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Politics Friday

Politics Friday podcast art
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: Minneapolis mayoral candidates make their cases to lead state's biggest city

Four candidates for Minneapolis mayor discuss key issues in a debate cosponsored by MPR News and The Minnesota Star Tribune. Incumbent Jacob Frey, state Sen. Omar Fateh, business owner and attorney Jazz Hampton and minister DeWayne Davis address public safety, property taxes and downtown development.
by Brandt Williams, Matthew Alvarez and Jeff Jones

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Politics Friday Special: Rochester's growth spurt is driving economic, political change

Politics Friday Special: Rochester's growth spurt is driving economic, political change

MPR News politics editor Brian Bakst hosts a special broadcast of Politics Friday from Rochester, Minn., exploring how the city’s makeover plays into the regional hub’s economic and political standing.
by Brian Bakst and Matthew Alvarez

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Politics Friday: St. Paul mayoral candidates lay out their visions for Minnesota's capital city

Three candidates for St. Paul mayor discuss key issues in a MPR News and Pioneer Press debate. Incumbent Melvin Carter, state Rep. Kaohly Her and scientist Yan Chen address city spending, taxes, amenities and public safety.
by Brian Bakst, Matthew Alvarez and Jeff Jones

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Politics Friday: Republican Jensen makes another try for Minnesota governor

Politics Friday: Republican Jensen makes another try for Minnesota governor

MPR News politics editor talked with Republican candidate Scott Jensen about his second bid for governor. Then, a look at how farmers are coping with trade barriers as harvest time is here.
by Brian Bakst and Matthew Alvarez

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Politics Friday: A Minnesota lawmaker with focus on fraud tries to weave through GOP governor field

Politics Friday: A Minnesota lawmaker with focus on fraud tries to weave through GOP governor field

MPR News host Brian Bakst speaks with Republican candidate for governor Kristin Robbins, a state representative from Maple Grove. Then, a conversation on the plan to close the Stillwater prison. 
by Matthew Alvarez and Brian Bakst

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Politics Friday: Walz sounds off on new book, 3rd term bid and a rift with Republicans

Politics Friday: Walz sounds off on new book, 3rd term bid and a rift with Republicans

Gov. Tim Walz is seeking a third term as Minnesota’s governor. MPR News politics editor Brian Bakst interviews Walz about his reelection campaign and challenges he’s confronting in the current term.
by Brian Bakst and Matthew Alvarez

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Politics Friday: Will a special session work without prior deal? House leaders assess possibility

Politics Friday: Will a special session work without prior deal? House leaders assess possibility

The first joint interview with Republican Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth and new DFL House Leader Zack Stephenson covers special session discussions, long-term challenges and their working relationship. Then, a just-published book examines the legacy of Martin Sabo.
by Brian Bakst and Matthew Alvarez

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Politics Friday: Hunt for 2026 ballot spots is on with governor, U.S. Senate as marquee races

Politics Friday: Hunt for 2026 ballot spots is on with governor, U.S. Senate as marquee races

MPR News politics editor Brian Bakst talks with two Minnesota candidates looking to clinch their party’s backing in races for governor and U.S. Senate.
by Brian Bakst and Matthew Alvarez

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