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Gander




*January 16, 2026*






Interim Update
Gander

Friends and neighbors,

Moments of transition invite reflection. As we move out of the interim and look ahead to the 2026 legislative session, we’re reminded that time keeps moving—whether we’re ready or not. In just a few short weeks, we’ll return to St. Paul, and these interim updates will shift back into regular session reports as the work before us becomes clearer and more demanding.

Gander

I was at the Capitol earlier this week for legislative training, preparing for what is shaping up to be a consequential session. And no matter where you live in Minnesota, I’m hearing the same thing: frustration, concern, and a growing sense that something isn’t right.

I want you to know this: *we hear you. Loud and clear.* And I am prepared to work with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get Minnesota back on track.

Our state can be prosperous again—but only if we’re willing to roll up our sleeves and fix what’s broken. That’s exactly what I intend to do.



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"*"The Darkest Hour is Just Before the Dawn"*"

We often attribute this phrase to Winston Churchill, who helped Great Britain remain steadfast through the darkest days of World War II. Well, it turns out that while it is consistent with his mindset and the way he inspired the world, the phrase didn’t originate with him, and he didn’t say it verbatim.

On one hand, that phrase has always bugged me a little. It seems to me that the darkest hour should be the midpoint between sunset and sunrise. Today, that would be around "*12:30 a.m.* "(with sunset at around 5:00 p.m. and sunrise at around 8:00 a.m.). But the idea deserves a closer look.

The phrase seems to originate with theologian Thomas Fuller in the year 1650. He was expressing the idea that even when things look bleak, by persevering and remaining true to a cause, a positive outcome is closer than it seems. Even if we can’t see it now, the sun will indeed rise again.

In a speech to the British House of Commons on June 18, 1940, Churchill referred to the "*darkest hour in French history*", when they were defeated by the Germans, calling upon the British to continue the fight to help restore French freedom, along with the freedom of all of Europe, by ultimate victory over the Nazis. Churchill reminded us that the fate of the entire world, including the United States of America, hung in the balance. Churchill concluded his speech by saying, *“Let us therefore brace ourselves to our duties, and so bear ourselves that if the British Empire and its Commonwealth last for a thousand years, men will still say, ‘This was their finest hour.’”*

Churchill was hoping to enlist the engagement of the United States in the struggle to seal a positive outcome. This didn’t happen until December 11, 1941, following the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor four days earlier. And the ultimate end of the conflict was September 2, 1945.

It is true that the state of Minnesota is currently in one of its darkest hours. The fraudulent theft of taxpayer dollars is in an amount that staggers the mind. As families struggle to pay for daily needs, they look at their tax dollars being stolen and misappropriated. Federal agents sent to find and detain people who are here illegally are being met with great resistance.

In the words of Abraham Lincoln in the Gettysburg Address, America is a government of the people, by the people, for the people.

We need everyone to be engaged. That’s how we come up with the best ideas and follow the most constructive course of action.

At the very least, we need to let these federal agents do the work they were sent to do without interference. Better yet, I renew my request that all elected officials—local, county, state, and federal—join the current effort in a positive and constructive way. You know your neighborhoods better than anyone and can make sure that the necessary work is carried out with regard for all our residents. This will help coordinate the work of all our law enforcement agencies, will ensure the best outcome, and will expedite the process.

We are on the same team. We want the same things.

To borrow the words of Winston Churchill, “Let us therefore brace ourselves to our duties, and so conduct ourselves that if the state of Minnesota shall last for a thousand years, people will still say, ‘This was their finest hour.’”

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Our Path Forward

Minnesota has faced dark seasons before, and each time, we’ve proven that our best days come when we choose accountability over excuses and action over apathy. This moment calls for steady leadership, honest conversations, and a willingness to do the hard work—together.

I remain committed to listening, showing up, and fighting for the values that make our communities strong. Your voices guide this work, and my office is always open to you. Please stop by, share your perspective, and advocate for the things that matter most to your community. Together, we can ensure that Minnesota emerges stronger, safer, and more accountable.

Sincerely,

"Representative Steve Gander"

"Minnesota House of Representatives, District 1B"











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2nd Floor Centennial Office Building
658 Cedar Street
Saint Paul, MN 55155
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