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
Republican Caucus February 3, 2026
Your Vote Counts Join your friends and neighbors at our local Republican Precinct Caucus. This is an opportunity to discuss issues and choose delegates and party leadership.
Now is the time to get involved and take back our State and Nation!
Wabasha County Republicans Caucus Locations
Precincts:
Mount Pleasant Township
Lake Township
Lake City P-1
Lake City P-2
Lake City P-3
West Albany Township
Caucus Location: Bluff View School, Lake City
Address: 1156 W Lakewood Ave, Lake City MN 55041
Precincts:
Pepin Township
Glasgow Township
Greenfield Township
Watopa Township
Minneiska Township
Wabasha Ward 1
Wabasha Ward 2
Wabasha Ward
Kellogg City
Caucus Location: Wabasha Kellogg High School
Address: 2113 Hiawatha Drive East, Wabasha MN 55981
Precincts:
Plainview Township
Plainview P-1
Plainview P-2
Highland Township
Oakwood Township
Millville City
Caucus Location: PEM High School
Address: 500 West Broadway, Plainview MN 55964
Precincts:
Elgin Township
Elgin City
Caucus Location: Elgin Firehall
Address: 135 Main Street East, Elgin MN 55932
Precincts:
Zumbro Township
Hyde Park Township
Mazeppa Township
Bellechester City
Mazeppa City
Zumbro Falls City
Gillford Township
Chester Township
Hammond City
Caucus Location: Zumbro Falls City Hall
Address: 342 Highway 60, Zumbro Falls MN 55991
From the Desk of Alex Plechash Chairman MNGOP January 25, 2026
What’s happening in Minneapolis is tragic.
The loss of life is tragic.
The chaos—barricades going up, businesses boarding up, families living with fear—is tragic.
And yet, while Minnesotans are looking for calm and leadership, our floundering elected officials are busy trying to score points on social media and threatening to shut down government—for the second time in a year.
This is what Amy Klobuchar and Tim Walz call leadership.
A constant state of chaos.
Minnesotans are tired of it.
We are tired of failing schools where nearly half of our kids cannot read or do math at grade level.
We are tired of paying some of the highest taxes in the country—only to watch millions stolen through fraud.
We are tired of one-party rule in our state and cities that has delivered two decades of decline.
What Minnesotans want isn’t radical.
They want normalcy.
They want safety.
They want a government that functions.
We are ready to return Minnesota to excellence in education and innovation.
We are ready to reward hard work again.
We are ready for a renewed spirit of common sense, accountability, and togetherness.
That renewal starts at caucus on February 3.
We need your voice.
We need your involvement.
We need your leadership.
I’m ready. Are you?
Alex Plechash
Chairman
Republican Party of Minnesota
Stay in the Know
From the Desk of Dawn Appel Wabasha County Republican Chair January 5, 2026
Dear Wabasha County Republicans,
I hope you had a wonderful time over the Christmas and New Year's Holiday celebrating with family and friends. Most of all I pray you are all feeling blessed and ready for the wonderful year ahead of us! This year we should all be motivated to get involved and do everything we can to get a Republican Governor elected into office and bring back our Minnesota vitality and integrity!
Our first priority of the new year is completing the Caucus proceedings on February 3rd, which is quickly approaching. We have secured all of the Wabasha County precinct locations and are looking for people who will volunteer to help us make this day a success. If you want to help but not sure if you know what to do, don't worry, there are lots of training sessions to help (see end of this email for one that fits for you).
Areas where we need your help includes the following (please email me if you are interested):
Greeters- Need 1-2 for each of 5 locations to help provide information and direct attendees to the correct precinct table/room
Caucus Secretary- Need 1 for each of 5 Locations. Help keep the room focused, on task and on time. Work with the Conveyor to ensure that all precincts have completed required paperwork, verify that Delegate & Alternate counts are accurately reflected on precinct logs and help to ensure delivery to BPOU Chair by next day.
Precinct Chair - Directs the specific precinct on caucus proceedings. Serves as Precinct Chair for 2 years attends BPOU meetings representing community interest/concerns
Precinct Secretary- One for every Precinct. Ensures all precinct papers are completed correctly, collected and submitted to the Caucus Secretary or Conveyor.
These trainings are designed for any unit leader and every precinct caucus convener (and/or their secretary). Each session includes a step-by-step review of the required forms, best practices to avoid common errors, and a dedicated Q&A so conveners feel confident and ready to run a smooth, orderly caucus.
Training Schedule (Central Time):
• Mondays: 7:00–8:15 PM
• Tuesdays: 7:00–8:15 PM
• Thursdays: 7:00–8:15 PM
• Saturdays: 1:00–2:15 PM
Please attend and strongly encourage your conveners to attend one (or more) of these sessions. Repetition helps, and we want every convener to be comfortable with the paperwork before caucus night.
Please see the links below and share them with your conveners:
WEEKDAY ZOOM - MON, TUES & THURS
• https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84676243690?pwd=zbPzYzYgay88zF1kWaivWZQWTXqKTy.1
Meeting ID: 846 7624 3690
Passcode: 095492
SATURDAY ZOOM
• https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88551974418?pwd=8aTYiVlRcO5JOqaIKbJ5nYqP0FsbNc.1
Meeting ID: 885 5197 4418
Passcode: 277467
--
Thank you for all of your consideration. We need you and appreciate you!
Dawn Appel
Wabasha County BPOU Chair
RESPONSIBILITIES OF
PRECINCT OFFICERS, DELEGATES, AND ALTERNATES
It is time to step up to the plate and take back our country from Democrats at every level of government—locally on city councils and school boards, in St. Paul, and in Washington, D.C.
That work starts in your precinct, by organizing your neighbors and turning them out to vote.
________________________________________
PRECINCT OFFICERS
Term of Office: Two (2) years
Precinct Officers serve as the backbone of grassroots Republican organizing. Their responsibilities include:
- Representing the Republican Party to voters within your precinct
- Attending required officer leadership training courses
- Supporting Republican candidates and the Party financially
- Recruiting volunteers and assisting candidates and your BPOU with:
- Fundraising events
- Get-Out-The-Vote (GOTV) phone calls
- Door knocking
- Volunteer recruitment
- Yard sign placement
- Filling your precinct’s delegate allocation for BPOU conventions
- If a delegate cannot attend, recruiting alternates to ensure all delegate seats are filled
________________________________________
DELEGATES AND ALTERNATES
Term of Office: Two (2) years
Delegates and alternates play a critical role in electing Republican leadership and shaping party direction. Responsibilities include:
- Working with precinct and BPOU officers to elect endorsed Republican candidates
- Attending ALL conventions and becoming informed on the issues and candidates you will vote on
- Recruiting an alternate to attend in your place if you are unable to attend a convention
- Supporting Republican candidates, your BPOU, and the Party financially
- Assisting candidates and your BPOU with:
- Fundraising events
- Get-Out-The-Vote (GOTV) phone calls
- Door knocking
- Volunteer recruitment
- Yard sign placement
________________________________________
EXAMPLES OF GRASSROOTS ACTIVITIES
Precinct officers, delegates, and alternates have fulfilled their duties by organizing activities such as:
- Door knocking all Republican voters in your precinct for a Get-Out-The-Vote effort
- The State Party can provide voter lists and access to the Advantage app
- Calling Republican voters in your precinct for a Get-Out-The-Vote effort
- The State Party can provide voter lists and the Red Dialer automatic calling program
- Door knocking or calling unidentified voters to update voter records and establish strong voter IDs
- Contacting voters who have recently moved into your precinct and assisting them with Minnesota voter registration
- Contacting Republican voters to request participation in Precinct Caucus Registrations (PCRs) or to host a fundraiser
- Hosting a Republican block party and hand-delivering invitations throughout the precinct
- Hosting a meet-and-greet for an endorsed Republican candidate and hand-delivering invitations to precinct voters
________________________________________
PRECINCT CAUCUS SECRETARY RESPONSIBILITIES
The Precinct Caucus Secretary plays a critical role in ensuring the accuracy, legality, and completeness of caucus records. Careful attention to detail is essential.
________________________________________
BEFORE THE CAUCUS
1. Review all materials in the Caucus Packet in advance.
2. Arrive early (no later than 6:00 PM) to assist the Caucus Convener with room setup and preparation.
________________________________________
REGISTRATION
3. Ensure all registration materials are properly laid out before attendees arrive.
4. Carefully review registration forms to confirm they are completed accurately and legibly.
- Remind attendees to PRINT their contact information, including email address.
- Clarify any missing, unclear, or illegible information before the caucus begins.
________________________________________
DURING THE CAUCUS
5. After the election of Delegates and Alternates, record those elected on the attendee sign-in form to the right of the individual’s name.
- Do not exceed the number of allocated Delegates and Alternates.
- If not all positions are filled, fewer names may be recorded than the allocated number.
- Mark:
- Delegates with a “D”
- Alternates with an “A”
- If Alternates are elected in rank order, record the rank number next to each “A.”
6. Record elected Precinct Officers next to the individual’s name on the sign-in pages or PCRC forms:
- Chair or Co-Chair – “C”
- Vice Chair – “V”
- Secretary – “S”
- Treasurer – “T”
(Record on the Caucus Book or PCRC forms, as applicable.)
7. If an individual is elected but not present, complete an absentee sheet for that person.
• Required information includes:
- Elected position
- Full name
- Address
- Phone number
- Email address
8. Record times and totals on designated forms, including:
- Time caucus convened
- Number of attendees
- Number of delegates
- Number of observers
9. Collect all resolutions and ensure each is clearly marked PASS or FAIL.
10. Sign your name on all designated forms where required.
________________________________________
AFTER THE CAUCUS
11. Collect all caucus materials, place them in the provided envelope, and give them to:
- The Caucus Convener, or
- The Site Captain, or
- The individual designated by the BPOU to collect materials
12. Assist with cleanup:
- Erase the board
- Return all furniture to its original placement
Stay in the Know
Legislative Update From the Desk of Senator Steve Drazkowski January 22, 2026
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
It seems like every time I sit down to write one of these messages, the state is being rocked by a new crisis. Like the fraud crisis I'll continue to talk about, now we have the immigration enforcement conflict between the Democrats' sanctuary state policies and the Federal Government's attempt to enforce immigration law as they do in every other state. I will focus on that in this newsletter.
ICE in our State
"Operation Metro Surge," as the US Department of Homeland Security named it, aims to increase public safety by removing dangerous criminals from our communities. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has made over 3,000 arrests since December 2025, including 240 DHS calls the "worst of the worst" with convictions for violent crimes, like murder, sex offenses, drug trafficking, fraud, and DWIs. You can view an updated list here.
Why is DHS targeting Minnesota? Why do we have so many of these criminals? Because Gov. Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey have shielded them by refusing to honor ICE detainers. In other states, transfers are taking place with the consistent and frequent cooperation of police and sheriffs. In Minnesota, top leaders are leading law enforcement to refuse to cooperate.
What are Ice Detainers? They are requests issued by ICE to local jails, prisons, or law enforcement agencies. These requests ask the agencies to notify ICE before releasing an individual and to detain that person beyond their scheduled release date, allowing ICE time to take custody for potential deportation proceedings.
"Sanctuary" states, cities, and counties refuse to accept ICE detainers and will release these individuals without charges or on zero bail, allowing them to continue to evade immigration enforcement. In some cases, they have gone on to commit other crimes.
The result is that Federal ICE officers have had to conduct these apprehensions, just as local police, the FBI, US Marshals, and even independent "skip tracers" and "bounty hunters" have always captured dangerous fugitives-- by going to neighborhoods and workplaces, watching them pick up their kids from school or from grocery store parking lots. This could have been avoided if Minnesota honored ICE detainers.
Supporters of the "sanctuary" state idea don't only disagree with ICE's activities, they disagree with the law that entering the United States illegally or overstaying a Visa is a crime. I am not exaggerating. Rep. Sandi Feist, my former Democrat colleague in the House, had a now-viral interaction with Customs and Border Control Field Commander Greg Bovino in our own state capital. It is a window into that alternate reality where Democrat politicians live right now.
Making the situation even more tense are the appearances of protesters at these arrests. Something Governor Walz, Attorney General Ellison, and Mayor Frey have all encouraged. We are now witnessing a deteriorating situation, from what were initially called "peaceful protests" to attempts to help criminals resist arrest and escape, often with violence. Last weekend, a group of protesters invaded a St. Paul church, disrupting a service, mocking the faith of those present and frightening young children. This action was applauded and/or supported by Democrat elected officials, such as Rep. Leigh Finke and Attorney General Keith Ellison.
On January 7, a protester who attempted to use her car to interfere in the arrest of a criminal illegal alien was shot dead by an ICE agent in South Minneapolis. Video evidence was not enough to settle the public's question of who was at fault. People who support immigration enforcement say the agent was acting in self-defense because she hit him with her car. People who are anti-ICE say that she presented no danger to him. The bottom line is that this never had to happen at all, but for the tactics chosen by the protester. Many aspects of this situation could have been different if the city police or state patrol had been part of the equation to handle the crowds, keep the protesters peaceful, and prevent them from interfering with arrests.
There was more anger by anti-ICE activists (and the Governor and Mayor Frey) when the Department of Homeland Security took over the investigation of this incident. Many of us look at this situation and wonder whether any law enforcement official could get a fair trial in this state, given the level of hostility toward them before they even arrived.
Agents are now forced to be more aggressive in stopping the assaults and threats to their lives. This escalation of violence is hard to watch on the numerous videos taking place on neighborhood streets. If it angers you, it should, not because of what the agents are doing, but because it was entirely preventable if the Democrat leadership in our state had done their jobs and worked with the federal government on apprehending the worst criminals, instead of siding with mobs and lawbreakers.
What can we do to end this terrible spiral of disorder? The longer it goes on, the more it will damage our state in multiple ways.
First, we must end the chaos in the streets. Having state and local leaders actively promoting interference with federal immigration authorities is irresponsible behavior. If agents have made a mistake and are dealing with the wrong person or bad information, the street is not the place to resolve those issues. Those should be resolved in a court of law or an immigration court. A federal court order has defined what constitutes a peaceful protest and the role of federal agents; it will take both federal agents and local law enforcement to ensure that happens.
Second, once "metro surge" is complete, Minnesota's elected officials will have to reconcile themselves to the fact that they swore an oath to the Constitution, which means upholding the laws of the United States, including immigration laws, whether they agree with them or not. The open borders policy of the Biden presidency was an unmitigated disaster for our country. That's not just my opinion; it was a key reason that President Trump was re-elected in 2024. That may be a disagreeable thought to the people blowing whistles in the street, but it's the reality that they don't want to face.
Finally, we must get back to taking a hard look at our state government institutions that have allowed so much fraud and law-breaking to occur. Minnesota has become a national example of dysfunctional government. Its government accountability systems need an overhaul. The executive branch has grown in size and power, imposing a heavier and more costly burden on its citizens. This is at the expense of a legislature that has grown weaker and less able to exercise oversight proportional to that growth in government. These trends need to be reversed.
Another Legislative Audit uncovers more Fraud at DHS
A few weeks ago, the Office of the Legislative Auditor released a performance audit on the Department of Human Services' Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) grants, covering July 2022 to December 2024. The report reveals widespread failures in oversight and internal controls for over $425 million in grants to 830 recipients, primarily for mental health and substance use disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery.
• Single-source grants were awarded without competitive bidding or justification, including millions for Narcan and child services, even though eligible competitors were available.
• Grant agreements often lacked proper documentation, and amendments were approved after expiration dates.
• Payments were issued before requirements were complete, with overpayments to two grantees and reimbursements for undocumented or ineligible costs.
• Staff backdated or fabricated documents during the audit, such as 2024 monitoring reports dated 2025, eroding reliability.
• 51% of agreements missed timely progress reports; 40% of monitoring visits lacked documentation; 89% of grants had unreconciled finances.
• 73% of 161 surveyed BHA staff reported insufficient grant management training.
• Unresolved issues from the 2021 audit persisted, with leadership criticized for ignoring concerns.
• OLA issued over 30 recommendations for better controls, competition, and documentation.
As a member of the Audit Commission, I can ask questions and request further information from the agencies that appear before the commission. Please let me know if there are any questions you'd like me to pass along to these agencies when they arrive to discuss the findings of their audits. The next audits to be released are (no date yet, if not listed):
Financial Audits
• Department of Natural Resources: Electronic Licensing System
• Minnesota IT Services: Cloud-Based Information Technology Services
• Minnesota State: Faculty Payroll
Program Audits
• Office of Ombudsperson for Families (January 29th)
• Minnesota Department of Health: Assisted Living Facility Licensing
• Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (WQCP)
• Voter Registration System (with an Office of the Secretary of State focus)
Grants for Environment, Energy and the Outdoors
The Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) has issued its 2027 Request for Proposals for funding from Minnesota’s Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF).
The LCCMR is requesting proposals to address funding priorities outlined in its strategic plan for funding from the ENRTF. Anyone with a project idea consistent with these priorities may submit a proposal. Priorities fall within the following categories:
• Resiliency
• Water
• Education and Outdoor Recreation
• Fish and Wildlife
• Energy
• Land
• Small Projects
This announcement begins the competitive process through which the LCCMR selects projects to recommend to the Minnesota Legislature for funding from the ENRTF. Proposals responding to the 2027 RFP are due by Wednesday, March 18, 2025, at 4:30 PM. From March through July 2026, the LCCMR will consider proposals received and make a final selection of projects to include in its recommendations to the Legislature for the 2027 session. Funds for approved projects are available July 1, 2027
For instructions on arranging a review and for more information on the 2027 RFP, visit the 2027 Proposal and Funding Process page on the LCCMR website.
Don't hesitate to contact me anytime with any issues, concerns, or feedback so I can best represent you. The best way to reach me is by email at sen.steve.drazkowski@mnsenate.gov or by phone at 651-296-5612. My legislative assistant is Margaret Martin, and her number is 651-296-4264. She will be happy to assist you, in or out of session.
Sincerely,
Steve Drazkowski
Minnesota Senate, District 20, Wabasha, Goodhue, Winona, Olmsted, and Dakota Counties.
2411 Minnesota Senate Building
95 University Avenue W.
Minnesota Senate Bldg.
St. Paul, MN 55155
Stay in the Know
From the Desk of Pam Altendorf State Representative 20A January 23, 2026
WHAT'S NEW?
It was good to see some familiar faces in St. Paul this week!
The Great River Leadership Program, associated with Red Wing Chamber of Commerce, visited the Capitol this week and I enjoyed giving them a behind-the-scenes tour. Thanks for stopping by!
LEGISLATION HIGHLIGHTS
ORDER OR ANARCHY – CHOOSE WISELY
The State of Minnesota feels like it’s in a pressure cooker. We hear weekly reports of rampant fraud happening across our state in multiple agencies. Estimates are now finding that fraud within 14 of our Medicaid programs could exceed $9 billion. This has caused the federal government to get involved, as federal dollars are involved. Minnesota is being asked to show proof of our records or risk losing certain federal funding.
Inaction is a decision, and due to the decision of Governor Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison not to act on fraud, the federal government has been forced to take action to stem the tide. Not only are we now at risk for losing federal funding, these same “leaders” will likely pursue lawsuits against the federal government for their actions, which also will cost us money.
In the health and human services areas, funding has been frozen for Medicaid and childcare funding, putting valid providers and needy citizens at risk. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding is also at risk for thousands of Minnesotans due to the Walz administration’s refusal to share applicant information with the federal government and confirm our SNAP rolls are accurate.
Relating to elections, Secretary of State Simon has refused to answer a Department of Justice request for voter rolls and other information to prove it’s complying with federal election law. This can have an impact on Help America Vote Act (HAVA) funding.
President Trump's "Keeping Men Out of Women's Sports" executive order states that schools who allow biological males to compete in girls' sports will be subject to federal funding freezes. Of course, Minnesota refuses to comply.
Finally, there’s the issue tearing apart our state and putting community members unnecessarily in heightened fear: Governor Walz’s refusal to cooperate with federal officers in detaining criminal illegal immigrants.
For decades, presidents have enforced federal immigration laws. The Clinton administration deported 12 million illegal aliens, Bush: 10 million, and Obama: 5 million. The Trump administration has deported 1.5 million. These numbers are on pace with every other administration.
Yet, the escalation and problems in Minnesota are not happening elsewhere. Other Democrat governors are working with ICE to safely arrest and remove people who are here illegally with criminal records. In Minnesota, we get heated rhetoric from Governor Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Frey. This has escalated a portion of the Minnesota citizenry to act hostile towards federal officers, while the rest of us watch in disbelief.
It was reported three federal officers are being investigated due to “ruthless tactics.” I was told of an instance of racial profiling happening in Red Wing, and to be perfectly clear, this is never acceptable. I am grateful these cases are taken seriously. If anyone knows of a situation where a federal law enforcement officer acted in an unlawful way, that action must be reported. Lastly, I want to warn people about spreading misinformation, which is only increasing fear and anxiety.
Homeland Security has said they are focusing on “the worst first,” or people here illegally who have criminal records. I think we all agree that those who have serious records of sexual abuse or murder need to leave ASAP. It’s also reported that more than 1300 criminal illegals are in our jails. Walz simply releasing those with detainers to ICE would practically end this operation.
Michigan Democrat Governor Whitmer has cooperated with the federal government and is not seeing these issues. Minnesotans need to demand Walz to do the same: to lead, bring down the rhetoric and cooperate, which will bring the focus back to removing those with criminal records. That is how we de-escalate this situation. It really is that simple.
Fraud has dominated this state and now we need true transparency and leadership. From $9 billion lost to fraud to sanctuary policies protecting criminals and making citizens victims to crime, it does not have to be this way!
The whole world is watching. Our state is in disarray as our constitutional officers appear to be in no hurry to end any lawlessness.
We can’t stay in this bubble forever. Eventually, the choice will be yours. Order or anarchy? Accountability or irresponsibility?
Choose wisely.
LET'S WORK WITH - NOT AGAINST- ICE
This week, I joined other state representatives in crafting a letter to Governor Walz, Attorney General Ellison, Minneapolis Mayor Frey and St. Paul Mayor Her to stop the political grandstanding and to begin cooperating with the federal government so they can remove criminal illegal immigrants from the State of Minnesota.
Their administrations are ignoring the more than 1,360 ICE detainers for aliens currently in custody. By refusing to transfer these criminals into the controlled environment of a jail – as most other states do - they are forcing federal agents to conduct high-stakes arrests in neighborhoods across Minnesota, which increases the risk to bystanders and officers alike.
Specifically, we urged three points that, if enacted by these four leaders, would end the chaos.
* Publicly direct local law enforcement to assist federal partners in maintaining order and de-escalating confrontations with agitators.
* Attorney General Ellison must immediately rescind the February 2025 and December 2025 opinions that prevent sheriffs and local agencies from honoring ICE detainers and entering into 287(g) agreements.
* Tell DFL elected officials and activists to stop interfering with lawful federal enforcement actions. Their rhetoric has incited the very "terror" they claim to oppose.
The people of Minnesota deserve a government that puts their safety first. That’s why a partnership between local, state, and federal law enforcement to remove criminal illegals must be restored.
ARRESTS MADE IN CHURCH "PROTEST"
I've heard from many of you who were disgusted on Sunday when a group of "protesters" barged in to a church service and put fear into the people who were there simply to pray and worship.
We have laws preventing this sort of behavior. I'm pleased the federal government stepped in and has already arrested 3 individuals who stormed the church, because as we all know, state and local officials would have done nothing.
FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER - YOUTUBE - RUMBLE
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
Stay in the Know
From The Desk of Donna Bergstrom Deputy Chairwoman MNGOP January 20, 2026
Greetings,
From the way events are unfolding in Minnesota, I sometimes have to check my Siri app just to confirm that I am still in Minnesota—and not the Twilight Zone.
This is no laughing matter. The lawlessness Minnesotans are witnessing from agitators and protesters is infuriating and unacceptable. When so-called “journalist” Don Lemon led a mob into a house of worship on Sunday, shutting down a religious service, I nearly blew my lid.
If you have not yet seen the report, here it is from Alpha News:
https://alphanews.org/utterly-despicable-anti-ice-mob-storms-st-paul-church-shuts-down-service/
Will Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison file charges against the agitators?
No.
Has Senator Amy “Kooky” Klobuchar condemned the desecration of a house of worship?
Not that I’ve seen.
But she was quick to demand an investigation into ICE agents defending themselves against protesters.
https://www.aol.com/articles/klobuchar-calls-investigation-ice-shooting-231724489.html
Has Governor Tim Walz made any effort to “turn down the temperature”?
Not one iota.
In fact, his actions—along with those of Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey—have been so egregious that the Trump administration has opened an investigation into alleged obstruction of federal law enforcement:
This is an election year. And those of us who still have a shred of common sense can clearly see what is happening on the Left:
Lawlessness. Agitators. Destruction.
So what can you and I do to make Minnesota great again?
First—STAY.
As tempting as it may be to move elsewhere, thank you for standing your ground and fighting for this great state.
Second—PLAN TO CAUCUS.
Commit today: https://committocaucus.org/
Bring a friend, a family member, or another like-minded Minnesotan with you.
Third—SERVE.
During elections—both primary and general—consider serving as an Election Judge or Poll Challenger. The Republican Party of Minnesota will need thousands of Republicans willing to step up.
Sign up here:
https://mngop.com/become-an-election-judge/
—or register at caucus.
Fourth—GET CONNECTED.
If you are not yet involved with your local Republican unit, find your group here:
https://mngop.com/find-your-local-republicans/
Finally—SUPPORT THE CAUSE FINANCIALLY.
Every donation matters. Whether funding phone calls, digital outreach, or mailers, your dollars make a real difference.
Donate online:
https://secure.winred.com/republican-party-of-minnesota/mngop-website-main-page-donate
Or mail a check to:
Republican Party of Minnesota
7400 Metro Blvd, Suite 424
Edina, MN 55439-2374
Remember, Minnesota’s Political Contribution Refund (PCR) program is available again:
• Up to $75 refunded for single filers
• Up to $150 refunded for joint filers
This year, Americans celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States of America. For 250 years, this nation has grown stronger and more resilient through the courage of citizen-patriots.
As Republicans in Minnesota, we honor that legacy—and we carry it forward.
Happy Birthday, America.
Here’s to many more years as ONE NATION, UNDER GOD
With resolve and gratitude,
Donna M. Bergstrom
Deputy Chair
Republican Party of Minnesota
(O)651-222-0022
(C)202-236-2692
Stay in the Know
Legislative Update From the Desk of Representative Steve Jacob January 8, 2026
Hello from the State Capitol,
Just when you think the fraud problem in Minnesota couldn’t get worse, the Office of the Legislative Auditor (OLA) tells us that state employees within the Walz administration are actively and knowingly covering it up.
This is not some MAGA conspiracy theory. This nonpartisan office, tasked with auditing certain divisions within state government, conducted an audit of the Behavioral Health Administration within the Department of Human Services. It analyzed its annual issuance of roughly $200 million in grant funds to mental health and drug and alcohol addiction providers.
What it found was that state employees not only mismanaged this money but also participated in a cover up by fabricating documents to cover their tracks. And it didn’t happen just once. Auditor Judy Randall tells us the agency’s actions were a “systemic” problem. During their audit, multiple DHS employees created new documents or backdated others in hopes of throwing up a smokescreen and evading further scrutiny of their illegal actions.
It didn’t work.
The auditor presented her findings recently to Minnesota’s Legislative Audit Commission, a bipartisan, bicameral committee on which I sit. All of us were appalled when the auditor said: "Frankly, in the 27-plus years I've been with the OLA, I've never seen this before. I will say we've had suspicions periodically, but we've never been able to prove it, to document it, and we did in this case. And it's very troubling.”
It found numerous instances of BHA giving grants to organizations without having a bidding process and refusing to provide justification for why those organizations were chosen. In one instance, a company received $672,000 for a month’s work but couldn’t provide data that outlined exactly how that money was spent. The BHA grant manager who approved that payment then quit her job a few days later and was employed as a consultant for the company which received the grant. In other words, she cut a massive check to the company, and a few days later that company had money to hire her.
You pad my wallet, and I’ll pad yours.
During the hearing, the auditor made the following comments about the Behavioral Health Administration and its employees:
• Intentionally misleading the Auditor
• Falsification of records
• Backdating records
• Non-compliance
• Inappropriately accepting grant applications
In my opinion, she should have added the words “intentional” and “criminal.”
This isn’t one person who went rogue. The Auditor now has documented proof that multiple employees within the Department of Human Services willfully ignored procedures designed to provide qualifying organizations with fair access to state grant funds and did everything they could hide their actions.
Further, let’s end this charade that Governor Walz is working round-the-clock to stop fraud. The Auditor shared this quote from a staff member of BHA: “Executive leadership has repetitively shown staff that they won’t take the staff’s concerns or questions seriously until something serious happens or it makes the news.”
Well, it’s making the news nightly now, and Governor Walz is ending his re-election efforts because of it. But make no mistake, this fraud problem goes far beyond him. We have lost at least $9 billion – or roughly $3,840 per Minnesota household – thanks to 20 years of failed leadership from Democrat governors and their allies in the Legislature. They purposely ignored the problem because it would make Democrats look bad, refused to administer oversight because it might cast a black eye on the “communities” that vote for them en masse, and created a culture that not only allowed fraud to fester but basically encouraged it.
For years, legislative Democrats have claimed fraud in Minnesota does not exist. “Fairy dust” is what one called it. Not only is fraud running rampant in this state, but we now have proof that employees within the Walz administration actively participated in it. This rot has been spreading across numerous state agencies for decades, and its putrid stench can no longer be ignored. Change is necessary, and if Minnesotans don’t demand it, you can guarantee more of the same.
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
Stay in the Know
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:
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Turned an $18 billion surplus into a $6 billion deficit.
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Raised taxes by $10 billion.
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Made our communities less safe with soft-on-crime policies.
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Piled on mandates hurting farmers, small businesses, and families.
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Pushed Critical Race Theory into our classrooms instead of focusing on reading and math.
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Handed taxpayer-funded benefits to illegal immigrants.
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Passed the most extreme abortion policy in America.
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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:
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Protect girls’ sports by keeping boys out of female competition.
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Repeal the Democrats’ dangerous “Duty to Retreat” law.
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Pause wasteful light rail expansions.
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Rein in emergency powers—so no governor can rule Minnesota like a king ever again.
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Return surplus tax dollars where they belong, with hardworking Minnesotans.
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Fund, pro-life women’s pregnancy centers that Democrats defunded after 20 years of bipartisan support.
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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.
20A STATE REPRESENTATIVE pam altendorf
20b state representative steve jacob
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