Husband & Father • Communications • Media • Research • Podcaster • Author of the award-winning book ‘The Girls Are Gone’ • Buy: missing.mn/TGAGAmazon
Articles by Michael Brodkorb
On The Record with Michael Brodkorb
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Republicans Can’t Outrun the Math
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On The Record: From Walz to Klobuchar - What the Polling Shows
Source: Office of Governor Tim Walz. Minnesotans for Klobuchar When Governor Tim Walz stepped aside, the key question wasn’t who wanted to run next; it was who would actually be a stronger DFL candidate. The latest SurveyUSA polling gives a clear answer. This isn’t about excitement or ambition. It’s about electoral strength, and by that measure, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar is the stronger DFL candidate for governor. On The Record with Michael Brodkorb is a reader-supported publication.
10 Questions Minnesota Republicans Should Answer About Trump
Illustration by Ahmed Hossam on Upsplash Minnesota is not immune to the chaos that now seems to follow President Donald Trump wherever his influence deepens. In recent weeks, we’ve seen our streets filled with protests, legal battles erupt between state and federal officials, and communities torn apart by fear and violence, all tied to a federal immigration surge ordered by President Trump’s administration. Two Minnesotans are dead. Tensions have escalated and de-escalated depending on the day.
Profiles in Cowardice
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A Break Down on the Battle Over ICE in Minnesota
Current time: 0:00 / Total time: -1:00:17 Audio playback is not supported on your browser. Please upgrade. Welcome to another episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky! Hosts Becky Scherr and Michael Brodkorb provide updates on topics from previous episodes, exploring incidents like the flashbang injury involving children in North Minneapolis and the inconsistencies in the parents’ statements.
Van Jones Explains the Real Divide on ICE - A Deeper Look at Perception vs. Reality
Photo by Alex Shuper on Unsplash Minnesota and America are in a tense moment, not just because of policy disagreements, but because people are living in entirely different information and experience worlds. That’s the core insight in Van Jones’s powerful new Substack post: “America Isn’t Divided on ICE — It’s Divided on REALITY.” His piece cuts through the headlines and helps explain why conversations about ICE, public safety, and federal power are so fraught right now.
A Break Down About ICE in Minnesota
Current time: 0:00 / Total time: -1:51:38 Audio playback is not supported on your browser. Please upgrade. Welcome to another episode of ‘The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky!’ Join hosts Becky Scherr and Michael Brodkorb for an intense episode, where they delve into the tragic death of Renee Goode and the intricate dynamics of ICE operations in Minnesota. Michael and Becky provide updates on the incident, ongoing civil litigation, and the subsequent fallout.
Bonus Episode: A Break Down on Gov. Walz's Surprise Exit
Current time: 0:00 / Total time: -1:16:37 Audio playback is not supported on your browser. Please upgrade. Welcome to a special bonus episode of ‘The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky!’ In this episode, Becky Scherr and Michael Brodkorb dive deep into the breaking news that Governor Tim Walz announced he will not seek a third term in 2026.
A Break Down of Harassment, Fraud, and the Governor’s Race
Current time: 0:00 / Total time: -1:54:38 Audio playback is not supported on your browser. Please upgrade. Welcome to another episode of ‘The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky!’ Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr return to discuss the recent harassment that led to an unscheduled pause in recording podcast episodes. Michael and Becky then shift to the important topic of fraud in Minnesota and its implications for the 2026 election. They examine the claims of whistleblowers within Gov.
'Just Call 911' Isn’t a Safety Plan
In a recent post, I wrote about the sustained and escalating harassment I’ve endured from Thomas Evenstad—a convicted rapist and stalker with a long history of threatening behavior. I shared how his actions, including direct threats and an open arson investigation at my home, forced my family to make impossible decisions about our safety.
Targeted, Threatened, Ignored: The Reality of Harassment
I have thick skin. I’ve spent years in and around politics, and I understand the heat that comes with it. As I’ve said before, “politics isn’t a tickle contest.” I’ve dealt with threats and harassment before. I’ve been criticized, confronted, and targeted. That’s what comes when you speak your mind in public. I take my personal safety and my family’s safety very seriously. I’ve always understood that political commentary carries risk. I’m not naive.
A Break Down on Frey's Win and Running Mates
Welcome to another episode of ‘The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky‘! In this episode of ‘The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky‘, Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr bring a more relaxed discussion after last week’s intense roundtable episode! The duo dives into election updates, including news that Ryan Wilson has been named Speaker Lisa Demuth’s running mate.
