AGP Executive Report

Election Outlook: With Nov. 3 approaching, every Minnesota House and Senate seat is on the ballot. The Senate is held by Democrats by one vote, while the House is tied; analysts see a possible DFL advantage in House races. More than 419,000 Minnesotans have already voted, ahead of the 2022 pace. Senate Race: Peggy Flanagan faces Republican Michele Tafoya in a tight contest. A Flanagan win could make her the first Indigenous woman elected to the U.S. Senate. Omar Probe: Federal agents searched Rep. Ilhan Omar’s Washington home, and a court filing has renewed scrutiny of her immigration and marriage history. Omar denies wrongdoing; the filing does not prove the allegations. Energy Debate: Southeast Minnesota residents are organizing against a proposed 765-kilovolt transmission line. Xcel Energy and Dairyland Power say it is part of a regional plan to strengthen the grid. Federal-State Tensions: Minnesota officials say the federal government has again stopped sharing information with state investigators probing the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti.

Election Turnout: Minnesota has recorded more than 419,000 early votes, far ahead of the pace in 2022, as campaigns enter the final stretch. Governor’s Race: Amy Klobuchar and Lisa Demuth clashed over fraud, health care, childcare and gang violence in their latest debate. Senate Contest: Peggy Flanagan and Michele Tafoya traded attacks over alleged state fraud, while a new race rating points to a tougher contest for Democrats. Federal-State Tensions: Minnesota officials say federal agencies have again stopped sharing information in investigations into the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti; the Justice Department is also seeking to remove two Minnesota judges from immigration cases over their public remarks. Minneapolis Services: The city’s mental-health crisis response program is in limbo amid a dispute with its vendor.

Early Voting: Minnesota has logged 419,189 ballots for the Nov. 3 election—nearly double the total at this point in 2022—with extended voting hours now underway. Campaign Money: Millions in political ads are flowing into Minnesota races through wealthy donors and PACs, while Bernie Sanders joined Senate candidate Peggy Flanagan at a Duluth rally. Governor’s Race: Amy Klobuchar and Lisa Demuth clashed over fraud, health care and gang violence in a closely watched debate as voters weigh their competing visions for the state. Federal-State Tensions: Minnesota officials say federal agencies have stopped sharing information with state investigators about the ICE-related shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti; separately, the Justice Department is seeking action against two Minnesota judges over their public remarks on immigration. Fraud Policy: President Trump’s new federal whistleblower plan promises rewards for reporting alleged government fraud, but its payout terms and Trump’s role in deciding awards have raised questions.

Early Voting: Minnesota has accepted more than 419,000 ballots, nearly double the pace of the 2022 midterm. Blue Earth County is also running about 25% ahead of its 2022 turnout, with local officials citing strong in-person voting. Key Races: High turnout comes as Minnesota’s Senate contest tightens, with Democrat Peggy Flanagan and Republican Michele Tafoya in a close race. Gov. candidates Amy Klobuchar and Lisa Demuth are also making their final pitches before Nov. 3. Omar Under Fire: At a Georgia rally, President Trump again called for Rep. Ilhan Omar to resign and repeated disputed claims about her identity and marriage. Omar denies wrongdoing; a federal investigation is ongoing. Fox News cut away from Trump’s remarks during the rally. Consumer Protection: Attorney General Keith Ellison is suing L’Oréal, alleging the company concealed cancer risks tied to hair-relaxer products marketed to Black women and girls. The company disputes the allegations.

Omar Probe: Rep. Ilhan Omar says the Justice Department has told her little about its investigation into her immigration and identity records. She denies wrongdoing as President Trump calls for her resignation and a Republican lawmaker threatens an expulsion effort. Early Voting: More than 419,000 Minnesotans have cast ballots, nearly double the pace at this point in the 2022 midterm, with weekend voting hours approaching. State Races: Gov. candidates Amy Klobuchar and Lisa Demuth are drawing contrasts on mining, while House District 3A candidates Roger Skraba and Aaron Kania pitch voters in a politically mixed Northland district. Capitol Turnover: Forty-three Minnesota lawmakers won’t return next year, setting up a major reshaping of the Legislature after Election Day. Federal-State Tensions: Hennepin County says federal officials have stopped sharing information with state investigators about the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti.

