SETTING THE PACE
Welcome to the 100’s of new readers.
The steady cadence of news this week will include tomorrow’s DC hearings on fraud, Thursday’s visit at the Economic Club for Treasury Sec. Scott Bessent.
The pace for 2026 is being set early. The Daily Agenda will help you keep up.
Early morning rain could make metro roads slick.
Wild lose to the Kings. Wolves host Miami. Sweden wins the World Juniors.
Today is the 5-year anniversary of the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, and 2000 immigration agents are headed to Minnesota. The chaos continues.
The State of the Media will wait this week. Tomorrow, the MNSider take on why Walz failed, and how the signals existed earlier than his VP run.
Donald Trump is considering subsidies for U.S. companies to rebuild Venezuela’s oil infrastructure and “nurse the country back to health.” NBC: https://fluence-media.co/3Lgfl0c
The next Fluence Forum is “The State of Energy”, agenda out tomorrow.
The U.S. House is expected to override presidential vetoes Thursday with bipartisan support. AXIOS: https://fluence-media.co/4qCEUHw
Gubernatorial candidate and GOP Speaker Lisa Demuth on WCCO Radio with Vineeta Sawkar this morning at 7:20. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/WCCOLive
A CNN hit this AM dug up the dusty “Beers with Blois” podcast title- something some legislators have suggested needs to come back. We’ll see. WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4aMSsvA
Happy National Shortbread Day.
Blois - tips: bloisolson@gmail.com
The latest MNSider Fluence Brief – What does President Trump saying “Mike Lindell deserves to be Governor.” mean to the GOP race. READ: https://fluence-media.co/48R7fnM
Health Care will remain a top issue into 2026, the State of Health Care Fluence Forum panels from last week are now available in podcast form. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/FluenceForumPodcast
Want to manage your subscription to TheDailyAgenda.com ? HERE: https://fluence-media.co/managesubscription
The latest insight from Fluence Advisory on the loss of institutional knowledge from the Minnesota Legislature. READ:https://fluence-advisory.com/insights/
FIRST
Insiders in the Walz administration say that the decision not to run has lifted a huge weight off of Gov. Tim Walz and his family. A reminder that he truly struggled with the decision last fall but was pressured into running by DFL Chair Richard Carlbom and others in his too-tight circle.
A flashback that Sen. Amy Klobuchar had already given serious consideration and scenario planning to running for Governor, making yesterday’s announcement far from a surprise.
In a news release later this morning, from the Craig for Senate campaign, VERBATIM: “Congresswoman Angie Craig announced that her campaign raised
$2.1 million in the fourth quarter to close out a record-breaking year of fundraising. Craig received donations from 10,000 new donors – with over 94% of donations being $100 or less.” Craig has raised $6.5 million and has $4 million cash on hand.
How much money will Lt. Gov Peggy Flanagan raise? In addition, there are increasingly questions that Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan will face about fraud and her absence from the Walz administration for the past year. While she was running for Senate, media are buzzing about how the “attached at the hip partner”, hasn’t appeared with Walz for months. On one level, the advocate for major social service funding in the 2023 budget deal will have to explain her accountability as 2nd in charge. On the other hand, the Walz-Flanagan split is illustrative of the Walz-team challenge with relationships which stretches into the legislature, the media and recently into his donors.
In a very boastful news release this morning, Sen. Grant Hauschild this morning announces VERBATIM: “…Hauschild has shattered fundraising records for a Minnesota legislative race, raising an unprecedented $273,578 for his reelection campaign before the election year has even begun…Campaign finance reports show that Hauschild raised over $173,000 in 2025 alone. This is the strongest grassroots fundraising performance ever recorded for a Minnesota State Senate candidate in a non-election year.”
Hauschild is likely on the short list of LG possibilities if Sen. Amy Klobuchar runs, which would create an issue for Senate DFLers in a highly competitive seat. Another name that changed profile pictures in social media yesterday, Melisa Lopez Franzen continues to suggest she may be a future player.
Meanwhile Hauschild’s Senate colleague Zaynab Mohamed will seek re-election via news release later this morning, VERBATIM: “In the eye of a seemingly never-ending storm, Sen. Mohamed refuses to back down when the Southside and Minnesota need us to double-down on our commitment to our neighbors. QUOTE: “Minnesotans know how to weather any storm, and it’s that you don’t do it alone. We look out for our neighbors, fight for the common good, and do it our way — especially when extremists want us to bend to ideas that don’t reflect our values. The last four years, the last four weeks, have only strengthened my belief in this community and what we can accomplish together.”
Later awareness, after not taking questions yesterday, Gov. Tim Walz is expected to answer questions from reporters this morning at a paid leave event, the event is at 10:30.
