News Releases
Twin Cities Mayoral Elections
Minnesota Report
In Minneapolis, incumbent Mayor Jacob Frey (DFL) has prevailed in his reelection bid for his third term of office. The attempted collusion by his three highest profile opponents failed to unseat him. This race made a major turn after the DFL Party rescinded the endorsement for Omar Fateh (DFL) after a number of irregularities were advanced by the Frey Campaign. With the results in, the three amigo candidates failed to perform.
The top four candidates listed DFL as their party label.
|
DeWayne Davis (DFL) |
20,414 |
13.85% |
|
Omar Fateh (DFL) |
46,614 |
31.63% |
|
Jacob Frey (DFL) |
61,444 |
41.70% |
|
Jazz Hampton (DFL) |
15,339 |
10.40% |
On the 2nd ballot, thirteen candidates were eliminated, including Davis and Hampton and their ballots were reallocated resulting in simple majority victory for Frey with 73,723 votes or 50.03% over Fateh with 65,377 votes or 44.37%.
Other the other side of the river, the election results in St Paul, were close, but ultimately incumbent Mayor Melvin Carter III (DFL), failed in his attempt to secure a third term of office. Ironically, the Ranked Choice Supporter succumbed to a field of four challengers, in the first electoral contest, which actually used the single transferable voting system for the first time in his elections, to produce the result.
Last nights returns were slow coming in, but round about midnight with Carter securing the first position with 27,261 votes or 40.83%, followed by Kaohly Her (DFL) with 25, 658 vote or 38.43%, he was overtaken by the combination of the three candidates who departed the race after the first round.
In the last municipal election to be held in an odd year, in a nonpartisan contest, the publicly three of the candidates identified as DFL and Yan Chen (DFL) did secure the Forward/Independence Party endorsement, but did not promote it.
Here are the first ballot results with 66,769 votes cast.
|
Mike Hilborn (I) |
5,701 |
8.54% |
|
Kaohly Her (DFL) |
25,658 |
38.43% |
|
Yan Chen (DFL) |
6,416 |
9.61% |
|
Melvin Carter (DFL) |
27,261 |
40.83% |
|
Adam Dullinger (?) |
1,576 |
2.36% |
|
Write-In |
127 |
.24% |
With Carter leading on the first ballot, and no simple majority achieved, Ranked Choice Voting commenced and a reallocation ensued.
In St Paul, any candidate without a possible route to victory, is then dropped from the ballot and those ballots are effectively batched and the 2nd Choices are then distributed to the remaining candidates. The difference between Carter and Her at the onset was 1,604 votes.
When rendered in reverse order of their finish, the following results occurred.
|
Candidates |
Melvin Carter (DFL) |
Kaohly Her (DFL) |
Difference |
|
Adam Dullinger (?) |
+650=27,836 |
+575=26,308 |
-1528 |
|
Mike Hilborn (I) |
+705=28,510 |
+2,202=28,541 |
-31 |
|
Yan Chen (DFL) |
+1488=30,029 |
+3,511=32,021 |
+1,992 |
This resulted in Kaohly Her (DFL) becoming the Mayor-elect and marking history as the first woman elected to the office in St Paul’s history as well as being the first Asian (Hmong) to do so.
Legislative Special Elections
Minnesota Report
Last night, two Special Elections were held in Senate District 29 and 47. In each instance, the party previously in power held the seats.
In the Special Election in Senate District 29 to fill the vacancy of deceased Senator Bruce Anderson, Michael Holmstrom Jr (R-29, Buffalo) secured 11,003 votes or 62.09% to over Louis McNutt (DFL-29) with 6,697 votes or 37.79%
In race to fill, the vacated seat of Nicole Mitchell in Senate District 47, current Rep Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger (DFL-47, Woodbury) received 12,317 votes or 61.25% to retain the seat over Dwight Dorau (R-47, Woodbury) 7,782 votes or 38.70%.
Hemmingsen-Jaeger’s victory along with that of Rep Kaohly Vang Her (DFL-64A, St Paul) will result in Special Elections and because the House is tied at 67-67 the result could impact the balance of power.
Will Soybean Farmer’s Prove to Be Duped By Donald J Trump, Again?
National & Minnesota Report
When Donald J Trump (R) wrote the following on Truth Social, the depth of this statement wasn’t fully realized, “WILL THERE BE SOME PAIN? YES, MAYBE (AND MAYBE NOT!),” adding, “BUT WE WILL MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN, AND IT WILL ALL BE WORTH THE PRICE THAT MUST BE PAID”. America’s Soybean farmers have been experiencing this first hand.
Since the imposition of tariffs on China, the state has not bought a single soybean. The stockpile is large due to a bumper crop and it sits idle in granary’s across the Midwest. Now, once the trade agreement between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping is fully announced, we wonder if the agricultural community will be stupid enough to look past the Trump manufactured economic problem of imposing tariffs and misguidedly believe there isn’t something else destined to happen which will adversely impact their future’s?
