Marisa Simonetti is an Edina businesswoman and real-estate entrepreneur running for U.S. Senate as an independent candidate in 2026. Born in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, she earned a bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Minnesota in 2024 (recently completed). She describes herself as a 'social-liberal, fiscal-conservative' who built a sizeable real-estate portfolio before age 30. Simonetti became involved in politics after volunteering in her son's kindergarten classroom and witnessing how teachers struggle despite lacking vital funding. She also volunteers in school lunchrooms bi-weekly. She is a mother and businesswoman with a background in real estate and entrepreneurship. Simonetti initially ran as a Republican for Hennepin County Commissioner District 6 in 2024 but lost her endorsement over a controversy involving throwing a tarantula at a tenant.
Marisa Simonetti was born in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania and earned her psychology degree from the University of Minnesota in 2024. She built a real-estate investment portfolio before age 30 and works as a real-estate entrepreneur and businesswoman. She became involved in politics after volunteering in her son's kindergarten class and recognizing how teachers work tirelessly with insufficient funding. She also volunteers bi-weekly in school lunchrooms and witnesses how free lunch programs help children thrive. She ran for Hennepin County Commissioner District 6 in 2024 as a Republican but lost her party endorsement after a controversy involving throwing a tarantula at her tenant (now subject to criminal proceedings). She is running for U.S. Senate in 2026 as an independent.