Walz Exits Governor’s Race
This morning, Gov. Tim Walz announced that he no longer intends to run for governor in 2026, citing a need to be present as governor and not spend his time campaigning. This is a reversal from last September when Walz announced his plan to seek an unprecedented third term. The announcement comes after weeks of political scrutiny related to allegations of fraud involving public programs and taxpayer funds that have made local and national news. In a letter announcing his change of plans, Walz was very critical of Republicans, both at the state and federal level, stating that they are engaging in “political gamesmanship” and making it difficult to enact policies that will ensure funds are spent in the way they are intended.
Bennett Enters Race for Governor
On Friday, State Rep. Peggy Bennett (R – Albert Lea) announced her campaign for governor. A six-term state representative, Bennett has served on several House committees including Veterans and Military, Education Finance, and Education Policy where she currently serves as co-chair. She enters the race with roughly a dozen other republicans who have already announced their candidacies. In her announcement, Bennett cited a disdain for the political division and the necessity for real solutions as reasons to enter the race. She stated in a recent interview, “I have always put people before politics. I refuse to take part in name-calling, and I can’t stand political spin and game playing. I don’t shy away from calling out wrongdoing when I see it, and I will always strongly confront bad or harmful policy for what it is.”
Legislative Calendar Set; Deadlines & Recesses Announced
Prior to the holiday, all four legislative leaders announced the committee deadlines for the upcoming 2026 legislative session. As with previous sessions, there are three deadlines for legislation to meet specific milestones, with the first and second being on the same day. Deadlines are as follows:
These deadlines do not apply to the capital investment, tax, or Ways & Means/Finance committees.
Legislative leaders also announced the schedule for legislative breaks, including:
The 2026 legislative session begins on begins February 17, 2026 and the legislature adjourn no later than May 18, 2026.
Congress returns this week facing a volatile mix of foreign policy, funding, and election-year politics.
The dominant issue is the Trump Administration’s sudden escalation in Venezuela, following the U.S. military’s seizure of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and the administration’s declaration that it is effectively “in charge” of Venezuela. Senior officials including Secretary of State Rubio, Secretary of Defense Hegseth, Attorney General Bondi, CIA Director Ratcliffe, and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs will brief House and Senate leadership and key committees this afternoon.
Democrats are moving quickly to assert congressional authority, with a War Powers vote expected in the Senate this week. This will be an early and highly visible test of executive power, congressional oversight, and internal Republican divisions between foreign-policy hawks and the party’s isolationist wing.
Separately, Senate Majority Leader John Thune continues navigating between advancing President Trump’s agenda and protecting Senate institutional prerogatives. Thune signaled that bipartisan deals on housing, permitting, and market structure are possible, but he also suggested that full-year appropriations may slip further, with additional continuing resolutions increasingly likely.
On the political front, Q4 fundraising reports show Democrats and Republicans both building substantial war chests ahead of the 2026 cycle, with outside groups — particularly Trump-aligned super PACs — amassing historically large reserves.
What We’re Watching
Minnesota Political Note
Governor Tim Walz announced today that he will not seek reelection in 2026, immediately accelerating the race for Minnesota’s open governor’s seat.
In that context, speculation is intensifying that Senator Amy Klobuchar may consider a run for Governor. While Klobuchar has not made any public announcement, the volume of political and donor chatter around this possibility has increased notably, and it is beginning to shape early strategic conversations around the 2026 statewide landscape.
We will continue monitoring how these dynamics evolve and what they mean for Minnesota’s delegation, federal funding priorities, and the broader political environment.
