State Senator Eric Lucero (R–St. Michael) returned to the Minnesota State Capitol on February 17 for the start of the 2026 legislative session, prepared to confront the ongoing consequences of Democrat single-party control in 2023 and 2024. The state’s upcoming February revenue forecast will provide an updated picture of the state’s finances, following previous projections of structural budget deficits in the years ahead.

Sen. Lucero said fraud prevention, affordability, and restoring constitutional limits on government will be central priorities again this year.

“Gov. Walz and Democrats in the Legislature used their unchecked power to pass an expensive and extreme agenda that Minnesotans are still paying for today,” Sen. Lucero said. “Families are tightening their belts while state government grows larger and more intrusive. And while families are feeling stress on their own budgets, Gov. Walz has refused to stop fraudsters from stealing billions upon billions from taxpayers. We need accountability for waste and fraud, real relief for the working taxpayers of this state, and a return to policies rooted in truth, freedom, and common sense.”

“Minnesotans want a government that respects constitutional boundaries,” Sen. Lucero said. “I will continue pushing back against policies that undermine those principles and instead advocate for solutions that protect families, empower parents, and restore fiscal discipline.”

Beginning February 17, additional security screening is required to enter the State Capitol and the Minnesota Senate Building. Residents with a permit to carry will still be allowed to carry their firearm in the Capitol. Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and allow extra time.

Senate Democrats this year adopted a policy that imposes an extra layer of screening to enter the Senate gallery. This policy specifically prohibits firearms, even for permit holders. Senator Lucero sent a letter to Senate President Bobby Joe Champion arguing the policy violates state law.

Contact Senator Lucero:
Email: Sen.Eric.Lucero@mnsenate.gov
Phone: 651-296-5655

Subscribe to Senator Lucero’s newsletter for legislative updates, Capitol developments, and opportunities to provide input: https://www.senate.mn/SenatorLucero

Background:

Sen. Lucero represents Senate District 30, which includes Rockford Township, Hanover, Saint Michael, Albertville, Otsego, Elk River, Nowthen, and western Oak Grove.

He serves as the Republican lead on the Housing Committee and is a member of the Education Finance Committee and the Elections Committee.

Photo attachment: Rep. Walter Hudson, Sen. Lucero, and Rep. Paul Novotny in the Capitol on the first day of the 2026 session