Politics Friday

Mark Dayton calls perseverance a 'prerequisite for success' as he reflects

Politics Friday

Show Notes

Mark Dayton held a career in public service in Minnesota that spanned five decades.

He is well known for serving two terms the state’s governor, leaving office in 2019. Before that, Dayton’s career included stints as a state agency official, state auditor and U.S. senator.

Dayton talked with MPR News politics editor Brian Bakst to reflect on his career and discuss his new memoir, titled "Perseverance." In this conversation, Dayton recounts his personal challenges and his time as governor. He also revisits his call to increase taxes on the wealthiest Minnesotans — a campaign promise he fulfilled— and his role in legalizing gay marriage in the state.

Also on this episode: election season is underway in Minnesota. On the ticket is an open governor’s race, an open U.S. Senate seat and the full state legislature. Both of the state's major party chairs join the conversation to share their political lay of the land as voting begins.

Guests:

Mark Dayton served as the 40th governor of Minnesota. He also served as U.S. senator and Minnesota state auditor. Alex Plechash is chair of the Minnesota Republican Party. Richard Carlbom is chair of the Minnesota DFL Party. Dana Ferguson is a politics correspondent for MPR News. Peter Cox is a senior politics reporter for MPR News.

Subscribe to the Politics Friday podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or RSS.

More from Politics Friday

Oct 16, 2026

A new senator will emerge from Election Day no matter what because there is no incumbent on the ballot.

Oct 16, 2026

Editor’s note: Ahead of a Friday debate between U.S. Senate candidates Michele Tafoya and Peggy Flanagan hosted by MPR News, politics editor Brian Bakst asked each to talk about how their lives helped form their politics.

Oct 8, 2026

Minnesota has eight members of the U.S. House and those seats don’t change hands often — but this November, one of them will for sure.

Oct 2, 2026

Two candidates vying to be Minnesota’s attorney general met Friday in their first debate.

Sep 24, 2026

We’re delving into the practical effects of Minnesota electing its first woman as governor and what issues might get new attention at the state Capitol.

See all episodes →