Temperatures will continue to fall over the next few days

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Gov. Tim Walz filled some key openings in his administration Wednesday as he prepares to start a second term next month, opting for a few state government insiders and some who have built up their professional reputation working elsewhere.

The six new commissioners will replace agency leaders who stepped down in recent months or who will retire at year’s end. Turnover between terms is not uncommon and the Walz cabinet openings were in line with past governors.

Many commissioners aren’t that well known outside their areas of expertise but some have become important public figures during major crises. For instance, the commissioners of education, health and public safety appeared often alongside Walz and in front of TV cameras during the pandemic and the spurts of civil unrest.

The administration will have an easier time winning confirmation for commissioners. The Senate flipped to DFL control in the last election, meaning the likelihood of nominees being rejected is slim.

Walz has tried to form a diverse cabinet to lead the 24 state agencies in the executive branch, picking agency leaders from different backgrounds and parts of the state.

With his current appointments, the cabinet will have 11 commissioners who are women and 13 who are men. Eight are people of color. 

Politics and Government News

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Brian Bakst

Author

A mix of insiders and those new to government roles have been named to openings in Gov. Tim Walz’s cabinet ahead of his second term.

Walz fills out top agency posts ahead of second term

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