Uphold 2nd Amendment Rights
Accountability in Government and Personal Lives
School Transparency
No More Critical Race Theory
No More Social and Emotional Learning
Less Government, More Transparency
Less Taxes
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From the Desk of Alex Plechash Chairman MNGOP November 8, 2025
It’s been another banner week for Democrat mismanagement in Minnesota.
The Office of the Legislative Auditor released a damning report exposing financial mismanagement inside Governor Tim Walz’s own office. The audit revealed sloppy accounting, late vendor payments, and missing financial controls — basic safeguards that any competent operation should have in place. After years of fraud in state agencies, this time the failure leads straight to the Governor’s desk.
And while Minnesotans struggle with higher taxes, the Blue Line light rail boondoggle just hit $3 billion and counting — over $1 billion above budget and years behind schedule. KSTP’s “Tracking Your Tax Dollars” uncovered the latest insult: taxpayer-funded robots and life-sized puppets hired to promote the project. You can’t make this up.
Meanwhile, in Washington, Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith have voted 13 times to shut down the government, blocking bipartisan plans to reopen it. Instead of leadership, they deliver gridlock and excuses.
Minnesotans are fed up — and so are we. Across the country this week, voters demanded accountability and rejected the status quo. That same wave is coming here.
Let’s stay united, stay focused, and stay fired up. Together, we’ll end the fraud, stop the waste, and take back Minnesota.
Alex Plechash
Chairman
Republican Party of Minnesota
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Legislative Update From the Desk of Representative Steve Jacob November 7, 2025
Hello from St. Paul,
One of the more interesting positions I hold at the State Capitol is my membership on the Legislative Audit Commission. Here we discuss a number of independent reviews made by the nonpartisan Office of the Legislative Auditor (OLA).
Recently, it issued a fairly damning review of the way Governor Walz is running his office, finding "widespread financial mismanagement."
The OLA report found a dozen instances of mismanagement in the office of Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan. This includes not properly handling receipts, not accurately overseeing employee timesheet completion and approval, and making several late, and sometimes inaccurate, payments to vendors. It also reviewed the Governor’s Office a year ago, and of the 5 major problems it listed, the OLA noted the Governor’s Office failed to address 4 of them.
Can anyone be surprised that billions of dollars have been lost to fraud in Minnesota under Governor Walz’s watch when he doesn’t even take financial accountability in his own office seriously?
It is the ultimate thumbing of the nose at authority. The Governor knows Democrats in this state seldom get called out for anything by the media – remember all the nonsense about Walz we learned about from the national media after he announced he was running for vice president – so he has no reason to shape up. The governor’s mansion is used for campaign purposes. Large expenses are broken down into smaller expenses so reporting requirements can be dodged. It’s totally unethical.
After the news broke, Governor Walz claimed it was no big deal and he would take care of these problems immediately. Gee, I wonder why? His next election is less than a year away!
When you allow the fox to guard the henhouse, you can’t expect the chickens to survive. The OLA is working to right the ship, but the Governor’s Office simply has proven repeatedly it just won’t prioritize financial accountability for itself or the state unless it’s election season. That’s just a fact, and it’s unacceptable.
HAPPY VETERAN’S DAY!
Allow me to be among the first to wish the men and women who served in the armed forces a happy veteran’s day! Our country would literally not exist without your sacrifices. Your efforts have preserved the liberties many of us take for granted every day.
For those of us who did not serve, please join me in thanking all of our veterans for a job well done on Tuesday.
KEEP IN TOUCH!
I value your input and encourage you to reach out any time with your legislative questions and concerns. I can be reached at rep.steven.jacob@house.mn.gov or by phone at 651.296.2273. I look forward to hearing from you!
Have a good weekend,
Steve
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From the Desk of Pam Altendorf State Representative 20A November 7, 2025
WHAT'S NEW?
My husband and I recently took a quick trip to Washington to visit our son John, who works in Congressman Finstad’s office.
We stopped by the White House to check out the construction on the East Wing - no surprise that we couldn't see much - but every once in a while, you could catch a glimpse of a backhoe working in the background.
