Voter Spotlight: District 39A Caucus is a Family Affair

Debra Gonsioroski and her 18-year-old daughter Paige attended the Mendota Heights Precinct 3 GOP caucus together on Tuesday night at .  

It’s easy to envision the parent leading the child in the ways of civic life, but that’s not case for the Gonsioroskis.

 “It was the other way around,” they both chimed.

“I’ve just been really looking forward to voting for a long time,” said Paige.

When her mother indicated she wasn’t planning on caucusing, Paige said she encouraged her mother to attend with her.

“I didn’t know what to expect at all,” said Debra. “I actually thought it was going to be more like voting, like I’m used to. All I’ve ever done is voting in November. So it was kind of a learning process.”

She said that the information on volunteering and getting involved was particularly valuable.

 “I’ve never come before because none of my family or friends is involved in politics at all, and so it wasn’t something I would want to try to come to myself,” said Debra. “So I’m glad she gave me a reason to come.”

Paige, a Sibley grad and a student at Crown College, said she’s passionate about anti-abortion issues, which is why she was drawn to the GOP. She traces back her interest in politics to a government class freshman year of high school. 

“She’s been counting down, I think, her whole senior year, down to when she could vote and participate,” said Debra.

“I just really want to be involved, and have a say in what goes on in politics,” said Paige.