The Inside Elections Podcast · Inside Elections

Episode 41: Big, Nice Minnesota Races w/ Briana Bierschbach of The Star-Tribune

·55 min·5 clips

Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan jumped into the Senate race just hours after Tina Smith's retirement, signaling tensions with Governor Walz.

This episode of the Inside Elections Podcast focuses on upcoming Minnesota elections with guest Briana Bierschbach, a political reporter for the Minneapolis Star Tribune. Hosts Jacob Rubashkin and Nathan Gonzalez analyze key races in the state, including an open U.S. Senate seat and the potential for a historic gubernatorial campaign. Briana Bierschbach provides on-the-ground insight from her years covering Minnesota politics. The discussion centers on Senator Tina Smith's retirement announcement, which she attributed to wanting more time with her family. Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan quickly declared her candidacy for the Senate, citing her connection to the legacy of the late Senator Paul Wellstone. Other potential Democratic candidates include Congresswoman Angie Craig, Secretary of State Steve Simon, Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, former state Senator Melissa Lopez Franzen, and Dave Wellstone, the late senator's son. The hosts note that Republicans have not won a statewide race in Minnesota since Governor Tim Pawlenty's re-election in 2006. Potential Republican candidates like Congressman Tom Emmer and Congressman Pete Stauber have already declined to run for the Senate. An interesting insight is the reported tension between Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan following the 2024 presidential election. The episode details Minnesota's unique dual-track nomination system, where party conventions endorse candidates before primaries, a process that often sees endorsed progressive candidates lose to more moderate primary winners. The hosts highlight the symbolic revival of Paul Wellstone's iconic green campaign bus by his son as a potential campaign asset. They also discuss how Governor Walz's decision on seeking a third term will significantly impact other Democratic candidates' plans. The conversation notes that while Republicans were encouraged by Kamala Harris's narrower 2024 victory margin in Minnesota, they face a challenging national environment in 2026. The episode references the state's history of unconventional politics, like Jesse Ventura's 1998 gubernatorial win. Analysis suggests Republicans may covet the governor's office more than the Senate seat due to the policy impact of recent Democratic trifectas in the state. The tone is analytical and conversational, blending insider political strategy with historical context and local color. This episode is ideal for political enthusiasts interested in down-ballot races, Democratic primary dynamics, and Midwestern electoral trends. Listeners seeking breaking national news or international affairs coverage might find it too narrowly focused.

As heard by us

A sharp Minnesota politics briefing with real Senate and House stakes.

The segment tracks Minnesota politics with a clear eye, as the hosts and Brianna Biersbach sort through Tina Smith's retiring Senate seat, Tim Walz's potential historic third term, and the pressure that could land on a suburban House district if Angie Craig runs for Senate.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

Track the Minnesota dominoes before they fall.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from The Inside Elections Podcast