LEGISLATION HIGHLIGHTS
FEDERAL DATA SHOWS MASSIVE JUMP IN SNAP ISSUANCE IN MINNESOTA
With no end in sight to the federal government shutdown, those who utilize the federally funded Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are now seeing their benefits disappear.
A recent alarming analysis of federal SNAP data has found that Minnesota usage skyrocketed over the past few years. Fiscal Year 2023 SNAP data, which is the most recent federal information available, shows that more than $1.5 billion was spent on SNAP benefits in Minnesota, tripling the amount that was spent just four years earlier.
No one wants people who truly need assistance to go hungry. But we also cannot turn a blind eye to potentially massive fraud happening through the SNAP program. Most notable, the data shows Minnesota with a 174% jump in SNAP issuance over a one-year period in fiscal years 2020 and 2021. Granted, this happened during the year of Covid, however no other state has seen anything close to an increase like this.
When the Trump administration began its tenure, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) told every state to share its SNAP data with the federal government. The goal was to ensure that struggling American families were receiving these benefits and not illegal aliens. While 29 states shared their data, 21 did not, including Minnesota.
According to the USDA, massive fraud has already been uncovered in the states that cooperated with the request. Meanwhile in Minnesota, We have become accustomed to new government fraud schemes being uncovered almost weekly, with billions of dollars already stolen from the taxpayers under Governor Walz’s watch.
The 174% jump in SNAP issuance in Minnesota from FY 2020-21 more than doubled the state that saw the second highest increase during that time span (Wisconsin) at 77%. Most people will recognize this is not normal growth and therefore must be treated as a huge red flag.
When you increase a program expense by more than $1 billion in four years, especially in this state, it just reeks of another potential undiscovered fraud. It’s time to investigate why SNAP issuances rose so dramatically and where the funds are going. Only eligible Minnesotans should be given this aid. If we don’t take this seriously, the people who will suffer are the ones who need this assistance.
To learn more, read the USDA SNAP State Activity Reports at https://www.fns.usda.gov/pd/snap-state-activity-reports: FY-2021, page 42, Table 29, and FY-2023, page 41, Table 29.
I was also featured in a story by Alpha News on the SNAP increases. Click here to learn more.
NO FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILTY IN GOVERNOR’S OFFICE
This week, the nonpartisan Office of the Legislative Auditor (OLA) found “widespread financial mismanagement” within the offices of Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan.
The OLA independent review found 12 instances of fiscal malfeasance, including not properly handling receipts, not accurately overseeing employee timesheet completion and approval, and making several late, and sometimes inaccurate, payments to vendors.
But rest easy folks! Governor Walz is now taking this very seriously and promises things will be cleaned up! You’ll recall he’s running for re-election next fall.
It’s clear Governor Walz is uninterested in keeping his own financial house in order, so who among us is surprised that billions of dollars have been swindled from taxpayers while he’s held office?
MINNESOTA’S HOUSING STABILIZATION PROGRAM ENDS
Following a discovery of widespread fraud, Minnesota's Housing Stabilization Services program ended on October 31. It was supposed to help seniors and people with disabilities secure housing. Click here to read a Fox 9 story.
With that program now shuttered, Governor Walz has also called for a third party audit of billing for 14 Medicaid services that were deemed high risk.
This week, KARE 11 also unveiled a story about a company billing Medicaid for a client it never met. Learn more here.
We literally cannot go a week without talking about a new fraud story in this state.
HAPPY VETERANS DAY!
On Friday, I attended an early Veterans Day event in Red Wing, and was able to meet Don Rolfs, one of the only two known World War II veterans who are living in the city.
We owe so much to all of our veterans! As Veterans Day approaches this Tuesday, please join me in thanking them for their service and sacrifice.
_________________________________
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You can help Minnesota by TALKING to others and SHARING conservative messages on your social media! Follow me on Twitter, Youtube, and Rumble.
PLEASE CONTACT ME
It’s an honor and privilege to work for you at the Capitol. Don’t hesitate to contact my office at any time this session to share your thoughts, concerns or ideas. I am here to serve you!
2591 Centennial Office Building
658 Cedar Street
Saint Paul, MN 55155
651.296.8635
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From the Desk of Dawn Appel Wabasha County Republican Chair October 30, 2025
Dear Wabasha Republicans!
