Tom DeGree, owner of a popular Minneapolis LGBT coffee shop and cafe, is running for the state House in Lake Elmo. DeGree owns Wilde Roast Cafe with his partner Dean, and he’s running in district 56A for the DFL nomination.

Degree is running on a fiscally responsible platform.

Eight years ago I became a small business owner when I opened the Wilde Roast Café in Minneapolis with my partner. Our business has been successful as we recently moved to a new location, tripling the capacity of our original location. We are proud to have created employment opportunities for our current staff of seventy. As a business owner, I understand the importance of keeping our taxes low, and encouraging the success of small businesses.

DeGree’s website also touts his experience as an educator in the St. Paul School District.