Politics Friday

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Politics Friday
MPR News

On Fridays, MPR News politics editor Brian Bakst discusses Minnesota politics — the latest from the legislature, election news and more. Join us Fridays at noon for interviews with lawmakers, candidates and political experts, including the MPR News politics reporting team.

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Politics Friday: Blur of action in Washington, back to action in St. Paul
MPR News host Brian Bakst talks about the blistering change in Washington with U.S. Sen. Tina Smith. And the scuffle in the Minnesota House is over. We discuss how lawmakers struck a deal to gavel in the session.
Politics Friday: Democrats seek a new leader with Minnesota’s DFL party chair
MPR News politics editor and host Brian Bakst and his guests talk about the Democratic National Committee’s election of a new party chair and the Minnesotan who’s campaigning for the job. Later, a conversation with newly elected Minnesota Republican Party Chair Alex Plechash.
Politics Friday: The 2025 Legislature is off to a bumpy start
DFLers made good on their threat to keep the Minnesota House in limbo earlier this week as both parties fought over control. Republicans pressed forward anyway. MPR News politics editor Brian Bakst and his guests talk about the unconventional start to the 2025 legislative session. Plus, an interview with Gov. Tim Walz.
As Legislature prepares for new session, rifts between parties show a partisan divide
The Minnesota Legislature will gavel-in a new session on Jan. 14 at noon, and MPR’s politics team is at the Capitol to cover it all. MPR News politics editor Brian Bakst and his guests talk about the 2025 legislative session.
Gov. Tim Walz reflects on Democrats’ shortcomings, return to Minnesota as political ground shifts
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is back at the Capitol and reacclimating to life after his vice presidential bid. Politics Friday host Brian Bakst and senior politics reporter Dana Ferguson unpack an interview with Walz about three months on the national stage and what awaits next year.
Politics Friday: Trump’s path to the White House began at the Iowa Caucuses
MPR News senior politics reporter Clay Masters looks back on the 2024 election campaign for the Iowa Caucus to election events leading up to this week when President-elect Trump stepped back into the White House.
Politics Friday: The voters have spoken, but sent a muddled message for Minnesota’s Legislature
MPR News politics editor Brian Bakst and his guests talk about the Minnesota Legislature and how the state will govern in 2025 with both chambers split virtually down the middle.  
Politics Friday: Minnesota campaigns, parties gear up for Election Day
Election Day is Tuesday, so how might it shake out? MPR News host Brian Bakst and his guests talk about the closing days of the 2024 campaign and what to watch for when the results come in on election night. 
Politics Friday: The race to lead the Minnesota Legislature
Minnesota’s Capitol could have a far different feel next January, or the cast of state leaders could be much the same. MPR News politics editor Brian Bakst talks with DFL and Republican lawmakers about what’s on the line for the state Legislature in the Nov. 5 election.