Wow! What a great turnout we had on Monday, October 27th with our Gubernatorial Candidates and the Fight for Truth brought to us by Journalist Liz Collin and Lawyer Chris Madle.
Thank you to everyone who came out to share the night with fellow Republicans. A huge thank you to the dedicated members of the Wabasha County Republican BPOU who volunteered their time to plan and execute a wonderfully orchestrated event. The room was filled with Republicans from near and far, fed up and ready to take back Minnesota!
Gubernatorial candidates Kendall Qualls, Phillip Parrish, Kristin Robbins, Jeff Johnson, and Brad Kohler embraced the crowd with thoughtful conversations of reconnaissance and execution of the battle plan to take our state back! They were eager and on task to share with the crowd their personal plan to end the fraud, high taxes, and evil attack on the innocence of our youth. And the crowd went wild with their passionate approach to save Minnesota, when answering pre-selected questions they pulled out of a hat, explaining how as Governor, they would rip the 'Walz' out of Minnesotans State Capital, and make us all proud to be a Minnesotan again!
And I can't forget to mention the surprise appearance by State Senate candidate Adam Schwarze. He came as a guest of our event, mingled with the crowd, sharing his campaign goals, and left with a few more Minnesota friends!
We hope that more of you can join us at our next event! To be determined.
Wabasha County Chair
Dawn Appel
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From The Desk of Donna Bergstrom Deputy Chairwoman MNGOP October 29, 2025
We’re heading into one of the most consequential weeks in Minnesota politics in years. The two special elections ahead will determine control of the Minnesota Senate — and with it, the balance of power in our state.
If we win both races, Republicans take control of the Senate and can finally end the Walz reign of unchecked one-party rule. That means we can restore common sense in St. Paul — to end fraud, stop crime, improve our schools, and put an end to the woke agenda like boys competing in girls’ sports.
In District 29, we have an incredible opportunity to send a true conservative leader to St. Paul. Michael Holmstrom Jr. is running to fill the seat once held by the late Senator Bruce Anderson, and he embodies the values that make Minnesota strong — faith, family, and freedom. Michael is a lifelong Minnesotan, a husband, father, and small business owner who knows what it takes to build and protect our communities. He’s ready to fight back against fraud, defend parental rights, and stand with law enforcement to keep our families safe.
This race will be decided by grassroots energy — and that means you. Visit Mike4MNSenate.com to volunteer, donate, or sign up to knock doors and make calls. Every hour, every dollar, every conversation helps us move one step closer to a Republican majority in the Minnesota Senate. Let’s show the DFL that Greater Minnesota stands for common sense and conservative leadership!
In District 47, our candidate Dwight Dorau is ready to deliver accountability and integrity to the east metro. A teacher, veteran, and servant leader, Dwight is running to represent the communities of Woodbury and southern Maplewood — areas that are ready for a change after years of DFL failure. Dwight believes in putting parents first, standing up for public safety, and restoring balance to government.
The DFL will pour everything they have into this race, but with your help, we will win it. Go to VoteForDwight.com today to get involved — volunteer, donate, and share Dwight’s message of courage and common sense with your neighbors. Together, we can flip this seat, take back the Senate, and bring balance back to Minnesota government.
__________________________________
Meanwhile in Washington…
While we fight for Minnesota, Democrats in Washington are showing exactly why our country needs strong Republican leadership.
Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith have voted 13 times against Republican efforts to keep the government open while negotiations continue. They’re following the same failed playbook that President Obama used during his shutdown — crank up the “pain meter” for working Americans and hope the political fallout helps their party.
Democrats are calling this shutdown “good politics.”
Let that sink in.
That’s sick thinking — the kind of cynical, power-hungry mindset that puts politics over people. They’d rather see federal workers miss paychecks, our national parks closed, and our most vulnerable citizens cut off from critical services, just to push their far-left agenda.
What are they fighting for?
• $200 billion in taxpayer-funded healthcare for illegal immigrants.
• Restoring taxpayer funding for liberal media outlets like NPR.
• Giving back foreign aid that President Trump had stopped because it was being abused.
That’s their priority list.
Not you — the taxpayer, the worker, the family trying to make ends meet.
Republicans are the party of the working class, the middle class, and the party of solutions.