Hm, lets reflect, the elimination of U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), was the first kick in the groin, now along with the intent to end Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding, which provides opportunities for purchase of more healthy nutrition. In fact, in Minnesota, SNAP benefits result in a 2-to-1 benefit for $10.00 of SNAP funds to become $30.00 daily for higher purchasing power.
Since, farmer’s are one of the largest subsidy groups in the nation, with Farm Insurance and price floors for commodities, we always find it ironic they are anti-government and often vote Republican, which is directly against their own interest. This brings to mind the book, What’s the Matter with Kansas.
If “Immitation” or in this Case, Mimicry is the Sincerest Form of Flattery, Then Kaohly Her Must Really Like Yan Chen
Minnesota Report
During your school years, cribbing off of someone else’s paper would get you a failing grade, but in politics its seems to be okay to take someone else’s work and claim it for one’s own. We find this quite ironic, because this is exactly what Kaohly Her (DFL) has claimed about Melvin Carter III (DFL), and in turn has been doing to Yan Chen.
We were surprised yesterday, when listening to iHeart Radio to hear an advertisement from Ms Her, which sounded nearly verbatim what Ms Chen says in each and every forum or debate. The most striking being Her’s tagline, which was Let’s Put St Paul Back on Track, which has been used throughout Chen’s campaign. In fact, it is even broadly proclaimed on her literature.
This situation is remniscent of when Joe Biden ended his 1988 presidential campaign on September 23, 1987, after several plagiarism incidents came to light. The controversy began when his speeches were found to contain passages lifted from other politicians, including Neil Kinnock of the British Labour Party, without proper attribution.
Seems like Her should give credit where credit is due.
Also, there is a TikTok video of Chen’s campaign with a little ditty in it which says Yan has a Plan. Additionally, we find this equally interesting.
Now, we understand, certain cultures accept “borrowing” of clearly other’s work, but our understanding is to question the veracity of the appropriator. We have had a number of conversation’s with Ms Her, where she has expressed her appreciation for Ms Chen’s, and it appears to such an extand she has co-opted them for her own.
The interesting reality is, we have experienced repeated instances where St Paul voters have trouble distinguishing one Asian candidate from the other. So, the efforts both have underway, may serve a dual purpose, conveying the same message, and undermining the incumbent.
This one-two attack may serve one single purpose, which is the election of a new mayor, and many in the Capitol City hope so. We will find out on November 4th, if the result is Time’s Up Mr Carter.
If Trump Investigations Were Valid, Which They Were, Why is There a Discussion of Repayment?
National & Minnesota Report
Yesterday, discussions began about the Justice Department reimbursing Donald J Trump (R) $230 million for his legal costs defending himself in federal prosecutions. He lies again to the public, saying, “Well, I guess they (Justice Department) probably owe me a lot of money for that, probably. That’s true…But as far as all of the litigation, everything, yeah, they probably owe me a lot of money. But if I get money from our country, I’ll do something nice with it like to give it to charity or give it to the White House, where we restore the White House. And we’re doing a good job. As you know, the ballroom is under construction.”
So, this is where he will make his contribution to the East Wing Ballroom. Again, not any of his money, just ours.
How Much Has Trump Enriched Himself in His 2nd Term?
National & Minnesota Report
Because, there isn’t a requirement for a US President to state their net worth, there are wild speculations on how much, Donald J Trump (R) has enriched himself, along with his family. Each and every time, Trump leaves the country, or has a foreign dignitary visit the White House, its seems to be a squeeze on the person he talks to for some sweetheart deal.
Recent speculations are the following:
Based on several reports and limited financial disclosures, Trump’s net worth has fluctuated since he became president in January 2025. The estimate somewhere between $5.1 billion and $7.3 billion, with a significant increase attributed to his cryptocurrency and media ventures.
It appears that Trump’s Billionaire status finally became real after his 2nd term.
Sources of Income
Trump’s income sources in 2025 reportedly include a combination of traditional business holdings and other newer ventures:
|
Source |
Description |
Reported Value |
|---|---|---|
| Cryptocurrency | He launched a meme coin, which added hundreds of millions to his wealth in early 2025. A Trump family entity reportedly receives about 75% of the sales from a crypto venture called World Liberty Financial, which has generated an estimated $1.4 billion so far. | In July, The New York Times estimated his wealth from crypto to be $10 billion or more. A CBS News report from May 2025 estimated his family’s net worth had increased by $2.9 billion due to crypto investments. |
| Media Company | Shares in his media company, which owns Truth Social, contributed to his wealth. A 20% surge in the stock price in January 2025 added an estimated $865 million to his net worth in one day. | According to a Fortune report, his shares in Trump Media could be worth up to $8 billion. |
| Real Estate and Golf Clubs | His real estate and golf portfolio continue to be a significant part of his wealth. His real estate licensing business has seen a revival, with revenues jumping 580% in 2024 to $45 million, adding $400 million to his net worth. | The value of his real estate portfolio is estimated to be over $2 billion. His golf and club portfolio profits rose an estimated 30% in 2024, adding approximately $325 million to his net worth. |
| Presidential Salary | As President of the United States, Donald Trump earns an annual salary. | The salary is $400,000 per year, plus a $50,000 expense allowance. |
Why Bomb Venezuelan and Colombian Vessels, When the Coast Guard is Always Ready?
