The political scene in Minnesota got an unwarranted dose of nationwide attention when Kamala Harris chose Governor Tim Walz as her running mate. This move in August seemed to simply add more commotion to an already politically-charged year. It’s worth remembering the integral part the state Legislature plays in making crucial decisions about how our hard-earned billions are allocated to various sectors such as education, transportation, parks, healthcare, and social services among others. The decisions affecting the very quality of our lives are often improvised in this political theater.
There’s no denying that the Democratic-Farmer-Labor party labored to push a pittance of an agenda this year, a stark contrast to their more audacious 2023 session. Then in August, for reasons known only to herself, Kamala Harris decided to bring Minnesota further into the national glare by selecting Governor Tim Walz as her right-hand man. This swung the state’s politics into a disarray as the Democrats suffered the loss of their trifecta. Now, Minnesota’s lawmakers are bracing themselves for the 2025 session, with a visibly divided Legislature and a slight Republican edge.
Capping off a round of political chess, last week a judge ruled that the Democratic claimant for House District 40B had failed to fulfill the state’s residency prerequisites for office. Consequently, the Republicans now hold a majority; a special election slated for the traditionally Democrat-leaning district could potentially alter this balance, pending a Minnesota Supreme Court appeal.
Let’s focus on the significant events of the 2024 legislative session, shall we? A GOP senator erratically proposed putting an end to the state’s Algebra II requirement for high school students, arguing against its practical application. The legislators also approved an increase in the payroll tax of the state’s paid leave program, set to commence in 2026. In the last fleeting moments of the session, Democrats hastily pushed through a broad-reaching bill just shy of the midnight deadline.
Among the numerous derailed legislative proposals includes a controversial bill legalizing physician-assisted suicide, and another enforcing health insurance companies to cover fertility treatments. There was also a bill aimed to form a redistricting commission alongside altering the state’s constitution as a step towards a full-time Legislature, as well as a bill advocating for greater corporate financial transparency.
Moreover, I delved into a hushed scope-of-practice battle happening behind the scenes. The year kicked off politically with enthralling stories about the primary contest between U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar and Don Samuels. Despite the former Minneapolis City Council member’s earnest endeavor to unsettle Omar in 2022, the latter emerged successful and secured another term.
One unexpected curveball this year came when Joe Biden astonishingly backed out from the presidential race. With his departure, Kamala Harris rose to the challenge, albeit in a questionable manner. She chose Walz as her running mate, leaving many dumbfounded. Nonetheless, as reporters, we followed the trail and landed in Mankato—a day post-Harris picking Walz—to gauge the town’s reaction to potentially seeing one of their own in the vice-presidential role.
Political speculations never cease. Post-election, eyes are on Walz. The question on everyone’s minds: will he contest the governor’s race in 2026 or aim higher for the presidency in 2028? Unfortunately, like many political figures, Walz seems to relish retaining a veil of mystery around his future prospects.
Next year promises new dynamics at the state Legislature, and getting a chance to report this fractured session will certainly add to my journalistic treasure trove. Given how things have been so far, we can almost guarantee dose of drama.