August 17, 2018 - MPR’s John Enger reports on Republican gubernatorial nominee Jeff Johnson and his DFL opponent Tim Walz as they faced each other on debate stage in Nisswa for their first meeting. While views on topics like mining and pipeline were similar, healthcare and taxes became key debates between the two candidates.
August 31, 2018 - At MPR Day at the Minnesota State Fair, Politics Friday’s Mike Mulcahy hosts a gubernatorial debate at Dan Patch Park between U.S. Representative Tim Walz, the DFL candidate; and Hennepin County Commissioner Jeff Johnson, the GOP candidate. The two spar over President Trump, schools, gun control measures, and how to slow the rising cost of health care. The stakes are high for both parties. Republicans have complete control of the Legislature and could control all of state government if they win the governor's office this fall, but they haven't managed to win a statewide race in more than a decade.
September 19, 2018 - Republican Jeff Johnson and DFLer Tim Walz challenged the other’s approach to education during a Minnesota governor’s race forum. The debate was focused mostly on developing the next-generation workforce for high-demand jobs. Other topics included achievement gap between white students and students of color and restructuring of public schools.
October 3, 2018 - MPR’s Brian Bakst has a look at Walz's military service and how it has shaped him. During his two decades, Walz was part of flood fights, responded to tornadoes, and spent months on active duty deployed overseas. Segment includes interviews military members who served with Walz.
October 10, 2018 - MPR’s Tim Pugmire reports that the two major-party candidates for governor tangled in Willmar over who would best address the needs of rural Minnesota. Republican Jeff Johnson and Democrat Tim Walz spent 90 minutes debating transportation, health care, immigration, and other issues.
October 16, 2018 - MPR’s Peter Cox reports on creation of Josie Robinson Johnson fellowship. The University of Minnesota is establishing a fellowship in the name of one of the state's foremost civil rights leaders. The Josie Robinson Johnson fellowship will go to graduate students at the Humphrey School for Public Affairs who have specific interest in addressing racial inequities and injustices - a subject Johnson and other luminaries reflected on at event announcement.
October 16, 2018 - MPR’s Brian Bakst takes a look at the congressional career of U.S. Representative Tim Walz, who is seen as playing a bi-partisan role by some fellow legislators. Bakst highlights items such as Walz’s efforts on the Stock Act and Suicide Prevention Act.
November 2, 2018 - On the 20th anniversary of his surprise win in the Minnesota governor’s race in 1998, former Governor Jesse Ventura sits down with MPR’s Tom Crann to reflect on his time in office. Ventura discusses his legacy, accomplishments, frustrations, and mistakes in the political arena.
November 7, 2018 - MPR’s Brian Bakst reports that Tim Walz, a former teacher and sergeant in the National Guard, is Minnesota's governor-elect. Walz joined a DFL sweep of statewide offices in a year when the party also regained control of the state House. Republicans retained the Minnesota Senate.
November 8, 2018 - MPR’s Brian Bakst reports that Governor-elect Tim Walz has begun the process of forming a new administration. When the DFLer takes over in January, he’ll inherit a far better situation than his predecessor Mark Dayton did when he came in eight years ago….but there are some immediate challenges on the horizon. Bakst caught up with Walz during his first stop at the Capitol since his victory.