National & Minnesota Report
Many people know the motto pf the US Marine Corps is Semper Fi, Always Faithful, but not many know the motto of the US Coast Guard, which is Semper Paratus, Always Ready. The Guard was established in 1790, and is the longest continuous naval force in the United States. Yes, the Navy started in the Revolutionary War, but disbanded after, while the Guard endures. https://www.uscg.mil/
Now, during the government shutdown, the same as during Donald J Trump’s (R) first-term, the Coast Guard is working without pay, and the size of this distinguished force is authorized at 44,500 Active Duty, and 8,500 Reserve. They have eight 418-foot (127 m) cutter, National Security Cutter (WMSL), and 201 fixed and rotary wing aircraft.
When we are watching the bombing of first six Venezuelan and now a Colombian vessel off of their shores, it literally seems like overkill. If any innocent people are aboard those boats, they have been murdered at the hands of Trump’s orders. It truly isn’t necessary, because the Coast Guard is readily available and completely capable of locating, stopping, detaining, seizing, or disabling any of these watercraft on the open ocean and prevent them from embarking to American shores.
Drug Interdiction, is a part of their mission, and the Caribbean Sea part of their jurisdiction. If Trump chose to deploy the Guard to do this mission, the loss of life would be completely minimized. But his current actions show the totality of his Chicken hawk mentality.
East Side Mayoral Forum
Minnesota Report
Last night Harding High School hosted a forum, which opened with, highlighting the two referendum questions and then the mayoral candidates on the November 4, 2025 ballot, followed. The event had a bevy of Eastside politicos present, Rep Liz Lee (DFL-67A, St Paul), City Council Member Cheniqua Johnson (DFL-Ward 07), along with a visitor, Council President Rebecca Noecker (DFL-Ward 02). The noticeable absences were: Sen Foung Hawj (DFL-67, St Paul), Rep Jay Xiong (DFL-67B, St Paul) and Ramsey Council Commissioner Mai Xiong (DFL-06).
In St Paul, the Eastside is an important because physically, it is the most diverse and represents approximately 1/3 of the city’s land mass.
The referenda are:
Question 1
Referendum on Ord 25-2 amending the City Charter.
Should Ordinance Ord 25-2, amending Chapter 6.03 of the St. Paul Charter, regarding Administrative Citations take effect? Ordinance Ord 25-2 amends the City Charter to authorize the issuance of Administrative Citations that may result in the imposition of civil fines for violations of City Ordinances. Administrative Citations are not Criminal Citations. A “yes vote is a vote in favor of amending the City Charter to allow the City to issue administrative citations. A “No” vote is a vote against amending the City Charter and against administrative citations.
Question 2
Approval of New School District Referendum Revenue Authorization
The board of Independent School District No. 625 (Saint Paul), Minnesota has proposed to increase the School District’s general education revenue by $1,073 per pupil, subject to an annual increase at the rate of inflation. The proposed new referendum revenue authorization would be first levied in 2025 for taxes payable in 2026 and applicable for ten (10) years unless otherwise revoked or reduced as provided by law.
All mayoral candidates were present and when we find the posted video, we will insert it into this post:
Melvin Carter III (DFL), Van Chen (DFL), Adam Dullinger (Yet to be self-identified), Kaohly Her (DFL) and Mike Hilborn (I).
Federal Shutdown Set to Impact Food Benefits
National & Minnesota Report
The Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families sent out the following notice:
This is the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families. Due to a lack of funding caused by the federal government shutdown, SNAP and MFIP food benefits will not be issued for November until the shutdown ends or we receive further guidance from the federal government. The MFIP cash portion will continue to go out in November. If you have been receiving SNAP or MFIP benefits in October or prior months, continue to use them as usual. Visit https://dcyf.mn.gov/federal-shutdown for more information and updates on the shutdown.
Some Municipal Candidates are Letting Voters Know Their Second and Even Third Electoral Choice.