Court Grants Restraining Order Against Thomas Evenstad
A judge in Dakota County granted a Harassment Restraining Order (HRO) that I filed today against Thomas Evenstad, a convicted rapist and stalker, who engaged in repeated threatening and harassing behavior against me over the past few days. The HRO remains in effect until November 10, 2027. Evenstad ignored my request that he stop contacting me and made threats about coming to my work and confronting me.
A Break Down on the '25 Elections: Turnout, Trends & Takeaways
Welcome to Season 4 of ‘The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky‘, with Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr. Michael and Becky return after a brief hiatus to dive deep into the most recent political developments. This week’s episode kicks off with a heated political roundtable featuring guests Julius Hernandez, from the left, and Preya Samsundar, from the right.
Minneapolis Votes Tomorrow. Here's What's Really at Stake.
By this time tomorrow, voters in Minneapolis could be well on their way to elect a mayor with an agenda unlike anything the city has ever seen. This isn’t reckless hyperbole from someone who lives in the suburbs. The race for mayor has become a referendum on the influence of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), the credibility of Senator Omar Fateh, and the future of governing in Minneapolis.
A Break Down with Jim Rubin: The Fight to Save Minneapolis
Current time: 0:00 / Total time: -1:11:17 Audio playback is not supported on your browser. Please upgrade. Welcome to another episode of ‘The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky‘, with Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr. This week, they are joined by Jim Rubin, a Minneapolis-based business leader and co-founder of Mint Properties, who shares his insights on the city’s declining housing and public safety landscape.
New Ethics Concerns Over Fateh Bill, Wife’s County Role
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A Break Down with Ryan Wilson: Tackling Fraud in Minnesota
Current time: 0:00 / Total time: -1:01:04 Audio playback is not supported on your browser. Please upgrade. Welcome to another episode of ‘The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky‘, with Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr. In this episode, Michael and Becky welcome back Ryan Wilson, attorney and chair of the Minnesota chapter of America First Policy Institute, to discuss his recent op-ed, ‘Enough is Enough.
A Break Down with Joe Teirab: Why Mary Moriarty's Traffic Stop Policy Is Wrong
Current time: 0:00 / Total time: -59:33 Audio playback is not supported on your browser. Please upgrade. In this episode of ‘The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky‘, Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr dive into current public safety issues against the backdrop of fall with guest Joe Teirab, an attorney and former federal prosecutor at the US Attorney’s Office in Minneapolis.
Bonus Episode: A Break Down with Rep. Elliott Engen on WBL School Safety
Current time: 0:00 / Total time: -20:33 Audio playback is not supported on your browser. Please upgrade. Welcome to a special bonus episode of ‘The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky!’ In this episode, host Michael Brodkorb explores the disturbing case of a 22-year-old man with a criminal record who allegedly used a false identity to enroll in multiple high schools in Minnesota.
A Break Down about 'A Precarious State' with Rick Kupchella
Current time: 0:00 / Total time: -46:18 Audio playback is not supported on your browser. Please upgrade. Welcome to the latest episode of ‘The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky.’ This week, Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr are joined by veteran journalist and filmmaker Rick Kupchella. Rick discusses his latest documentary, ‘A Precarious State,’ which delves into the social, political, and economic crossroads facing Minnesota.
A Break Down with Senator Julia Coleman on Motherhood, Messaging & Modern Republicanism
Current time: 0:00 / Total time: -1:00:22 Audio playback is not supported on your browser. Please upgrade. Welcome to the latest episode of ‘The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky.’ This week, hosts Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr are joined by Assistant Minority Leader Senator Julia Coleman. Elected as a Republican in 2020, Senator Coleman represents Carver County.
Bonus Episode: A Break Down with Rep. Nolan West on Civility
Current time: 0:00 / Total time: -39:16 Audio playback is not supported on your browser. Please upgrade. Welcome to a special bonus episode of 'The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky!' In this episode, hosts Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr pause the regular political chaos to highlight the importance of meaningful leadership. Michael and Becky are joined by Representative Nolan West, a Republican from Blaine, Minnesota, known for his collaborative and thoughtful approach in the legislature.
A Break Down of Gun Policy: From Gun Owner to Reformer
Current time: 0:00 / Total time: -1:19:34 Audio playback is not supported on your browser. Please upgrade. Welcome to the latest episode of 'The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky,' which dives into recent policy discussions and political developments. Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr welcome Mounds View Mayor Zach Lindstrom to discuss his recent op-ed on gun control and his evolving views as a gun owner and hunter.
