclusive, and community-focused Robbinsdale.”
-Jess Lewis - DFL Candidate for MN Statehouse District 43B, which includes Robbinsdale
“We are at a very critical juncture in Robbinsdale, and Sofi is the right person for Ward 3. I met Sofi at local protests and public meetings this year and can say with certainty that she has the passion, courage, and practical insights to lead our city and Ward 3.
Sofi cares about on-the-ground improvements. Topics like multimodal transportation: biking, walking, and public transit in Robbinsdale. She will work for broader transportation fixes that allow for residents to get around safely and efficiently. I trust she will work to increase mobility access and safety where she can.
Sofi is aware of the importance of public safety, and has also been present and active as a good neighbor throughout the Metro Surge crisis our City faced. Sofi understands the reality of public safety in 2026, that much needed reforms to our standard model of safety are required to protect our most vulnerable neighbors. She has insights into topics like Flock/ALPR cameras, surveillance technology, and other pressing public concerns connected to modern policing.
In terms of sustainability, Robbinsdale has a long road of working towards our climate, equity, and emissions reductions goals. Sofi has a strong understanding of these topics and has a stated interest to work towards community-led solutions on this multi-pronged issue.
In an era where political leaders often abdicate responsibility and shrug off their constituents, I know Sofi will genuinely listen to residents and work to implement changes. She is someone who is passionate and skilled in this area of governance. This skill is undervalued in local government which cannot be achieved without the strong intent to do so, which Sofi has.
In Robbinsdale, many voices are often left on the sidelines, willingly or systematically ignored by our decision makers. Sofi wants to change that, and is herself an example of breaking this harmful cycle.
Sofi is a strong leader and progressive voice that can help Robbinsdale do things not just for, but right for residents - I am proud to endorse her for Ward 3. “
-Nick Heid - Resident of Robbinsdale Ward 3 and Member of the Robbinsdale Sustainability Committee
Endorsed by Women Winning
“I am pleased to endorse Sofia Villena to represent Ward 3 on the Robbinsdale City Council. She is the real deal! I saw her stand up for our neighbors during Operation Metro Surge, carry out mutual aid efforts, and be a courageous and consistent voice for human rights, government accountability, and authentic neighborhood values. She listens thoughtfully and respectfully, with both her heart and brain, and can make connections with people from all walks of life and across many differences. She also has a scientist mindset that doesn't shy away from hard questions -- she treats challenges not as problems to gloss over but as puzzles to solve. Whether it be road repair, improving our water quality, or re-imagining police-community relations, Sofi is up for it and all in. She has already demonstrated her commitment and readiness to serve all the people of Robbinsdale. She is the kind of leader we need on our city council.”
- Julie Ralston Aoki- 21-year Robbinsdale resident, former Robbinsdale Planning Commission member, mom of three Robbinsdale kids, and current chair of the Robbinsdale Human Rights Commission*
*This endorsement represents Julie’s personal opinion only and does not represent any view or opinion of the HRC.
“When it came time to vote for [Mia Parisian’s] replacement, her successor, that person is gonna have some very big shoes to fill. Without a doubt, Sofi is up to that task... She has demonstrated repeatedly throughout the months that she is engaged with the community, she does her research, she is well-spoken, very diplomatic, knowledgeable in the areas that are challenging Robbinsdale in this moment, and it really shows. She speaks up and she shows up, and that's why she earned my vote. So, I encourage you to vote for Sofi if you're happy with Mia, and let's get this done!”
- Ben Hansen - Concerned Citizen and Robbinsdale Ward 3 Resident after casting his vote early at Robbinsdale City Hall