A Turning Point for Minnesota
Friends and Neighbors,
We’re barely a week into the new year, and Minnesota politics has already wasted no time reminding us that 2026 is going to be anything but quiet.
This morning, Governor Tim Walz announced he will not seek re-election. That decision comes amid mounting scrutiny and a massive fraud scandal that has shaken Minnesotans’ trust in state government. While today’s headlines may focus on one individual, I want to be very clear: Minnesota’s fraud epidemic does not begin or end with any single officeholder.
What we’re facing is the result of nearly two decades of misguided governors—backed by their legislative allies—building a culture of complacency and weak oversight. That culture has cost Minnesota families billions of dollars. Swapping out one failed candidate for another won’t fix a system that was broken by design. Fixing fraud requires a full housecleaning—not a new face running the same machine.
As I stated in a press release from back in May, the fraud epidemic must be stopped. Just two nights before that statement went out, we had a real opportunity to pass meaningful oversight legislation by establishing an Office of the Inspector General. The Senate had already passed the bill, and on the House side, we had worked on it all year. Representative Patti Anderson (R–Dellwood) did the heavy lifting, guiding the bill through every relevant committee.
And yet—it was stalled.
At the time, I asked a question that still deserves an answer: It felt like someone didn’t want this to happen. Why? Who stands to gain from blocking government accountability? We had reached a bipartisan, bicameral compromise—version 12 of the bill, cleaned up and ready to go—yet House Democrats rejected it. That decision should trouble every taxpayer in this state.
So I asked Minnesotans then, and I ask again now: do you support effective oversight of state agencies, or are you comfortable with your hard-earned tax dollars being thrown away?
Looking back now, it’s hard not to shake your head. Here we are just nine months later, and we’re finally seeing the truth behind many of the votes cast during last legislative session.
My message to Minnesotans is simple and unwavering: My colleagues and I will not rest until fraud, waste, and abuse are rooted out of our government. And just as importantly—I don’t want you to lose hope. The power still rests with the people. Democracy only fails when good people disengage.
We still have time before the polls open in November. Between now and then, I urge you to stay engaged. Ask questions. Demand answers. Advocate for the kind of government you expect. Have honest, informed conversations with your neighbors about Minnesota’s future. I cannot stress this enough: changing candidates without changing the system will not end fraud in Minnesota.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Session
The 2026 legislative session gavels in on February 17, and if you think the work slows down before then—think again. There’s a lot ahead, and none of it is optional.
Last year’s session was largely about setting the state’s two-year budget. We made meaningful cuts to government spending, but new budget projections are flashing warning signs. Deficits are on the horizon. While the 2026 session will focus heavily on bonding, make no mistake: deeper spending reforms are coming, and they will need to be addressed head-on.
Rooting out fraud remains at the very top of the list. We will hold the Governor’s Office and the judicial branch accountable for their roles, cooperate fully with federal authorities, and push state agencies to implement real safeguards that stop fraud before it happens—not after millions are already gone.
Bonding will also take center stage in 2026. Bonding funds the basics Minnesotans rely on every day—roads that don’t crumble, bridges that don’t close, and infrastructure that actually works. Responsible bonding isn’t flashy, but neglecting it puts our state on a fast track to disrepair, and that’s not a risk we should accept.
School safety will be addressed directly and without apology. Parents deserve confidence that their children are safe. Teachers deserve classrooms where they can teach without fear. Just two years ago, state mandates effectively pushed school resource officers out of many schools, and the results were chaos and declining safety. I will continue to fight for more safety measures—not fewer—while preserving local control through our elected school boards.
Capitol security will be stepped up. It’s unfortunate, but it’s reality: violent crime exists. Everyone who comes to the Capitol—families, staff, and lawmakers alike—deserves to feel safe, and we will take every necessary step to ensure that happens.
As we head into the final stretch before session begins, I invite you to stay tuned. This is the start of a new chapter for Minnesota. Together, we can fight for a state that is once again a great place to raise a family, build a career, and retire with dignity.
As always—thank you for trusting me to serve you.
Sincerely,
—Representative Steve Gander, District 1B
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