Minnesota Report
While the mayoral campaigns in both of the Twin Cities are ongoing, there is a strategy underway which is being deployed in Mill City, and as we have previously reference, potentially in play in the Capitol City. We call it Collusion. Candidates Omar Fateh, DeWayne Davis and Jazz Hampton are asking their voters to rank them each 1st and as then the others as their 2nd, and 3rd choices.
The three have even produced a combined lawn sign. This activity is getting some media attention. Here is a WCCO story on the matter.
We the highlighted potentiality of this activity in St Paul in this article, Ongoing Interactions in the St Paul Mayoral Race and identified the second choices for candidates Yan Chen (DFL), Adam Dullinger (?), Kaohly Her (DFL), and Mike Hilborn (I). The incumbent Melvin Carter III (DFL) seems too prideful to commit to the mention of anyone but himself. The fully vocalized support has not yet manifested, and in three different forums we tried to have the question asked, and as is also discussed we were shutdown at an event in St Paul.
Trump Polling Numbers in Key States Falter
National and Minnesota Report Yesterday, articles in the New York Times and the Washington Post spelled good news for the former Vice-President Joe Biden’s campaign (D). https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/25/upshot/poll-2020-biden-battlegrounds.html...
Senate Bonding Then and Now (2018 v 2020)
Minnesota Report Two years ago, the Republican controlled State Senate brought forward it’s Capitol Investment Bill, which failed to pass on a party line vote of 34-33, seven votes short of the 2/3rds majority of 41 votes. What is interesting I what the Republicans...
Mayo Clinic Challenging Trump’s Push of Malaria Drugs
Minnesota Report The Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN has released a medical advisory in direct response to Donald J Trump's (R) call of the use of hydroxychloroquine and erythromycin.Guidance on patients at risk of drug-induced sudden cardiac death from off-label...
Minnesota Department of Health COVID-19 Page
Minnesota Report On Friday, Governor Tim Walz (DFL-MN) along with Commissioner Jan Malcolm released the State of Minnesota’s comprehensive COVID-19 page on the Department of Health’s Website. Additionally, the MN House also has a page which provides more and...
Trump’s Continued Call for Hydroxychloroquine
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Walz Executive Orders During Pandemic
Minnesota Report As we are in the midst of the second week of the Stay at Home Executive Order 20-20 more orders are coming from Governor Tim Walz (DFL-MN) to stipulate what options are available to our state’s citizens. Today, Executive Order 20-25 Authorizing Peace...
The Coming of the Four Horsemen
If you want to be memorable in Minnesota State Capitol politics it is good if you are referred to as something other than your name. It is often helpful when a term or a phrase can be applied to your, group, issue or initiative. If you want to be known as something...
First Paid Political Advertisement Ran Here 21 Years Ago
There were a number of firsts that occurred in the 1998 Governor's race besides the My Three Sons Primary and the election of third-party candidate Jesse Ventura, In 1997, the Ted Mondale for Governor campaign took out, what is known as the First Paid Political...
2018 House State Fair Poll
Minnesota Report We at Checks & Balances are continuing our tradition of publishing the State Fair Polls found at the State Fair booths in the Education Building. Again, as we have said before, these provide an insight into the mindset and the issues of interest...
2018 Senate State Fair Poll
Minnesota Report State Senate 2016 State Fair Poll Questions (Choose one answer per question) Demographics Residence Minneapolis/St. Paul Rural Suburban Regional hub of at least 40,000 people (Rochester, Duluth, St. Cloud, Mankato, Moorhead) Another state No...
Candidates Wolgamott and Ek are Each, Seeking a Shot at Redemption
Minnesota Report In December of 2005, the MN Supreme Court Ruled House Candidate Sue Ek (R-MN) ineligible as a candidate for the House seat 15B, do to her failure to reside in the district 60-days prior to the filing period. This means the highest court in our state,...
Speaking of Urdahl, One of His Books is Being Turned into a Movie
Minnesota Report Capitol observers might be familiar with the fact, Dean Urdahl (R-16A, Grove City) is a writer of historical fiction based on the Civil War era. The first book in his Uprising Saga series, Uprising is set to be on the small screen offered by one of...
Leadership Shuffles
Minnesota Report First, it was the rapid one-week ouster of Republican Party Chair Jennifer Carnahan, then the announcement by Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka (R-09, Nisswa) leaving the leadership post and not seeking reelection, followed by the more surprising...
The Best Example of the Legislative Chasm: Bonding Bill
Minnesota Report DFLers and Republicans are at odds over whether or not a Bonding Bill is a Jobs Bill. The two sides are also at loggerheads over whether or not long-term spending through bonds is a prudent fiscal decision. The cost of spending for a government backed...
Legislative Session Ends with a Flatulence in a Wind Funnel or FWF
Minnesota Report When competing political ideologies are at play, the ability to achieve consensus is a far way island, and reaching it, is a distant, remote and implausible likelihood. The reason being political people are hard-pressed to see beyond their own vested...
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