We’re not interested in political games — we’re focused on results that make life better for Minnesotans.
Now It’s Up to Us
These two special elections are our chance to send a message — that Minnesota is ready to end one-party rule and return to accountability and balance.
We need you.
• Volunteer — knock doors, make calls, or text voters in Districts 29 and 47.
• Donate — help fuel the final push for Michael Holmstrom Jr. and Dwight Dorau.
• Vote — and bring a friend with you to the polls.
Every call, every dollar, and every door counts.
This is our moment to take back control, restore common sense, and remind Minnesotans that Republicans are fighting for them — not the political elites, not the special interests, but for you.
With resolve and gratitude,
Donna M. Bergstrom
Deputy Chair
Republican Party of Minnesota
(O)651-222-0022
(C)202-236-2692
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Understand What It Means to be a Conservative Republican
If You Remember One Thing: While Democrats fought to raise taxes, increase spending, and make life more expensive and difficult for Minnesotans, House Republicans made our priorities clear: making our state safer and more affordable, returning common-sense leadership to St. Paul.
Look Back at the Democrat Trifecta:
•
Turned an $18 billion surplus into a $6 billion deficit.
•
Raised taxes by $10 billion.
•
Made our communities less safe with soft-on-crime policies.
•
Piled on mandates hurting farmers, small businesses, and families.
•
Pushed Critical Race Theory into our classrooms instead of focusing on reading and math.
•
Handed taxpayer-funded benefits to illegal immigrants.
•
Passed the most extreme abortion policy in America.
•
Attacked our 2nd Amendment rights and undermined religious freedom.
During Republicans 67-66 Majority:
For a few weeks this session, Minnesotans saw what Republican leadership looks like and where the two parties stand on the issues important to Minnesotans.
Republicans voted to:
•
Protect girls’ sports by keeping boys out of female competition.
•
Repeal the Democrats’ dangerous “Duty to Retreat” law.
•
Pause wasteful light rail expansions.
•
Rein in emergency powers—so no governor can rule Minnesota like a king ever again.
•
Return surplus tax dollars where they belong, with hardworking Minnesotans.
•
Fund, pro-life women’s pregnancy centers that Democrats defunded after 20 years of bipartisan support.
•
And require life-saving care for infants born alive after failed abortions.
Democrats voted down every single one, but Minnesotans saw where each party stands.
After the House Returned to a 67-67 Tie:
Eventually, the House returned to a 67-67 tie, yet even then, House Republicans secured conservative wins no one thought possible:
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The largest spending cut in Minnesota state history.
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No new taxes on Minnesota families — zero.
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An end to taxpayer-funded health insurance for adult illegal immigrants.
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Dozens of anti-fraud reforms to protect your hard-earned money.
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Protection for homeschoolers and charter schools from Gov. Walz’s proposed cuts to nonpublic pupil aid.
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Life-saving funding for rural ambulance services facing collapse.
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Increases in penalties for violent criminals to keep our communities safe.
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A $2 million cut to Second Harvest Heartland — the “food shelf nonprofit” that was caught paying its CEO over $720,000 a year.
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Major restrictions on legislatively named nonprofit grants.
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Cuts to taxpayer-funded abortion grants.
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Historic permitting reform to speed up job-creating projects.
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A full repeal of the public option implementation authority and its $21 million in funding.
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And we stopped massive cost shifts to counties that would’ve driven up your property taxes.
And most importantly: we blocked billions in new taxes, protecting Minnesota families from even more financial pain.
Imagine, with a $6 billion budget deficit, the type of tax raises Democrats would have passed if not for House Republicans standing in the breach.
districT 20 STATE SENATOR sTEVE DRAZKOWSKi
20A STATE REPRESENTATIVE pam altendorf
20b state representative steve jacob
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POLITICAL CONTRIBUTION REFUND (PCR) PROGRAM
Did you know that you can be reimbursed for your contribution to the
Republican Party of Minnesota?
Individuals are eligible to receive a refund up to $75 (couples up to $150).
The Minnesota Political Contribution Refund program reset on
January 1st, 2025. If you received a PCR in 2024, you qualify for another in 2025.
Contact Wabasha County Republicans for further information.
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