A new level of insight and information….
Fluence Media introduces more - Insider Analysis & Insight from TheDailyAgenda.com
Regular deep-dive political analysis and breaking news
Monthly insight-filled briefing memo on Minnesota and Midwest economy
Early access to our Fluence Forum audio and video assets.
A morning take mug
JUGGERNAUT
The last year that Republicans won statewide in Minnesota was 2006 – that was the same year Sen. Amy Klobuchar won her first Senate term. Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty won 3-way race with 46 percent of the vote, or ~21,00 votes. Klobuchar won with 58 percent of the vote and defeated sitting Congressman Mark Kennedy by ~450,000 votes. The Klobuchar juggernaut was born and while it has weakened as the state has become more divided – Klobuchar doesn’t not rely on the post 2018 DFL model for victory - which is why Republicans are worried she’s unbeatable.
Top ranking Minnesota Republicans are privately expressing concern about a Sen. Klobuchar for Governor campaign is a historical over performance statewide, including rural counties that Republicans have had to rely on more as DFLers have racked up votes in the urban core and suburbs.
Republicans acknowledge that Klobuchar will likely perform better than any DFL in Greater Minnesota in recent years -because she’s done it since 2006. Since 2018 DFLers have relied on a turnout model that drove out votes in the urban core of Hennepin and Ramsey County. The Fluence turnout chart shows it clearly. Klobuchar is the outlier when you look at her performance outside the metro area since 2016.
Klobuchar knows every corner of the state having visited ALL 87 counties each year since 2006 – and combines folksy with very serious leader and ultra-competitive politician. She also has the best media relationships of any Minnesota politician.
Last year, facing Republican Royce White, Klobuchar outperformed Kamala Harris and Tim Walz by 136K votes. She won with 56 percent of the vote. Harris-Walz won with 50.9 percent.
Klobuchar received ~173,000 more votes than Walz when they were on the ballot together in 2018, and won 30 more counties that Walz. She won with 60 percent of the vote, Walz won with 53 percent. Much of Klobuchar’s performance can be attibuted to weak opponents, but that is what strong candidates do – they keep stronger candidates, and the resources of the national party out of the race.
Now in 2026…
Klobuchar is the strongest DFLer should she choose to run, however Minnesotans think about their Governor differently than they think of their Senator. Klobuchar will still likely have a strong opponent, she’ll also have to have a vision for the future of the state rather than just “not Walz”, “not Trump”.
However, she has a seasoned team led by Justin Buoen – who ran her Presidential race. She’s been tested, runs a very tight operation and built a confidence with the media that less experienced candidates don’t have. She also has strong and trusted relationships with Minnesota’s business leaders – something that evaded Gov. Tim Walz over the past few years.
As has happened before, Republicans may have overplayed their hand – forcing Walz out early, allowing Klobuchar to jump in early.
THE FEED…
GOV RACE: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Attorney General Keith Ellison is seeking re-election to his current job, [but] a person familiar with his thinking said that Ellison was now considering a run for governor, though he loves serving in his current role. … When [Sec. Steve] Simon launched his re-election bid last month, he said governor wasn’t his preferred job. A person close to Simon’s campaign says he will not run for governor if [Amy] Klobuchar decides to enter the race.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3N4Dtn0
DFL SHUFFLE: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “[If] leading DFLers facing re-election opt to run for governor, the party could see a massive reshuffling with just months to go before the DFL Party’s nominating conventions. If [Keith] Ellison doesn’t run for attorney general, state lawmakers including Rep. Emma Greenman and former House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler could be possible contenders. Greenman is also seen as a potential candidate for [Steve] Simon’s job if he doesn’t seek re-election. … Ben Weisbuch, who leads the Minnesota DFL’s Jewish Community Outreach Organization, indicated he might run for Simon’s post.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3N4Dtn0
STEPHENSON: One thing is clear House DFL leader Zack Stephenson is solely focused on running for re-election and leading the House DFL caucus.
