Friends and neighbors, 

Happy New Year. As we begin 2026, our state faces real challenges on our streets and in our communities. In times of division, it’s important to stay grounded, to lead with wisdom and discernment, and to remember our responsibility to protect and guide those around us. 

At the same time, we cannot ignore the problems unfolding in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and across Minnesota. Our district stands behind law enforcement and supports keeping violent criminals off the streets. Parents, faith leaders, teachers, and business owners I hear from reject a vision for Minnesota where fraud thrives, houses of faith live in fear, and law enforcement, not criminals here illegally, are treated as the enemy. 

What’s missing in much of the media is that fraud is still spiraling out of control. Gov. Walz and Minnesota Democrats have ignored repeated Republican warnings and allowed taxpayer dollars to be stolen. While social services fraud gets attention, voter fraud often does not. Under current law, voters can vouch for up to eight people registering same-day without an ID. 

I exposed a voter fraud scandal in St. Cloud’s Somali community (read more below). If fraud of this scale happens outside the Twin Cities, imagine what could be happening inside Minneapolis and St. Paul. Don’t expect Gov. Walz, AG Ellison, or Minnesota Democrats to act. They benefit from these schemes, just like social services fraud. 

That’s why I wrote to President Trump urging the DOJ to open a criminal investigation into Gov. Walz and AG Ellison. Minnesota Democrats have shown no will to investigate or hold leadership accountable, so it’s time for the federal government to step in. 

Even as these challenges continue, don’t lose hope. There are adults in the room fighting to protect your tax dollars, uphold the rule of law, and preserve the values we share. The legislative session starts in less than a month, and we are ready to take action on day one. 

If you want to visit me at the Capitol or are attending a Day on the Hill, reach out to my office. I would welcome the chance to meet with you and hear your priorities for this session. 

Stay in the fight, 
Michael

Left-wing mob disrupts Christian church service

On Sunday, Jan. 18, during its regular service, Cities Church in St. Paul was stormed by dozens of antiICE protesters, shouting down congregants practicing their faith. Families, including children, were forced to flee.

This is just the latest example of so-called “peaceful” left-wing protests turning into chaos. When leaders like Gov. Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey stoke hatred against law enforcement, moderate Democrats get radicalized, and far-left agitators feel empowered. Their rhetoric, amplified by left-wing corporate media, leads to the desecration of houses of worship and forces Christians to flee Sunday services.

While Gov. Walz and AG Ellison won’t hold these protesters accountable, the federal government is stepping in. Attorney General Pam Bondi posted on X that “Attacks against law enforcement and the intimidation of Christians are being met with the full force of federal law,” and Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon announced an investigation into the demonstration.

The counter to the Walz/Frey doctrine is simple: enforce the law. As they encourage lawlessness, we will fight for the rule of law, safety on our streets, and respect for law enforcement carrying out their official duties.

Voter Fraud in Minnesota

A recent investigation in Sherburne County uncovered suspicious voting activity linked to St. Cloud City Council candidate, Hudda Omar Ibrahim. Organized groups of people were brought in to vote, sometimes with interpreters assisting, and some ballots appeared unusual. Election staff noticed red flags including repeated use of questionable leases, similar birthdates, double voting, out-of-towners casting ballots, and voters who may not have fully understood the oath they were signing.

No charges were filed, as the laws and administrative rules are set up to obscure the process, not protect your vote, but the investigation highlights vulnerabilities in Minnesota’s election system.

What Republicans Are Doing 
GOP lawmakers have proposed measures to strengthen election security, including: 

• Using provisional ballots to verify voters before counting 

• Requiring voter ID 

• Limiting how many people one person can vouch for 

• Implementing rules for interpreters assisting voters 

 Minnesota already faces significant fraud issues in state programs under Gov. Walz, so election vulnerabilities are a serious concern. Whether it’s misappropriating taxpayer money or undermining votes, those who commit crimes must be investigated and held accountable. Just as federal investigators are stepping up to address Medicaid, UI, and SNAP fraud, more must be done to ensure Minnesotans have confidence in our elections.

DOJ serves subpoenas to Walz, Ellison, Frey

Two weeks ago, I sent a letter to President Trump urging him and the Department of Justice to open a criminal investigation into Gov. Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison for their roles in Minnesota’s ongoing fraud crisis.

We got their attention.

Earlier this week, the DOJ served grand jury subpoenas to five Minnesota government offices, including Gov. Walz, AG Ellison, and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey.

The scale and scope of fraud in Minnesota raise serious questions about the conduct, inaction, and potential complicity of our state’s top officials. Their continued failure to act, despite repeated warnings and mounting evidence, warrants federal scrutiny.

Federal authorities, including the FBI, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Agriculture, Small Business Administration, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Minnesota, are already investigating fraud and have taken steps such as freezing payments to high-risk programs flagged for abuse.

Minnesotans are paying the price. Lives are being ruined, families are being affected, and communities are being torn apart.

I continue to call on the DOJ to investigate Gov. Walz, AG Ellison, and Mayor Frey and pursue all appropriate charges if violations are found.

Media Roundup 

Fox News – Ingraham Angle: “Nonfeasance cannot go unpunished.”  

Walz’s fraud failure crushes legitimate providers 

Keith Eillison defends attack on church 

Social Media 

Follow me on Facebook and X (Twitter) for the latest updates.

Contact Me

Hearing from constituents helps make me a better legislator.  Never hesitate to reach out if you have a question or concern. I can be reached via email at sen.michael.holmstrom@mnsenate.gov or at 651-296-5981. 
 
My legislative assistant, Zachary Queensland, is also a great resource for information. He can be reached at zachary.queensland@mnsenate.gov or at 651-296-0769.