Minnesota politics

Tim Walz Announces He Will Not Seek Elected Office Again

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has stated definitively that he will not seek any elected office after his current term concludes. This decision comes after his earlier announcement against seeking reelection as governor and amid heightened scrutiny surrounding the state’s handling of childcare fraud and federal investigations. Walz, who was selected as the 2024 Democratic vice-presidential nominee, cited various reasons for his decision, including the desire to serve in other capacities and the perceived “political gamesmanship” of Republicans. His announcement also followed a tense period involving federal law enforcement actions and a phone call with former President Trump, suggesting an easing of tensions.

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Minnesota Republican Candidate Chris Madel Drops Out, Criticizes ICE

Chris Madel, a Republican candidate for Minnesota governor, has ended his campaign after a second protester was killed by federal agents. Madel, a lawyer who previously represented the ICE agent involved in the shooting of Renee Good, cited his inability to support the national Republican party’s actions and policies. He criticized the expansion of “Operation Metro Surge” and the detention of citizens based on their skin color, as well as the Department of Homeland Security’s practices. This comes amid increased scrutiny of federal agents’ actions and a shifting political landscape in Minnesota, where no Republican has won a statewide election since 2006.

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DOJ Probes Minnesota Officials: Political Retaliation and Weaponization Concerns

The news that the US Justice Department is probing Minnesota Governor Walz and other officials, according to a source, is, frankly, a bit much to swallow, especially given the current state of affairs. It’s a gut punch when you consider the political climate, economic concerns, and what feels like an ongoing erosion of societal norms. It’s tough to ignore the feeling that everything is upside down.

This situation follows a pattern that seems increasingly familiar. We’ve seen, time and again, how institutions are being used, or at least perceived to be used, to target political opponents. The idea that this is all a carefully orchestrated smear campaign aimed at Walz isn’t far-fetched, considering the backdrop of political maneuvering and, let’s be honest, outright retaliation.… Continue reading

Slain Lawmaker’s Children Urge Trump to Remove Video Amplifying False Claims

Following the tragic deaths of Minnesota State Lawmaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, as well as the shooting of State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, President Donald Trump shared a social media post promoting a conspiracy theory linking Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to the murders. In response, the Hortmans’ children, Colin and Sophie, have publicly urged Trump to remove the post, denouncing it as misinformation that dishonors their mother’s memory and fuels political division. The families’ statements have called for responsibility and compassion during this difficult time. Trump’s post was shared amidst investigations into allegations of fraud in Minnesota state programs.

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Minnesota Governor Tim Walz Ends Reelection Campaign Amid Scrutiny

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz ends campaign for reelection – this announcement has sparked a range of reactions, primarily characterized by disappointment, frustration, and a sense of disillusionment with the current political landscape. It seems many feel a good man, a capable leader, is being pushed out due to a relentless tide of manufactured controversies and partisan attacks. The sentiment is that Walz, and by extension, Democrats in general, are being held to a standard that Republicans, seemingly, are not.

The core of the issue appears to be the perception of unfairness. Critics point out that while Walz is exiting over what is largely seen as a baseless scandal, Republicans seemingly face no consequences for far more egregious actions, including actual corruption and misconduct.… Continue reading

Democrat Wins Special Election After Minnesota Lawmaker’s Death

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 to Seek Third Term in 2026

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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Minnesota House Democrats Choose New Leader After Speaker Hortman’s Death

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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Walz: Trump Divides, Evokes Worst in People

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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GOP Attempts to Label Trump Criticism as Mental Illness

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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