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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: Thousands attend Minnesota caucuses to weigh in on issues, governor candidates

Politics Friday: Thousands attend Minnesota caucuses to weigh in on issues, governor candidates

MPR News politics editor and his guests recap the results from Minnesota’s 2026 caucus night. The first votes — albeit unofficial — are cast in the governor’s race.
by Brian Bakst and Matthew Alvarez

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Politics Friday Special: Sen. Hoffman reflects on a long healing process after shooting

Politics Friday Special: Sen. Hoffman reflects on a long healing process after shooting

MPR News politics editor Brian Bakst talks with Sen. John Hoffman about the targeted attack on his life. And he reflects on his healing process and new sense of purpose.
by Brian Bakst and Matthew Alvarez

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Politics Friday: Tim Walz exit, ICE shooting puts glaring national spotlight on Minnesota

Politics Friday: Tim Walz exit, ICE shooting puts glaring national spotlight on Minnesota

Following the first full week of January in a critical election year, MPR News Politics editor Brian Bakst and his colleagues recap an exhausting and momentous week for the history books.
by Brian Bakst and Matthew Alvarez

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Politics Friday Special: Walz gives deeper explanation about decision to abandon bid for third term

Politics Friday Special: Walz gives deeper explanation about decision to abandon bid for third term

In a major political shakeup, Gov. Tim Walz took himself out of the running for a third term as governor. The next day, a fiery Walz took questions about his final year in office.
by Clay Masters, Brian Bakst, Matthew Alvarez and Jeff Jones

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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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