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Politics Friday
Brian Bakst and Matt Alvarez

Politics Friday: Washington is top of mind for a pair of Minnesota's top leaders

people at a capitol event with Walz
Gov. Tim Walz receives a standing ovation as he delivers the State of the State address at the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul, Minnesota on Wednesday, April 23.
Stephen Maturen for MPR News

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Gov. Tim Walz had his chance this week to assess the condition of Minnesota in a speech where he spent a lot of time focused on what the president is up to.

Had November’s election ended differently, Peggy Flanagan would have been the one delivering the State of the State address at the Minnesota Capitol. 

Instead, the DFL lieutenant governor was seated beside Walz at this week’s speech. She’s running for the U.S. Senate in 2026. 

Flanagan has competition for the DFL nomination. So how is she introducing herself and what sets her apart? She speaks with MPR News politics editor Brian Bakst. 

Lt. Gov. Flanagan poses for a photo
Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan poses for a photo inside the Kling Public Media Center in St. Paul on Thursday, April 24.
Ben Hovland | MPR News

Then, a look at President Donald Trump’s actions immigration. MPR News reporter Sarah Thamer explains how the get-tough immigration policies are impacting communities across the state.

Later in the program, a round up of the voices heard at the Capitol and a political reporter panel recaps the latest from the Legislature and the governor’s State of the State address.

Guests:

  • Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan

  • Sarah Thamer, senior reporter for the MPR News Race, Class and Communities team

Subscribe to the Politics Friday podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or RSS.