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Meet Josh Bassais: A Neighbor, a Fighter, and a Candidate for a County That Works
Josh Bassais is a lifelong Minneapolis resident whose roots run deep in North Minneapolis and South Minneapolis’s Ward 8. Raised by a vibrant community, Josh’s values were shaped by the neighbors and families who supported him throughout his life. Today, he and his wife are raising their children in the same home where he grew up, reflecting his enduring commitment to the neighborhood.
Josh’s career began in the labor movement, representing workers with LIUNA and UNITE HERE and advocating for fair wages, safer workplaces, and dignity for all. He later transitioned to the private sector, where he managed multimillion-dollar budgets and honed his skills in collaboration and operational efficiency. As Lyndale Neighborhood Board President, Josh worked directly with families to address housing, safety, and access to vital resources, grounding his leadership in real-world experience.
Now running for Hennepin County Commissioner, Josh is determined to make county government more responsive, equitable, and accountable for District 3 residents. Having witnessed firsthand how county systems can be slow and confusing, he is committed to delivering solutions that prioritize urgency, fairness, and the needs of every neighbor.
Why I'm Running
I am running for Hennepin County Commissioner because local government must work for the people it serves. I grew up in this community. My single mother relied on county health services, and my father, who had a disability, depended on HCMC. Those experiences shaped my commitment to responsive, compassionate, and accountable leadership.
Families in District 3 are feeling the strain of rising property taxes, high housing costs, and public safety concerns. Too often, when they turn to the county, they face slow, fragmented systems that leave them feeling ignored. I’m not running to preserve the status quo; I am running to deliver results.
A top priority is protecting HCMC. As Minnesota’s busiest Level 1 trauma and burn center, it is essential to our region. Years of uncompensated care and underfunding have pushed it toward insolvency. State leaders have proposed stabilization funds and the ability to use Target Field sales‑tax revenue, solutions that do not raise taxes and can keep HCMC open. I will fight to ensure every resident, regardless of income or immigration status, can access care.
I am also raising concerns about the 2028 Lyndale Avenue reconstruction. Lyndale is a vital corridor for residents, workers, and small businesses. We all want safer streets, but the current plan risks harming the neighborhood. With bike lanes already on Bryant and Blaisdell, we should strengthen the existing network, protect mature trees, and design improvements that support safety without sacrificing community character.
Above all, I will stand with our immigrant neighbors and work for a county where everyone feels safe and welcome. This is personal, and our community deserves nothing less.