About
A Hopkins Kid
Anders Folk grew up in Hopkins, where he went to Hopkins High School and played hockey and string bass in the Orchestra. He learned firsthand what public service looks like watching his mom teach at a local community college and by participating in organizations like the YMCA’s Youth in Government Program and the American Legion’s Boys’ State and Boys’ Nation. Those lessons stuck. He went on to the University of Minnesota for his B.A. and his law degree, and has spent his career serving the people of this state.
Called to serve
During law school, Anders worked in the Hennepin County Attorney's Office under then County Attorney Amy Klobuchar. He knows this office from the inside, because it is where he began his work in criminal justice.
Anders joined the Marine Corps while in law school and earned his commission after his second year in law school. He entered active duty service after September 11. Anders served as a military lawyer, prosecuting and defending service members.
a career prosecutor
Anders came home to Minnesota and became a federal prosecutor. He took on international terrorism cases, fraudsters, and organized gangs committing violent crime and drug trafficking. As Acting United States Attorney for the District of Minnesota, he signed the federal indictment charging Derek Chauvin with violating George Floyd's civil rights and opened a civil rights investigation into the Minneapolis Police Department. He oversaw the office during the prosecution of the white supremacist who firebombed the Dar Al-Farooq mosque in Bloomington, and he led a multi-jurisdictional effort that took down an armed robbery ring terrorizing the Twin Cities.
President Biden's Justice Department asked Anders to bring that experience to Washington, D.C.. He served as Senior Counsel to Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco, managing a portfolio covering civil rights, the U.S. Marshals, Drug Enforcement Agency , the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force, and the implementation of Body Worn Cameras in the Department of Justice.
Throughout his career, Anders has balanced compassion and consequences. Violent offenders, repeat offenders, and fraudsters who break the law need consequences that protect our communities. Others may need proven diversion, restorative justice, and prevention programs that break the cycles pulling people into the justice system.
A Community leader, father, and husband
Anders brings that same commitment to his community. He serves on the boards of the YMCA of the North, the University of Minnesota Foundation, and the Veterans Defense Project, which works to improve legal outcomes for veterans caught in the justice system. He previously served on the board of the Minnesota Orchestra and was the longtime board chair and a board member at the International Education Center, a nonprofit organization supporting first-generation immigrants seeking adult basic education.
Today, Anders and his wife Angela are raising their four children in Hennepin County: Morgan, and triplets Harlan, Alex, and Maddie.
Anders is running for Hennepin County Attorney to make every neighborhood safe and because the state's largest public law office deserves experienced leadership.