Federal-State Clash: Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty says federal authorities have again stopped sharing evidence with Minnesota investigators probing the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by immigration agents. Omar Investigation: President Trump renewed calls for Rep. Ilhan Omar to resign after reports about her name drew scrutiny; the claims remain unverified publicly, and Omar has called the probe political intimidation. Midterm Watch: More than 419,000 Minnesotans have voted early—nearly twice the 2022 midterm pace. Recent polling shows tight contests, with Peggy Flanagan leading Michele Tafoya 45%-42% and Amy Klobuchar ahead of Lisa Demuth 48%-41%. Transportation: MnDOT picked a four-lane freeway as its preferred plan for Highway 252, opening a public comment period ahead of a final decision in 2027.

Federal-State Tensions: Minnesota officials say the Justice Department has stopped sharing evidence in state investigations of the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal officers. Governor’s Race: Amy Klobuchar and Lisa Demuth clashed in their final debate over fraud, taxes and agriculture. Parents of Annunciation shooting victim Harper Moyski accused Demuth of promising a gun-control vote and then failing to deliver; Demuth disputed their account. Omar Investigation: Donald Trump again demanded Rep. Ilhan Omar resign over disputed identity claims. A federal filing identifies her by another name but does not establish fraud; Omar denies wrongdoing and calls the investigation politically motivated. Courts and Immigration: DOJ is seeking to remove two Minnesota federal judges from immigration cases over their public remarks on enforcement. Legislative Stakes: With control of both Minnesota legislative chambers up for grabs, party leaders are making a final push in races that will shape the state’s spending and policy agenda.

Federal-State Clash: Minnesota officials say the federal government has again stopped sharing evidence in the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal officers. State prosecutors are asking a judge to order the release of materials, including officers’ phones and interview recordings. Ilhan Omar: The Minnesota congresswoman says she plans to leave her Washington home after federal agents searched it under a warrant. She denies wrongdoing and says the investigation is political intimidation. Election Stakes: Control of the Minnesota House and Senate is up for grabs in 201 races, with the House tied and Democrats holding a one-seat Senate edge. The outcome will shape the agenda for the next governor on taxes, spending and other major policies. Governor’s Race: Harper Moyski’s parents endorsed Amy Klobuchar, criticizing Lisa Demuth’s handling of gun-safety legislation; Demuth disputes their account of a promise to support the bill.

Governor’s Race: Amy Klobuchar and Lisa Demuth clashed in their final debate over fraud, crime, childcare costs and mining, with both pitching contrasting approaches to Minnesota’s problems. Omar Investigation: Rep. Ilhan Omar says she plans to leave her Washington home after federal agents searched it and that the raid left her feeling unsafe. She denies wrongdoing and calls the investigation political intimidation; allegations about her marriage remain unsubstantiated. Election Oversight: The Justice Department is seeking to remove two Minnesota judges from immigration cases over public remarks, while state officials are preparing to monitor federal election observers ahead of Nov. 3. Senate Contest: Fraud scrutiny and campaign spending are sharpening Minnesota’s closely watched Senate race, as Republican Michele Tafoya challenges Democratic nominee Peggy Flanagan. Data Center Debate: Opposition to large data centers is emerging as an election issue, with Minnesota voters offered a new guide to potential effects on water, energy, the environment and taxpayers.

Governor’s Race: Amy Klobuchar and Lisa Demuth met in their final debate before Election Day, with fraud and the state’s direction among the campaign’s central issues. Senate Contest: The Flanagan–Tafoya race remains tight, but outside groups have spent about $25 million—roughly half the amount analysts expected. Omar Raid: Rep. Ilhan Omar said the search of her home was meant to intimidate voters; she denied wrongdoing as the federal immigration investigation continues. Court Fight: The Justice Department is seeking to remove two Minnesota federal judges from cases, arguing their public comments raise questions about impartiality. Fraud Case: A jury convicted Muna Wais Fidhin on all counts in a Feeding Our Future case, finding she fraudulently claimed about $1 million in meal-program funds.

Omar Investigation: Federal investigators have questioned Rep. Ilhan Omar’s sister and searched Omar’s Washington home as they examine alleged immigration-record fraud. Omar denies wrongdoing, has not been charged and calls the probe political intimidation; President Donald Trump has suggested she could face jail or deportation. Minnesota Campaigns: With the Nov. 3 election approaching, Amy Klobuchar faces Lisa Demuth in the governor’s race, while Peggy Flanagan and Michele Tafoya are competing in a closely watched Senate contest. Fraud, healthcare and the cost of living remain central issues. Fraud Crackdown: Trump and Vice President JD Vance launched a $25 million tip program offering up to $30,000 for reports leading to enforcement action. Trump says he will decide disputed awards, as federal officials spotlight alleged fraud in Minnesota and elsewhere. Public Health: Gov. Tim Walz urged Minnesotans to get flu, COVID-19 and measles vaccinations, noting 42 measles cases statewide this year, including clusters in Fillmore and Todd counties.