HEARINGS: via MinnPost, VERBATIM: “[Gov. Tim] Walz announced his decision just days before House Oversight and Reform Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., holds a hearing Wednesday about alleged fraud. … On Monday, Comer said Walz’s decision would not affect the course of his investigation.” COMER: “Though Tim Walz is not running for governor again, he cannot run from accountability.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3YWeu7Q
IMMIGRATION
ICE: via CBS News, VERBATIM: “The Trump Administration has begun a massive deployment of hundreds of Department of Homeland Security agents to the Twin Cities area. … The crackdown could involve roughly 2,000 agents and officers from Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s deportation branch and Homeland Security Investigations, the agency’s investigative arm. … The plan is for the agents and officers to oversee a 30-day surge in operations in the Twin Cities area. … [They] are expected to probe alleged cases of fraud.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3N2DzLX
MORE: via Sahan Journal, VERBATIM: “Immigration advocates say they’re fielding a flurry of calls reporting immigration enforcement across Minnesota that coincides with news reports that the federal government is ramping up enforcement. The Immigrant Defense Network (IDN) received two dozen calls Monday reporting immigration enforcement activity in Red Wing, Mankato, Richfield, Bloomington, Minneapolis and St. Paul.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4pog2lW
TODAY: via advisory from Unidos MN, they will hold a press conference VERBATIM “on ICE’s unlawful presence at Hennepin County Medical Center and the urgent need for hospitals and other institutions to adopt clear protocols that protect patient rights and safety as ICE presence increases in Minnesota.” The event is at 3PM
CLEAN | RELIABLE | AFFORDABLE: via Xcel Energy, VERBATIM: “We’re powering the Upper Midwest with clean, reliable, and affordable nuclear energy. For more than 50 years, our Prairie Island Nuclear Plant, located near Red Wing, MN, has been a workhorse of reliable, carbon-free energy. With two pressurized water reactors producing about 1,100 megawatts, Prairie Island generates enough electricity to power 1.5 million homes across the Upper Midwest. Unlike sources that depend on weather, nuclear energy delivers 24/7 reliability — providing the power we need today while protecting the environment for tomorrow.” LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4oCHdK9 (SPONSORED: Xcel Energy)
ST. PAUL
STAFF: via City of St. Paul, VERBATIM: “Mayor Kaohly Her announced senior staff members who will advise, lead staff, and manage the work of the City of Saint Paul. The city will be governed by four assistant mayors. Three of [them] will oversee departments, and one will direct operations within the mayor’s office.”
Cedrick Baker - Director, Office of Neighborhood Safety
Irene Kao - City Attorney
Marcus Owens - Director, Office of Financial Empowerment
Jodi Pfarr - Assistant Mayor, People & Neighborhood Vitality
Erica Schumacher – Senior Assistant Mayor, Safety & Justice
Nick Stumo-Langer - Assistant Mayor, Housing, Economic Vibrancy, & Infrastructure
Hnu Vang - Assistant Mayor, Staff & Strategic Partnerships
Matt Wagenius - Executive Director, Public Affairs and Communications
ROSTER: https://fluence-media.co/4sp9qXe
EXTRAS
MORE: Pioneer Press’s Frederick Melo reports that St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her choosing to name four assistant mayors is unusual — the city traditionally has a mayor and deputy mayor setup. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ssI0Qc
Other reactions poured after Gov. Tim Walz ended his reelection bid.
Via Pres. Donald Trump, STATEMENT: “Minnesota’s Corrupt Governor will possibly leave office before his term is up but, in any event, will not be running again because he was caught, REDHANDED, along with Ilhan Omar. … I feel certain the facts will come out, and they will reveal a seriously unscrupulous, and rich, group of ‘SLIMEBALLS.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4prd28m
Via former Vice Pres. Kamala Harris, STATEMENT: “I spoke with Governor Walz today, and what was clear — as it has been throughout his career — is that his decisions are always guided by what’s best for the people of Minnesota. … His decision not to seek reelection reflects that same selfless commitment to the people he serves.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3LfKWPA
ICYMI: Yesterday’s lunch take featured more coverage, analysis and reactions following Gov. Tim Walz’s announcement. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4plLH7t
CD1: via Rochester Post Bulletin, VERBATIM: “Is Jake Johnson, the presumptive DFL candidate for Congress in the 1st District, the real deal? Can the Mayo High School teacher mount an effective — and ultimately successful — campaign to oust GOP incumbent Brad Finstad? … It is hard to imagine Johnson’s candidacy failing to get a boost from the political climate in favor of Democrats, [but] Johnson won’t be able to control some of the factors likely to shape the political environment in which he runs. … [Fraud] has exploded into a national story in recent weeks. And that’s not helpful to Johnson if it leads to a stampede of Republican votes.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/45Cutvy
MOVE: DFL organizer Patrick Gage has joined Sec. Steve Simon’s reelection bid as a campaign manager.
MOVES: The Center for the American Experiment announced that Bill Walsh has been promoted to Vice President of Communications. Grace Keating promoted to Director of Marketing.
