Democrat Xp Lee secured victory in a special election to fill the seat of the late Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman, defeating Republican Ruth Bittner. The election, held in a Democratic district, restored a legislative tie in the state house, following the assassination of Hortman and her husband in June. Lee, a former city council member and Hortman mentee, vowed to carry forward Hortman’s legacy amid national concern over political violence, which spurred the election. The accused perpetrator, Vance Boelter, is facing charges for the murders of Hortman and her husband, as well as attempted murder of other Democratic lawmakers.
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Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has announced his intention to seek re-election in 2026, aiming for a third term as governor. This decision aligns with the state’s allowance for incumbent governors to serve beyond two terms and follows Walz’s experience as the Democratic Party’s vice-presidential nominee in 2024. While campaigning, Walz has addressed recent violent incidents in the state and called for gun control legislation. The announcement comes amidst a backdrop of both Democratic gains and an ongoing special election to fill a vacant legislative seat, showcasing a complex political climate.
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Following the death of former leader Melissa Hortman, Minnesota House Democrats have selected State Rep. Zack Stephenson to lead the caucus. Stephenson, who was elected in 2018 and previously co-chaired the chamber’s Ways and Means Committee, was chosen by the 66-member DFL caucus in a closed-door meeting, succeeding Hortman who served for eight years. Stephenson, who was mentored by Hortman, will now lead the Democrats at a crucial time, as the legislature prepares for a potential special session and the upcoming 2026 regular session. His selection comes amidst the backdrop of a tied legislature, a special election, and ongoing grief over the loss of their former leader.
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In a recent interview, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz expressed regret over his previous call for Democrats to “bully the shit out of” former President Donald Trump. Walz stated that Trump “brings out the worst in people, and he brings out the worst in me,” particularly citing Trump’s response to the assassination of Melissa Hortman and her husband. The governor’s comments followed the charges filed against the suspect in the Hortman and Hoffman shootings, including a claim that Walz wanted the suspect to assassinate U.S. senators, a claim that Walz firmly denied. Walz, who is considering a run for a third term, revealed he had appointed the suspect to a workforce development advisory board previously but had no personal connection with him.
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Five Republican Minnesota senators will introduce a bill classifying “Trump Derangement Syndrome” (TDS) as a mental illness, defining it as “acute onset of paranoia” regarding Donald Trump’s presidencies. The bill, set for review by the Senate Health and Human Services Committee on Monday, proposes amending state statutes to include TDS as a diagnosable condition. Critics argue TDS is a politically motivated label lacking clinical basis and could be used to suppress dissent, while proponents claim it manifests as hostility and aggression towards Trump and his supporters. The bill’s passage is uncertain given the DFL’s narrow Senate majority.
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A recent special election in Minnesota has resulted in a tie in the state House of Representatives, a development that has sent ripples through the state’s political landscape. The victory for the Democrat candidate in this special election has effectively neutralized the Republicans’ previously held one-seat advantage.
This unexpected outcome underscores the finely balanced political climate in Minnesota. The state’s electorate has historically leaned slightly Democratic in presidential elections, yet the composition of the state legislature has often seen a close contest between the two major parties. This special election further highlights the volatility of Minnesota politics, illustrating how small shifts in voter sentiment can have significant consequences for the balance of power.… Continue reading
In a speech delivered in Eagan, Minnesota, Governor Tim Walz vowed to defend the state from what he called the “hateful agenda” of the Trump-Vance administration. He emphasized his commitment to protecting women’s reproductive rights, welcoming immigrants, addressing climate change, and safeguarding children in schools. While pledging to oppose the Trump-Vance agenda, Governor Walz also extended an olive branch to his constituents who voted for the other side, encouraging them to engage in dialogue and find common ground despite their political differences. He expressed a desire for Minnesotans to see each other as neighbors rather than enemies, seeking to foster a more inclusive and understanding political climate.
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Ilhan Omar’s recent victory in the primary election has sparked a range of reactions and discussions among the public. With a significant funding advantage over her opponent, Omar was able to outspend him by a ratio of 5:1. This feat challenges the notion that big money always dictates election outcomes, as demonstrated by her successful campaign.
Despite the controversies and criticisms surrounding her, including her ‘present’ vote on the bill recognizing the Armenian genocide, Omar’s dedication to her constituents and strong attendance record have set her apart as a hardworking representative. In American politics, it seems that the only voters that truly matter are those in the district, as evidenced by her victory in a heavily Somali-populated area like the Twin Cities.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood