Minnesota
Minnesota House rep to resign day before 2024 session starts
ST. PAUL — A former Republican Speaker of Minnesota House of Representatives will resign a day before the legislative session starts in Minnesota.
Rep. Kurt Daudt, R-Crown, did not state the reason for his resignation, slated for Feb. 11.
Daudt was first elected to the House in 2010 and has served as the minority leader in addition to his former speakership role.
“It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve the people of Minnesota,” Daudt said in a statement. “I am profoundly thankful to my friends and neighbors who put their trust and faith in me to work on their behalf for the last 13 years. I’ve been fortunate to play a role in enacting historic tax cuts, game-changing education reforms and school choice initiatives, making history investments in our roads and bridges, and advancing pro-life and pro-Second Amendment legislation.
“I was proud to lead Republican Majorities from 2015-2019 that advanced dozens of conservative priorities, and am forever grateful to my current and former colleagues for their friendship and service. As I step away, I trust in the bright future of Minnesota and the capable hands that will continue the important work on behalf of Minnesotans.”
During his time in Minnesota politics, Daudt was instrumental in passing restrictions on welfare and promoting school choice. He also focused on passing pro-life and pro-gun legislation, as well as the elimination of state taxes on veteran benefits.
Daudt also played a role in the restoration of the Minnesota State Capitol.
State statute requires a special election to be held 35 days after his resignation.
Minnesota
So Minnesota: Enchanted Fantasy Film Museum brings Hollywood magic to Twin Cities
So Minnesota: Enchanted Fantasy Film Museum brings Hollywood magic to Twin Cities
One museum in the Maplewood Mall brings a part of Hollywood glamour to the Twin Cities.
William Swift is the owner and curator of Enchanted Fantasy Film Museum.
“I own the largest display of film costumes in North America, which is crazy,” Swift said.
There are more than 350 costumes and props on display from over 90 films and TV shows.
“I have stuff from Narnia, the Power Rangers, and have quite an extensive collection from Game of Thrones,” Swift said. “It’s just so cool and so fun to share with people such a grand collection. We never get anything like this in Minnesota or even really in the Midwest.”
Years ago, Swift, a longtime film buff, started collecting screen-used movie memorabilia in auctions. In 2024, he opened the museum with his massive collection.
“Eventually I ran out of room in my house, and I thought maybe it was time to take that leap of faith,” Swift said.
Minnesota
MyPillow’s Mike Lindell announces he’s running for Minnesota governor as a Republican
MyPillow founder and CEO Mike Lindell has announced he will run for Minnesota governor in 2026 against incumbent Gov. Tim Walz.
Lindell, 64, last week filed the paperwork to potentially run, but at the time said he hadn’t yet 100% decided on a gubernatorial run. On Thursday, he made it official.
“After prayerful consideration and hearing from so many of you across our great state, I’ve made the decision to enter the 2026 gubernatorial race,” Lindell posted on social media Thursday. “I’m still standing and I’ll stand for you.”
Lindell will run as a Republican and a noted ally of President Trump, and enters a crowded field of names who have already tossed their hats into the ring, as Walz, a Democrat, attempts to secure an unprecedented third consecutive four-year term as Minnesota’s governor.
“We’ve seen what happens when we elect a con man to the highest office in America,” Walz said Thursday, responding to Lindell’s announcement. “We can’t let it happen here in Minnesota.”
In addition to Lindell, state House Republican speaker Lisa Demuth has already announced a run for governor, as well as Scott Jensen, the Republican candidate who lost to Walz in the 2022 midterms. Other Republican hopefuls include Minnesota Rep. Kristin Robbins, Kendall Qualls and defense lawyer Chris Madel.
Lindell launched a campaign website, listing his main campaign priorities as including stopping fraud, fixing “failing school systems,” stopping “exploding property taxes” and “send(ing) illegal immigrants back.”
Lindell’s MyPillow has been at the center of a number of legal issues through the years, and earlier this year was ordered to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars to shipping company DHL.
Also, a judge this year ruled that Lindell defamed election technology company Smartmatic after he alleged their voting machines rigged the 2020 presidential election in favor of former President Joe Biden. Lindell made similar unfounded claims against Dominion Voting Systems.
Minnesota has a history of political outsiders overperforming in statewide races, most notably former Gov. Jesse Ventura’s surprising win in 1998, but also it’s been two decades since a Republican won a statewide race in the increasingly blue-tilting state.
Minnesota
Minnesota leaders criticize Gov. Tim Walz over alleged fraud scheme oversight | Fox News Video
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