All articles tagged with #dfl
As the Aug. 11 DFL primary nears, Rep. Angie Craig and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan clash over healthcare approaches—Craig backing a public option to compete with private insurers, Flanagan advocating Medicare for all—while differing on Israel–Palestine policy and affordability, with both proposing tax-repeal of top earners to fund their agendas and contrasting on childcare accessibility.
At the Minnesota DFL convention, Sen. Amy Klobuchar reportedly told staff backstage she would leave after delegates nominated Kobey Layne, a progressive activist, as a challenger to her gubernatorial bid; she ultimately stayed and won the party endorsement on the first ballot with 68%. The moment reflected ongoing tensions within the party, while Layne vows to challenge her in the August primary. The event also featured pitches, questions for candidates, and campaign swag drama.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar won the Minnesota DFL’s endorsement for governor at the 2026 state convention on the first ballot with about 68% support, defeating insurgent candidate Kobey Layne (roughly 27%). Klobuchar framed her victory as a promise to make government work for all and to win in November by appealing to independents and moderate Republicans. Layne argued for a more progressive, anti‑establishment path and criticized the so‑called corporate Democrats. The convention also endorsed Lt. Gov. candidate Ben Schierer and reelection bids for Attorney General Keith Ellison and Secretary of State Steve Simon.
Two primary elections in Minnesota will determine the candidates for two vacant House seats in St. Paul and Woodbury-Maplewood, with the DFL candidates favored to win and potentially resulting in a tied legislature if both succeed.
The Minnesota DFL has revoked its endorsement of State Sen. Omar Fateh for Minneapolis mayor due to flaws in the electronic voting process, which led to an undercount and the disqualification of a candidate. The party will not endorse any candidate in the race, and Fateh is considering an appeal. Mayor Jacob Frey welcomed the decision, emphasizing the importance of correcting mistakes and ensuring a fair process.
The Minnesota DFL vacated its endorsement of Omar Fateh for Minneapolis mayor after discovering significant flaws in the voting process at the convention, including errors in vote counting and a potential lack of quorum, leading to a review and probation for the chapter.
The Minnesota DFL has revoked its endorsement of Minneapolis mayoral candidate Omar Fateh due to major failures in the convention voting process, including unsecured credentials and vote miscounts, leading to protests and calls for party reform.
The Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) Party's control over Minnesota politics is waning as the state Senate remains under DFL control, but the Minnesota House is likely headed for a tie, with two close races potentially going to recounts. If Republicans win one or both seats, they could gain control of the House, ending the DFL's trifecta. This shift could lead to a power-sharing agreement between parties, reminiscent of a similar situation in 1979, which initially worked but eventually led to legislative deadlock.
DFL leaders, including Gov. Tim Walz, are calling for Sen. Nicole Mitchell to resign following her first-degree burglary charges, but Mitchell refuses to step down, citing community support and her right to due process. Republicans criticize the DFL for previously supporting Mitchell to pass their agenda and now pushing for her resignation. An ethics panel has decided to wait for the court case to proceed before further investigation.
Minnesota DFL Party Chair Ken Martin and Governor Tim Walz have called for State Senator Nicole Mitchell to resign following her burglary charge, but Mitchell, through her lawyer, has stated she will not step down. Despite the pressure, DFL Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy believes Mitchell deserves her day in court. The urgency for her resignation is tied to the timing of a potential special election. Mitchell maintains her innocence and plans to continue serving her constituents.
Freshman state Rep. Brion Curran, a Democrat, has been charged with two misdemeanor counts of drunken driving after her blood alcohol level was found to be double the legal limit. Prior to her arrest, Chisago County received two calls reporting her erratic driving behavior.
The Minnesota Legislature ended its session with Democrats claiming it was "transformational" and "historic," while Republicans called it "partisan" and "bonkers." With a $17.5 billion surplus, Democrats fulfilled nearly every plank of their platform, including codifying abortion rights, paid family and medical leave, sick leave, transgender rights protections, drivers licenses for undocumented residents, restoration of voting rights for people when they are released from prison or jail, wider voting access, one-time rebates, a tax credit aimed at low-income parents with kids, and a $1 billion investment in affordable housing including for rental assistance. Republicans criticized tax hikes, smaller rebate checks, and new spending that could be unsustainable in the event of an inevitable economic downturn.
Chaos erupted at the Minneapolis 10th Ward DFL convention over a dispute regarding the endorsement of a city council candidate. The convention was adjourned without endorsing any candidate, and tensions remain high between supporters of the two candidates.
The Minnesota Senate is set to vote on a recreational cannabis bill on Friday, three days after it was approved by the state's House of Representatives. The bill has been one of the most closely watched of the session, with DFL lawmakers and Governor Tim Walz expressing support for it. However, the DFL holds just a one-seat majority in the Senate, and most, if not all, Republicans in the chamber are expected to vote against it. A recent poll found that 58% of Minnesotans surveyed support full legalization of recreational marijuana.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz highlighted achievements of the DFL-controlled state government in his State of the State address, including tax cuts, protecting abortion rights, providing meals to students, and requiring carbon-free energy by 2040. He also presented plans for child tax credits, education funding, paid leave, and gun control. Walz criticized Republican Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and pledged to pass universal background checks and red flag laws. Republicans criticized Walz for not completely eliminating the tax on Social Security benefits and called his address a "hyper-partisan wishlist."