TOWER — Aaron Kania, who recently retired as the U.S. Forest Service’s Kawishiwi District Ranger in Ely, announced Tuesday he will seek the DFL endorsement for Minnesota’s District 3A House seat, setting up a contest with Republican incumbent Roger Skraba.
Kania  brings nearly three decades of public service experience to the race, including more than 20 years in law enforcement and five years managing one of the state’s most challenging ranger districts.
“After serving the public for nearly three decades, I’ve realized there is always more to be done,” Kania said in announcing his campaign. “Our rural communities face unique challenges that require a leader who understands our land, our economy, and our people.
In an interview, Kania said the recent layoffs of 947 miners in the region particularly motivated his decision to run.
“That’s a huge pillar of our economy,” he said. “It’s really going to take all of us working together to solve that, to make sure that we’re a good investment here in the Northland.”
Kania emphasized that his campaign will focus on collaboration rather than divisiveness. He said he spoke with Skraba before announcing his candidacy “just out of respect for him.”
“Roger and I can talk and be civil throughout this,” Kania said, noting they worked closely together during the busy 2021 fire season when Skraba was Ely’s mayor. “I think you’re going to see Roger and I together quite a bit throughout the whole campaign.”
As district ranger, Kania led responses to several regional crises, including the 2021 Greenwood Fire, the 2025 Brimson Complex, and flooding in 2024. He also worked on balancing recreation and industry in the region, championing projects like the Prospector ATV Trail and the North Country Trail while overseeing forest management and engaging in discussions about mineral development.
Though not originally from northern Minnesota, Kania said he and his wife deliberately chose the region to put down roots. Born on an Air Force base in South Carolina to a father who served as a military firefighter, Kania grew up in Connecticut and graduated from Killingly High School before heading west to begin his career in federal law enforcement.
“I’ve been to all 50 states. I lived in five, and we chose here to put our roots down,” he said.
Kania’s campaign will focus on rural advocacy, sustainable resource use, and ensuring District 3A residents “have a seat at the table in St. Paul,” according to his announcement.
More information about Kania’s campaign is available at kaniaforhouse.com.