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Gander




*January 31, 2026*






Interim update
Gander

Friends and neighbors,

The countdown is on! We are officially two weeks away from the commencement of the 2026 legislative session, and I couldn't be more excited to get back to work for the wonderful folks of District 1B.

Today, I want to speak plainly with you—there is no denying the tension felt across Minnesota right now. And no matter where you fall on immigration enforcement, one thing should be clear by now: talking "around" the issue hasn’t fixed it. We’ve delayed long enough, and tragically Minnesotans are paying the price for inaction. What Minnesota needs right now is a real plan forward—one that replaces inflammatory rhetoric and noise with tangible results.

That’s why it was encouraging to hear that President Trump spoke with Governor Walz earlier this week about lowering the temperature and improving coordination between local, state, and federal law enforcement. It is time for serious leadership to take hold in Minnesota, that means leaders at the state and federal level willing to sit at the same table, de-escalate tensions, and focus on what actually matters:* keeping our communities safe*. Calm, clear, and honest conversations—especially with people we don’t always agree with—build trust, reduce fear, and remind us that common ground is often closer than we think.

I was also encouraged by remarks from White House Border Czar Tom Homan on Thursday. His comments reflected the kind of course correction many communities have been calling for: less inflamed rhetoric, more responsibility, and a targeted focus on violent crime. He was clear that immigration enforcement is about identifying and removing public safety threats—not putting dangerous individuals back into our neighborhoods—and he emphasized the importance of lawful, coordinated cooperation between state agencies and federal authorities.

During President Trump’s conversation with Governor Walz, there was also discussion about the possibility of *drawing down the number of federal law enforcement agents on the ground in Minneapolis*. That reduction, however, depends on cooperation. If state and local agencies work with federal authorities—particularly at the county jail level—enforcement can happen through secure transfers rather than public arrests. That approach not only maximizes public safety, it would also reduce disruption and tension in our urban communities.

Simply put:* cooperation isn’t optional—it’s necessary.* When coordination breaks down, enforcement happens in less controlled ways, which has contributed to unrest and chaos over the past eight weeks. A lawful, coordinated approach helps restore order, reduce the federal footprint, and keep the focus where it belongs—on violent offenders and community safety.

You can watch Mr. Homan’s full press conference by clicking on the photo below.

Homan [ [link removed] ]

Minnesotans deserve safety, stability, and solutions—not chaos. I remain hopeful that with calmer rhetoric, clearer communication, and a renewed commitment to cooperation, we can restore trust and protect the communities we all care so deeply about.

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The Road to November Starts at the Caucus
Gander

It may only be January, but in Minnesota, the work of the November elections begins long before campaign season is in full swing. In fact, it starts right here at home—with precinct caucuses.

On *Tuesday, February 3rd*, neighbors across the state will gather to participate in the first official step of the election process: selecting delegates who will help nominate candidates for the fall election. This step is the prerequisite for everything that follows—the endorsing conventions, the primary election, and ultimately the general election in November.

In short, caucuses set the table. It’s grassroots democracy at its best—and it only works when you, the people show up.

If you plan to attend your precinct caucus [ [link removed] ] on Tuesday, I hope you’ll consider becoming a delegate and encouraging a friend or two to join you. These small rooms and local conversations are where big outcomes begin.

For those planning ahead, the SD1 Endorsing Convention will be held on *Saturday, March 21st*.

As always, thank you for your continued support. Please don’t hesitate to call, text, or email anytime—I’m always glad to hear from you.

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The Heart of Minnesota

I want to close out this week's newsletter with a heartwarming story that truly exemplifies the heart of Minnesota—especially on the days when the headlines don’t quite get it right.

On the evening of January 21, a 7-year-old girl from Zimmerman was abducted [ [link removed] ] outside her home after getting off the school bus. As a parent, there are few sentences more frightening than that one.

As word of her disappearance spread, people didn’t wait to be asked—they just showed up. So many, in fact, that the Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office shared at one point, "“We have more volunteers than we need.”" In a moment marked by fear and uncertainty, a community courageously stepped up with boots on the ground and a whole lot of heart.

Law enforcement, firefighters, and emergency responders worked around the clock, joined by hundreds of volunteers who walked ditches, drove back roads, knocked on doors, and checked in on neighbors. Nobody asked who she was or where she came from. They just knew a child needed help—and that was enough.

One volunteer summed it up perfectly: "“We didn’t need to know her. As responders, parents, and neighbors, we weren’t going to stop until she was found.”"

That’s the heart of Minnesota. That’s what happens when a community decides that one of our own matters—because all of our kids matter. It’s a testament to the dedication of our public safety professionals and the quiet, unwavering compassion of the people who stand beside them.

I’m deeply grateful to every first responder, volunteer, and neighbor who answered the call. This is what community looks like. This is Minnesota at its very best.

As we head toward the start of the 2026 legislative session, moments like this stick with me. They’re a reminder that the true strength of our state isn’t just found in laws or policy debates—it’s found in neighbors who show up, volunteers who step forward, and first responders who never hesitate to protect one of our own. That sense of responsibility for each other is what guides my work every day, and it’s what I’ll continue to carry with me as I serve you.

Sincerely,

Representative Steve Gander

"Minnesota House of Representatives, District 1B"











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Saint Paul, MN 55155
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