On the 2026 election:
Don Ness – “The results are clear. The people have spoken. But what is yet to be decided is what has been said and how that should shape our understanding of our country and our politics. That's a much more challenging conversation and a much more important one. Americans have finally rejected a style of politics that was tearing us apart and distracting us from the problems that matter most. This was a rejection of wars of choice; of undermining our allies on the global stage; of selling out to the interests of billionaires; of the federal government occupying American cities; of a politics of cruelty and selfishness; and perhaps most of all, it was a rejection of the politics of corruption and self-enrichment. Democrats must stay disciplined and focused on the core issues, on accountability, on re-establishing sanity and integrity into how we govern. Most importantly, Democrats need to understand that a victory of this size and scope is only possible when disaffected voters; fierce independents; and moderate Republicans chose to cast their vote for Democrats. No doubt in some case for the very first time. Don't take these voters for granted. Value those perspectives —b ring them into the fold – build a sustainable coalition of Americans strong enough to solve real problems, to build real shared prosperity. This was a needed course-correction for our country. But the real work in still ahead of us. Time to get to work.”
Ashlie Castaldo – “Tuesday reminded us of the power of democracy. When people feel unheard, frustrated, or let down by their government, the ballot gives them a peaceful way to demand better. And there's something profoundly hopeful about that. I'm grateful to see so many people putting their hearts into their communities, organizing at the grassroots, and believing that their voices matter. But democracy doesn't end when the ballots are counted. The responsibility of government is to listen, to earn the public's trust, and to make sure that the hope people carry into the voting booth is met with the hard work of making their lives better.”
Fred Friedman – “Yesterday’s (Tuesday's) historic night was the result of American’s anger with high and still rising gas and diesel prices, indefensible tariffs, the general escalating cost of living and an unpopular, costly war all brought on by presidential edicts and an uncaring congressional majority that sat on their hands rather than voting on any of the above concerns.”
Patrice Bradley – “The close election results should serve as a reminder to Pete Stauber that he represents all of us, across generations, backgrounds and cultures, not just those who agree with him. That means showing up, listening and treating all of his constituents with 100% respect. One of the biggest frustrations I hear from my family and friends is how tired they are of the insults, hostility and divisive rhetoric in politics, starting at the very top with Donald Trump. People are exhausted by it and it needs to stop. I'll be the first to admit that I've contributed to some of that negativity myself. It's hard not to respond with anger when our elected officials insult and dismiss people from the opposing party, including their fellow public servants. But trading insults and name-calling isn't getting us anywhere as the 'United' States. Kindness shouldn't be too much to ask of anyone, especially those hired to represent us. We all need to do better.”
Steve Korby – “Americans are frustrated with today’s markets and cost of living, and it showed at the polls. Leadership by Congress is sure to be tested now. I’m confident that change for the betterment of all is possible and achievable. I’m an optimist. My fingers are crossed.”
Opinion: Amy Klobuchar’s promises, on the record
Amy Klobuchar asked Minnesotans to judge her on an ambitious set of promises: cleaner government, more housing, lower household costs and better opportunities to earn a living. With the campaign over, this is a good time to put those commitments in one place, while the language is fresh and before the difficult business of governing begins to change the conversation.
This should be a straightforward exercise in accountability. A candidate’s promises deserve a fair hearing, a reasonable opportunity to become policy and a public record that survives the election. Klobuchar supplied several commitments specific enough to measure, along with broader goals that will require deadlines, budgets and clearer definitions of success.
Start with fraud. In an August interview with MPR News, Klobuchar promised to launch a top-to-bottom audit of state government on her first day in office. That gives Minnesotans an early checkpoint: the launch of the audit, its scope, who will conduct it and when the public can expect findings. Starting an audit and completing the resulting repairs are separate obligations, and both deserve attention.
Her written plan went further. It called for screening grants and contracts before money is awarded, unannounced inspections, stronger enforcement, protection for whistleblowers and a system to prevent people convicted of fraud from receiving additional state payments. Those commitments should eventually produce evidence the public can examine: problems identified, payments stopped, corrective actions completed and safeguards that work without unnecessarily delaying legitimate services.
On taxes, Klobuchar pledged not to increase them and said she would like to lower them. That commitment belongs prominently in the public record. A fair assessment should examine the full package of taxes and fees proposed by her administration, along with its spending choices. If circumstances lead her to change her position, Minnesotans deserve a direct explanation of what changed and why.
Housing offers another substantial benchmark. Klobuchar’s campaign proposed working with the private sector to build 100,000 homes, including apartments and condominiums. Her detailed housing plan described putting Minnesota on a path toward at least that many units, supported by faster permitting, fewer redundant requirements, suitable surplus state land and incentives for construction.
The wording matters. A promise to put Minnesota on a path toward 100,000 homes should not quietly become a claim that she guaranteed their completion in her first year. It does, however, require a timetable and a public accounting of what counts toward the goal. Minnesotans should be able to distinguish homes proposed, homes permitted and homes ready for someone to occupy.
For Duluth and northeastern Minnesota, the useful questions will be practical. Where will those homes be built? What will they cost? Will the initiative help communities rehabilitate existing buildings as well as finance new construction? A statewide total will tell only part of the story if people still cannot find housing within reach of their paychecks.
Klobuchar also proposed adding 10,000 apprenticeship and skills-training opportunities. Her workforce plan included expanding opportunities beyond traditional trades into fields such as health care, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing and precision agriculture. It also called for stronger connections between education and employers.
That promise should be measured beyond enrollment announcements. Completion rates, job placements, wages and regional access will help show whether the training improves people’s lives. An opportunity has greater value when a worker can afford to finish the program and find a job afterward.
Health care was another major commitment. Klobuchar proposed using state purchasing power to negotiate lower prescription drug prices, strengthening reinsurance and challenging excessive premium increases. She also proposed a targeted state tax credit through MNsure if enhanced federal premium assistance was not restored. That last proposal was conditional, and it should remain identified that way when her record is evaluated.
There was also a promise familiar to anyone who has waited for government paperwork: establish processing deadlines and refund permit or license fees when the state misses its promised timeframe. Her plan included a single business portal to simplify applications and tracking. Applicants should eventually be able to see which deadlines apply, whether agencies meet them and how refunds are issued.
Her broader platform included expanding child care access, restraining utility costs, improving reading and math achievement, supporting police recruitment and protecting natural resources. Those commitments belong on the record, too, although they need more precise measures before anyone can responsibly declare them fulfilled.
I would like to see Klobuchar publish a simple progress report identifying each major promise, its expected cost, its timetable and the results so far. Where legislation or outside cooperation is necessary, say so. Where a proposal falls short, explain the problem and the next step.
Minnesotans have a right to expect progress, and Klobuchar deserves an assessment grounded in what she actually promised. Keeping that record now gives everyone a fair place to begin.