Politics Friday

Politics Friday: Lawmakers outline their priorities for the 2026 legislative session

Politics Friday

Show Notes

Minnesota lawmakers will face constituent pressure to take action on some potent issues from guns control, immigration, fraud, taxes and more as the convene the 2026 session on Tuesday.

The Capitol also remains deeply split, with legislative seats almost evenly divided between the parties in the House and Senate. Progress will be a challenge in an election year when some key players are looking up the political ladder or worried about the political winds back home.

MPR News politics editor Brian Bakst talks with the Minnesota’s four caucus leaders about what’s in store for the session and what could get accomplished.

Guests:

Republican Speaker of the Minnesota House Lisa Demuth, of Cold Spring. House DFL Caucus Leader Rep. Zack Stephenson, of Coon Rapids. DFL Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy, of St. Paul. Republican Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson, of East Grand Forks.

Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation or subscribe to the Politics Friday podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or RSS.

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