VACCINES: via MPR News, VERBATIM: “Federal health officials announced Monday a significant overhaul of the vaccines recommended for children, reducing the number from 17 to 11. … Vaccines that were previously recommended for all children, such as those for flu, rotavirus, hepatitis A and B, certain types of meningitis and RSV, are now advised only for children who are identified as high-risk. … Medical experts in Minnesota criticized the decision, expressing concerns that it could lead to a decrease in the uptake of essential vaccinations and an increase in disease outbreaks. … Commissioner of Health Dr. Brooke Cunningham [said] the state health department will share more information with providers, parents and the public as they sort out next steps.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4jpczlH
BUSINESS EXCELLENCE: Flint Hills Resources was just awarded the 2025 Large Business of the Year award from the Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce at their annual Business Excellence Awards celebration. The award celebrates the outstanding achievements of businesses that exemplify the thriving and growing spirit of Dakota County. The businesses honored make an impact and contribute to the continued success of our community. LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/46lTpIs (SPONSORED: Flint Hills Resources)
CHILDCARE: via Axios, VERBATIM: “The Trump Administration says it is freezing $10 billion in funds for child care and poor families in five blue states [following] reports of social services fraud in Minnesota. … Funds are being suspended for California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota and New York. … Child care providers are bracing for a slowdown in funds and the possibility of cuts that threaten their ability to operate. That could create wider issues, as millions of parents rely on child care to get to their jobs.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3NujkGW
MORE: via NPR News, VERBATIM: “The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced Monday that it would rescind a series of Biden-era rules governing one of the largest federal funding sources for child care. The move comes less than a week after HHS confirmed it was freezing all federal funding through that same program. … HHS says it plans to restore attendance-based billing, it will no longer require that providers be paid in advance and it will reprioritize vouchers.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Ymja6Z
ABORTIONS: via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “Minnesota mistakenly claimed a 30-year high in abortions in a report it released on New Year’s Eve before discovering an error and determining the total actually declined in 2024. The corrected total of 13,729 represents a more than 6% decline from the number of elective abortions in 2023. … The report showed a decline in abortions both among Minnesota residents and women traveling to the state.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3YqaqNa
AHEAD
TODAY: Gov. Tim Walz will provide an update on the rollout of Minnesota’s new paid leave program at 11:30 a.m. with DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek. Walz is expected to take questions.
TODAY: Representatives from Minnesota’s Queer Caucus and advocacy groups will host a press conference today discussing “Minnesota’s response to attacks on gender affirming care,” per a release. The event is at 1:30 p.m.
TODAY: GOP Senate candidate David Hann will hold a press conference to “address Peggy Flanagan’s role” in ongoing fraud scandals and “call on her to publicly account for her record,” per a release. The event is at 2:30 p.m.
TOMORROW: GOP Reps. Kristin Robbins, Marion Rarick and Walter Hudson will testify before the U.S. House oversight committee during a hearing on fraud in Minnesota.
TOMORROW: The Advisory Committee on Capitol Area Security is scheduled to meet at 2:00 p.m. and discuss updates from the Dept. of Public Safety and the Sergeant-at-Arms.
THURSDAY: Axios Live will host conversations with Speaker Lisa Demuth, Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy, and UnitedHealth Group VP Margaret-Mary Wilson regarding the future of public health. The event is in Eden Prairie at 9:30 a.m.
THURSDAY: The Economic Club will host a luncheon with Treasury Sec. Scott Bessent in Golden Valley at 11:00 a.m.
JAN 14: Clean Elections MN will host a webinar with Sec. Steve Simon and Atty. General Keith Ellison discussing “what’s being done to keep our elections safe, fair and secure,” per a release. The event is at 7:00 p.m.
BDAYS: JE Dunn’s Jeff Callinan, KFAN’s Zach Halverson, lobbyist / lawyer Lelli Fatehi, food influencer Stephanie Meyer, organizational pro Katie Nadeau, public affairs pro Tasha Zerna, marketing strategist Kelly Olson and a belated to comms pro Mike Schoemer
SPEAKER: If you’re looking for a speaker about the “Signal vs. Noise” dynamic of today’s politics and the 2026 election. EMAIL: BloisOlson@gmail.com.
SPONSORS: Sponsorships are available to reach over 30,000 readers per day on Fluence’s tip sheets and website, TheDailyAgenda.com – email BloisOlson@gmail.com.
Send us your tips at BloisOlson@gmail.com
IN MEMORIAM: morning take from now to the future is in memory of Melissa Hortman her accessibility, leadership and commitment to public service.
Fluence Media curates, produces and distributes specialized media products to thought leadership audiences across the Midwest and about the region. Our publications cover, politics, public policy, health care, agriculture, business, real estate, sports and more. Visit www.fluence-media.com to learn more.
about morning take: Founded in 2010, morning take has grown to become the leading Minnesota morning newsletter on politics and news of the day. Published by Fluence Media since 2012 the mission is to “make you smarter” before breakfast.
Copyright © 2026 Fluence Media, All rights reserved.