An Albert Lea woman has filed for election for District 27 senator.

Cynthia Gail, 58, is a Republican and said if elected, she will work toward economic sustainability for all people, noting she is concerned about lobbyists and would like more transparency in the political lobbying process.

She said she would like to increase recreational opportunities for her constituents, noting early education is one of her major focus points.

She said she wants children whose parents cannot teach them to be able to access iPads prior to elementary school to increase cognitive learning.

She said transportation is an important issue, noting rural communities need better roads so students can get to school. She said she is curious about how much funding is going toward programs, such as broadband, workforce development and transportation.

She said she supports the issues, but wants to see statistics to ensure money is being spent wisely.

“Being conservative does not hurt at all,” Gail said.

Gail said she wants to improve the mental health of individuals, children and teenagers by understanding, knowing and identifying cognitive dissonance.

Gail — an art teacher at United South Central — received her Bachelor of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees from Minnesota State University, Mankato. She has experience in student teaching and substitute teaching.

She has served on boards in Albert Lea and New Mexico, where she lived for a time.

Gail has four adult children.

Gail and Hayfield Republican Gene Dornink have filed to challenge incumbent Sen. Dan Sparks, DFL-Austin, for District 27 seat.