Why I Refuse to Be a Conflict Entrepreneur
When I launched this Substack, I promised On The Record would be a space for honest, candid, and unfiltered conversation — without the noise or spin. That same spirit guided Becky Scherr and me when we started our podcast, The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky. From the beginning, we aimed to elevate positive voices, foster constructive conversations, and demonstrate that disagreement doesn't have to mean division.
We Must Choose Who We Want to Be Now
When the news broke that Charlie Kirk had been shot on a college campus, I first misread the alert. I thought it might be something less severe, but then I saw the video. I wish I hadn't. It was one of the most horrific things I've ever seen. Not just because of the violence, but because of what it represented. A 31-year-old husband, father, son, and citizen was struck down in the middle of doing what we say we want more of in this country: having a conversation.
A Break Down About The Assassination of Charlie Kirk
Current time: 0:00 / Total time: -1:01:30 Audio playback is not supported on your browser. Please upgrade. Welcome to the latest episode of 'The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky.'In this week's episode, Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr shift focus from their planned discussion to address the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk, which occurred while he was speaking at a college campus.
Mourning Charlie Kirk's death isn't partisan
By Michael Brodkorb and Erich Mische Do not let this moment pass without acknowledging its demands on you. Go. Do something. Do anything that brings light back into this dark time. Because if this is the new America, one where political violence is routine, and mourning is partisan, then we've already lost. Let's not lose more. Michael Brodkorb is the former deputy chair of the Republican Party of Minnesota. He is an author, communications strategist and podcaster.
A Break Down about Guns, Safety, and the Politics in Between
Current time: 0:00 / Total time: -1:12:38 Audio playback is not supported on your browser. Please upgrade. Welcome to the latest episode of 'The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky.' This week, Becky Scherr and Michael Brodkorb welcome Bryan Strawser, Chairman of the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus, for a timely and in-depth discussion following the tragic Annunciation Church shooting.
A Break Down About the Tragedy at Annunciation Church and School
Current time: 0:00 / Total time: -1:07:19 Audio playback is not supported on your browser. Please upgrade. In this heart-wrenching episode of 'The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky', hosts Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr pivot from their planned political discussion to focus on the tragic shooting at Annunciation Church and School in Minneapolis. The shooting, which occurred during an all-school mass, left 18 wounded and claimed the lives of two young children.
A Break Down About Uber-Lyft, Lies, and Regent Selection
Current time: 0:00 / Total time: -1:04:07 Audio playback is not supported on your browser. Please upgrade. Welcome to another episode of 'The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky', with Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr. This week, Michael and Becky dive deep into the week's hot political topics.
The GOP’s Abortion Dilemma in Minnesota
A new poll released by the America First Policy Institute, a center-right organization, found that 58.6% of Minnesotans identify as pro-choice. Let that sink in. Nearly 6 in 10 Minnesotans, according to a poll released by a center-right organization, say they are pro-choice. That’s not a fringe perspective. That’s the majority.
A Break Down About Police, Politics, and Polls
Current time: 0:00 / Total time: -1:18:32 Audio playback is not supported on your browser. Please upgrade. Join us in this episode of ‘The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky’, with Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr. This week, Michael and Becky Scherr are joined by David FitzSimmons, Chief of Staff for Congressman Brad Finstad, and a former state representative known for his political acumen.
On The Record with Michael Brodkorb
Today is 450 days until Election Day 2026. That might sound like a lot — until you run the numbers on what it takes to win a statewide race in Minnesota. Here’s the hard truth: To raise $10 million by Election Day, a candidate needs to bring in $22,000/day To raise $15 million: $33,000/day To raise $20 million: $44,000/day And that’s just to compete.
A Break Down with Andy Brehm: From Baseball to Ballots
Current time: 0:00 / Total time: -1:02:00 Audio playback is not supported on your browser. Please upgrade. Welcome to another fantastic episode of 'The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky,' with Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr. This week, hosts Michael and Becky are joined by Andy Brehm, Star Tribune columnist, corporate lawyer, and vocal Republican from Minnesota.
DFL Divided, GOP Invisible: The Statewide Shakeup That’s Coming
Republicans control the House, Senate, and White House — yet in Minnesota, there’s a glaring absence of candidates for statewide office. Where is the energy? Where is the field? We’re less than 18 months from the 2026 election, and there are zero announced Republican candidates for Attorney General, Secretary of State, or State Auditor. If Republicans are serious about breaking a nearly 20-year losing streak statewide, that needs to change — fast. Sen.
