Northern Minnesota is under a new alert until Friday at 7 p.m.

MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all. 

Turn Up Your Support

While politics may not be on the top of many people’s minds as summer vacation season sets in, political watchers are tuned into campaign finance reports, polling data and the mood of voters. 

This week saw the release of reports showing Gov. Tim Walz has a big campaign cash advantage over his Republican rival Scott Jensen. But there was also news of an 8.5 percent jump in inflation in May as gas prices hovered near $5 per gallon. 

There are conflicting signs in the political tea leaves, and Republicans and Democrats are reading them differently.

This week on Politics Friday, host Mike Mulcahy talks with two veteran political analysts —Democrat 

 — for their takes on the news and what it all means for the August primary and the November election.

Host

Author

As the campaign for governor and the Legislature nears the summer solstice, where do things stand? Will the headwinds from $5 per gallon gasoline and broader inflation sweep Republicans into top state offices? Are the Jan. 6 hearings in Washington having any impact on Minnesota voters? And what happens if the Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade? Two top political analysts weigh in from each side of the political aisle.

Mike talks with two veteran political analysts about reports showing Gov. Tim Walz has a big campaign cash advantage over his Republican rival Scott Jensen, about the dim prospects for a special legislative session, about the January 6 Committee hearings and more. 

DFL, GOP analysts weigh in on what gas prices, Jan. 6 hearings mean for MN politics

People shelter under furniture within the House Chamber.

DFL, GOP political analysts weigh in on what gas prices, Jan. 6 hearings mean for MN politics

Go Deeper.

Like this?