News - Minnesota Senate Republicans

October 27, 2026

Senate Republicans call out Walz administration for undermining OIG hiring independence

Today, Senators Michael Kreun (R-Blaine) and Mark Koran (R-North Branch) released the following statement after being notified through nonpartisan staff that the Walz Administration plans to post high-level job positions in the newly established Office…

October 26, 2026

Support for veterans starts here at home

Senator Rich Draheim Veterans Day is coming up on November 11, and in southern Minnesota, it’s a reminder of our neighbors who served and the people who continue to help them build a life after…

October 13, 2026

Sen. Nelson applauds University of Minnesota Board of Regents vote in support of University of Minnesota Rochester academic building

The University of Minnesota Board of Regents on Friday voted to advance a capital funding request that includes $150 million for a new academic building at the University of Minnesota Rochester. The project is the…

October 13, 2026

Sen. Dornink: Democrats misguided health care policies driving another year of higher health insurance rates as the ACA fails to deliver on its promise

Senate Republicans sounded the alarm on another round of double-digit health insurance rate increases announced by the Department of Commerce, saying state Democrats raised costs and taxes, drained the Health Care Access Fund that was…

September 29, 2026

Senator Heintzeman statement on Mesabi Metallics’ Iowa Steel Plant project

Mesabi Metallics and the White House announced plans Monday for a $15 billion steel plant in Iowa, which is expected to become one of the largest steelmaking facilities in the United States. The first phase…

September 29, 2026

Senator Carla Nelson honored by Minnesota Fire Chiefs for career-long support of fire service

Retiring State Senator Carla Nelson (Rochester) has been honored by the Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association (MSFCA) for her career long advocacy of fire service. “It is an incredible honor,” Sen. Nelson said. “Firefighters dedicate…

September 28, 2026

Sen. Rasmusson calls for bipartisan support to review Optum report

The nonpartisan Office of the Legislative Auditor released a special review of the heavily redacted Optum Report last week. The original Optum analysis identified more than $52 million in improper Medicaid payments over four years…

September 23, 2026

Sen. Nelson shares free insurance help event for Rochester area residents

Olmsted County residents who are dealing with home or vehicle damage caused by this year’s storms can receive in-person assistance at the Rochester Area Insurance Village event on Sept 25, from 2pm to 8pm, at…

September 4, 2026

Sen. Heintzeman highlights funding to replace lead service lines in Brainerd water system

Minnesota State Senator Keri Heintzeman today applauded nearly $2.7 million in funding awarded to the city of Brainerd to replace 130 lead service lines in the city’s public drinking water system. Brainerd received the funding…

September 3, 2026

Senate Republican Leader statement on Minneapolis shooting

Senate Republican Leader Mark Johnson (East Grand Forks) released the following statement after reports of a shooting in Minneapolis injuring multiple people, including two Minneapolis Police officers: “Senate Republicans are praying for everyone affected by…

August 28, 2026

Farm safety can’t wait until after harvest

By Senator Rich Draheim As crops across Minnesota mature and farmers prepare for harvest, our farmlands become some of my favorite scenery. But those views come real danger and risk for our ag workers. Farmers…

August 27, 2026

Westrom: Appleton roundtable town meeting highlights 525 new jobs, civil community discussion

State Sen. Torrey Westrom (R-Alexandria) said a recent Appleton roundtable town meeting highlighted the significant economic opportunity created by the planned reopening of the former Prairie Correctional Facility, including a new estimate that the facility…

August 19, 2026

Senator Keri Heintzeman statement on Gov. Walz’s executive order against mining in northern Minnesota

Senator Keri Heintzeman issued the following statement in response to Gov. Tim Walz’s executive order against mining in northern Minnesota. “This is just another desperate act of a failed governor trying to keep his name in…

August 18, 2026

Rasmusson: Walz’s DHS failures have no end

DHS ‘outstanding refugee’ now faces fraud and sex trafficking charges Salman Ahmed Elmi, who received a Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) “Outstanding Refugee Award” in 2021, is now facing eight counts of Medicaid fraud…

August 18, 2026

Rasmusson highlights progress on housing reform, calls for continued work to increase homeownership

State Sen. Jordan Rasmusson (R-Fergus Falls) recently participated in a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Regional Housing Round Table focused on increasing homeownership opportunities in Minnesota by addressing local barriers to housing…

August 12, 2026

Sen. Nelson named a 2026 Legislator of Distinction by League of Minnesota Cities

The League of Minnesota Cities (LMC) has named State Senator Carla Nelson (Rochester) as a 2026 Legislator of Distinction. The honor is awarded to state lawmakers each year who show strong leadership and support for…

August 12, 2026

Sen. Carla Nelson Earns Perfect Score on Small Business Voting Record

State Senator Carla Nelson (Rochester) received a 100% rating from the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), a national organization representing small business owners, according to a scorecard the group released this month. Sen. Nelson…

August 12, 2026

Sen. John Jasinski Earns Perfect Score on Small Business Voting Record

State Senator John Jasinski (Faribault) received a 100% rating from the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), a national organization representing small business owners, according to a scorecard the group released this month. Sen. Jasinski…

August 11, 2026

Senator Jeremy Miller presented with Minnesota Legacy Award by the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities

Minnesota State Senator Jeremy Miller (Winona) was honored by the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities (CGMC) with the organization’s Minnesota Legacy Award, given to legislators upon their retirement who have “demonstrated unfailing commitment and made…

August 10, 2026

Sen. Nelson applauds University of Minnesota Board of Regents vote in support of University of Minnesota Rochester academic building

Sen. Dornink: Democrats misguided health care policies driving another year of higher health insurance rates as the ACA fails to deliver on its promise