On The Record with Michael Brodkorb
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A Break Down About Special Elections, DSA Platform, Naked Man at the Capitol, and an Axe Murderer
Current time: 0:00 / Total time: -55:15 Audio playback is not supported on your browser. Please upgrade. Welcome to another fantastic episode of 'The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky,' with Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr. In this episode, they begin by discussing the upcoming special elections for three vacant seats in the Minnesota legislature, including those left vacant by the resignation of Senator Nicole Mitchell and the death of Senator Bruce Anderson.
The 10 Most Extreme Ideas in the DSA Platform
Senator Omar Fateh, a DSA‑backed Democratic socialist, secured the Minneapolis DFL endorsement for mayor on July 19, 2025, over two‑term incumbent Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. Substantial questions remain unanswered about the legitimacy of the endorsement won by Fateh earlier this month, as detailed on my latest podcast episode.
A Break Down About Chaos at the Minneapolis DFL Convention
Current time: 0:00 / Total time: -56:44 Audio playback is not supported on your browser. Please upgrade. Welcome to the latest episode of 'The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky,' where Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr tackle the complex and chaotic world of politics and current affairs. This week, Michael shares a harrowing personal story of an arson attack on his home.
A Targeted Act of Arson Outside My Home
I was very excited to launch my Substack last week. I had been planning the launch for a few weeks. I published three posts and had a series of additional posts and content in the queue to fully utilize all the fantastic features that Substack has to offer. But less than 72 hours after I launched my Substack newsletter, a masked individual set off an explosive—possibly a large firework or incendiary device—inside my trash can outside our home at 12:49 AM on Friday, July 18.
She Lobbied. She Got Paid. She Didn’t Register.
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The End of “Minnesota Nice"
When I redesigned my home office to record my podcast, I wanted the decor to reflect my love of politics and my deep roots in the state of Minnesota. I knew exactly what I wanted on my wall: a pristine copy of TIME magazine from August 13, 1972. On the cover stands Governor Wendell Anderson, proudly holding a northern pike with the headline "The Good Life in Minnesota.” On The Record with Michael Brodkorb is a reader-supported publication.
Republicans who chose moral clarity over ugliness of social media
We often talk about courage in politics — how it’s shown in policy fights, election battles, or legislative victories. But real political courage today looks different. It’s about challenging the opposition and holding your side accountable when it counts most. In Minnesota, we’ve witnessed an unimaginable tragedy: state House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were murdered, and state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were wounded in an assassination attempt.
No regrets from this Republican about endorsing Harris
By Michael Brodkorb Harris and Walz's leadership embody a commitment to the ideals that should unite us as Americans: respect for our institutions, steady governance and a belief in the promise of bipartisan solutions. In the days since Trump won another term as president, Americans have unfortunately seen him follow through on his promises of unilateral power and attacks on democratic institutions. These threats reflect the threats the Constitution's framers designed it to prevent.
My time for choosing: I’m a Republican and I’m endorsing Harris and Walz
My time for choosing: I’m a Republican and I’m endorsing Harris and Walz Some might call me a traitor or a RINO. But I urge my fellow Republicans to also support them. August 12, 2024 at 10:34PM Kamala Harris and Tim Walz campaigning Aug. 7 in Eau Claire, Wis. (Glen Stubbe/The Minnesota Star Tribune) Comment Gift Share Listen Print Opinion editor’s note: Star Tribune Opinion publishes a mix of national and local commentaries online and in print each day. To contribute, click here.
The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky
On this episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky , Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr break down the following: 00:01:11 - The Super Bowl, the halftime show, the commercials, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce. 00:17:51 - An interview with Bill Walsh with the Center for the American Experiment on arsonists targeting their offices . 00:43:09 - A recap of our interview with Walsh. 00:44:42 - The special counsel report on President Joe Biden's handling of classified documents The Break Down ...
Thread by @mbrodkorb on Thread Reader App
Apr 14 NEW 🧵: I'm starting a thread about Judd Hoff, the DFL-endorsed candidate in #HD12B against @RepMaryFranson. I've published posts recently about #mnleg candidates with violent or disturbing pasts that should raise questions about their ability to effectively serve in office. Last evening, I learned that the DFL endorsed Hoff to run against Franson. I did some research on Hoff last night and today. I am stunned by what I learn. Let's start with a video posted by Hoff on Nov 15, 2023.
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