OLIVIA, Minn. — More than a dozen individuals braved the frigid temperatures in Olivia to join with thousands of others across the country for the 2025 People's March.
The march started at 104 S. Eighth St. in Olivia and traveled via U.S Highway 212 to the Renville County Courthouse, where a short rally took place.
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Minnesota DFL District 16 Chair Fernando Alvarado and Minnesota House 16A candidate Kathy Hegstad, who has announced her candidacy in 2026, spoke during the rally.
Organizers of the march included Betsy Hennen, Mary Sullivan, Linda Wagemacher and Cathy Baumgartner, all of whom Alvarado called "strong women of character who are not afraid to make their voices heard. Women who know right from wrong and women who lead by action."
He noted that those in Olivia mobilized to join the tens of thousands who have gathered throughout the United States to bring attention to critical issues, including affordable housing and child care, an end to gender discrimination, racial justice and fair tax laws.
"We march to show our politicians that we want to be heard and represented," Alvarado said. "We know that the president is just a figurehead for those who would strip us of our rights to vote, read the books we choose or practice religion freely."
He noted that those marching understand the importance of being vigilant to ensure transparency at every level to prevent and stop any actions that may infringe upon the rights of others.
"This task may seem daunting individually, but as a team, we can protect, change and create the world we want to leave our children," Alvarado concluded.
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Hegstad told those in attendance that she believes District 16A is ready to elect a DFL candidate, noting that she received 30% of the vote in the 2024 election.
She talked about her daughters, who have grown into strong young women — one in the military and one who is becoming a horse farrier — noting she is concerned with her daughter in the military due to the current rhetoric about women in the military.
Once the rally concluded, the march proceeded back to its starting place.
The Trust Project