Omar Investigation: President Donald Trump said Rep. Ilhan Omar could face prison or deportation in a federal probe into alleged immigration-document misrepresentation. Omar denies the allegations, and no charges have been announced. Fraud Program: Trump and Vice President JD Vance unveiled a $25 million federal reward program for fraud tips, with Trump saying he will decide who gets paid. Its first $10,000 went to a commentator whose claims about Minnesota fraud have included unsubstantiated allegations. Governor’s Race: Amy Klobuchar and Lisa Demuth are set to debate Wednesday, with taxes, health care and state fraud under scrutiny in the closely watched contest. Election Security: Attorney General Keith Ellison launched an online form for reporting voter intimidation and election disinformation, including deepfakes. Public Safety: Forty-six law enforcement agencies are joining a statewide effort to share information and coordinate investigations into gang and group violence. Health Care: Minnesota hospitals warn federal Medicaid cuts could deepen financial strain as the state faces a difficult budget year.

Governor’s Race: Amy Klobuchar and Lisa Demuth clashed over taxes, regulation and affordability, as Minnesota voters weigh the state’s direction. Early voting is underway ahead of the Nov. 3 election, with all 201 seats in the Legislature up for grabs. Public Safety: More than 40 Minnesota law enforcement agencies, alongside federal partners, are coordinating intelligence and investigations to combat gang violence and gun crimes. Legal Fight: Minnesota builders are challenging the 2024 omnibus law, arguing its construction rules are unconstitutional and could raise homebuilding costs. Omar Probe: Rep. Ilhan Omar is challenging the legality of the FBI search of her Washington home, while the investigation has become a flashpoint in the campaign and drawn criticism from Barack Obama. Farm Policy: Drought has prompted federal disaster designations for additional Minnesota counties, adding pressure on farmers ahead of Election Day.

Public Safety: More than 40 local, state and federal agencies are coordinating investigations and intelligence-sharing to curb gang and group violence, after recent shootings in Twin Cities suburbs renewed calls for action. Governor’s Race: Amy Klobuchar and Lisa Demuth clashed over taxes, costs, regulation and fraud at a business forum, with both ruling out tax increases. GOP Primary: Mike Lindell dropped his challenge to Minnesota’s Republican gubernatorial primary results and endorsed nominee Lisa Demuth. Midterm Voting: Early voting is underway, and absentee ballots are arriving faster than they did at this point in 2022. Legal Fight: Builders are challenging parts of Minnesota’s 1,400-page 2024 law, arguing its housing rules are unconstitutional. Omar Probe: Rep. Ilhan Omar’s lawyers are challenging the legality of the federal search of her home, while former President Barack Obama condemned the investigation as political intimidation. The allegations against Omar remain unproven.

Omar Investigation: Rep. Ilhan Omar’s lawyers say federal agents violated a judge’s safeguards during a search of her Washington home and want seized property returned. The probe’s scope remains unclear; border czar Tom Homan says investigators believe they have a strong case, while former President Barack Obama condemned the investigation as political intimidation. Early Voting: Minnesota’s “No Kings” rallies urged voters to cast ballots early. More than 202,000 absentee ballots had been cast, ahead of the pace at this point in 2022. Senate Race: Peggy Flanagan and Michele Tafoya clashed in their only scheduled debate, with taxes, Medicaid cuts and government spending at the center. GOP Governor Race: Mike Lindell is dropping his primary recount challenge and endorsing nominee Lisa Demuth, though he says he plans to sue voting-machine companies. State Economy: Minnesota lost 4,600 jobs last month, and wages have remained flat over the year as prices rose, eroding workers’ purchasing power.

Early Voting: “No Kings” rallies in Minnesota urged voters to cast ballots before Nov. 3, as the midterm campaign intensifies. Omar Investigation: Federal agents searched Rep. Ilhan Omar’s home as part of an investigation whose scope remains unclear. Omar’s lawyers are challenging the search and seeking the return of seized items; former President Barack Obama condemned the probe, while border czar Tom Homan said denaturalization could be possible if fraud allegations are proven. Tribal Rights: Minnesota’s Human Rights Department found probable cause that a Coon Rapids credit union and a Minneapolis bar discriminated by rejecting valid tribal IDs. State Campaigns: Senate hopefuls Peggy Flanagan and Michele Tafoya clashed over Minnesota’s fraud scandal, taxes and public safety. Gov. Tim Walz said stepping aside from re-election was how he accepted accountability for the scandal.