State politics reporter @StarTribune. Alum of @PioneerPress, @mndailynews. Texan.
📧 Ryan.Faircloth@startribune.com
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Articles by Ryan Faircloth
Parents of slain Annunciation student endorse Klobuchar and say Demuth 'lied to us'
MINNEAPOLIS - The parents of a 10-year-old girl who was killed in the mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church endorsed Democrat Amy Klobuchar's campaign for governor on Thursday and accused her Republican opponent of breaking a promise to allow a floor vote in the Minnesota House on gun safety legislation.
Parents of slain Annunciation student endorse Klobuchar and say Demuth ‘lied to us’ Original
Parents of slain Annunciation student endorse Klobuchar and say Demuth ‘lied to us’ The dispute has become a flashpoint in the governor’s race with less than two weeks until the election. Jackie Flavin speaks during a news conference at the Washburn Library in Minneapolis on Thursday with Mike Moyski and U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar. Flavin and Moyski are parents to Harper Moyski, who was killed in a mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church.
Lisa Demuth is running as a moderate. Her record is conservative
MINNEAPOLIS - Republican Lisa Demuth has emphasized her bipartisan credentials during her campaign for governor and portrayed herself as a pragmatic conservative who is focused on affordability and rooting out fraud. Demuth has an affable style and rarely - if ever - criticizes her political foes with insults or obscenities that have become more common in modern politics. She has negotiated deals with DFL lawmakers and Gov. Tim Walz with civility.
Lisa Demuth is running as a moderate. Her record is conservative
MINNEAPOLIS — Republican Lisa Demuth has emphasized her bipartisan credentials during her campaign for governor and portrayed herself as a pragmatic conservative who is focused on affordability and rooting out fraud. Demuth has an affable style and rarely — if ever — criticizes her political foes with insults or obscenities that have become more common in modern politics. She has negotiated deals with DFL lawmakers and Gov. Tim Walz with civility.
Lisa Demuth is running as a moderate. Her record is conservative
MINNEAPOLIS — Republican Lisa Demuth has emphasized her bipartisan credentials during her campaign for governor and portrayed herself as a pragmatic conservative who is focused on affordability and rooting out fraud. Demuth has an affable style and rarely — if ever — criticizes her political foes with insults or obscenities that have become more common in modern politics. She has negotiated deals with DFL lawmakers and Gov. Tim Walz with civility.
Amy Klobuchar and Lisa Demuth on fraud
MINNEAPOLIS - U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth have made combating fraud a central plank of their campaigns for governor, promising to restore public trust following a scandal that unfolded during Gov. Tim Walz's administration. The two candidates are touting their respective records and plans to root out fraud in social services programs as they seek to distinguish themselves on an issue that has become a political liability for Democrats.
Behind Lisa Demuth’s bipartisan pitch, a reliably conservative record
Behind Lisa Demuth’s bipartisan pitch, a reliably conservative record Demuth touts her record as a pragmatic dealmaker, while Democrats highlight her conservative priorities and refusal to say Joe Biden won the 2020 election. Lisa Demuth, the Republican nominee for governor.
Where they stand: Amy Klobuchar and Lisa Demuth on fraud
Where they stand: Amy Klobuchar and Lisa Demuth on fraud Both candidates for governor have put out plans to take on the issue that derailed Gov. Tim Walz’s bid for a third term. Democrat Amy Klobuchar and Republican Lisa Demuth, the leading candidates for Minnesota governor, meet in a forum hosted by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce at Madden's On Gull Lake in Brainerd on Monday.
Where they stand: Amy Klobuchar and Lisa Demuth on fraud
MINNEAPOLIS — U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth have made combating fraud a central plank of their campaigns for governor, promising to restore public trust following a scandal that unfolded during Gov. Tim Walz’s administration. The two candidates are touting their respective records and plans to root out fraud in social services programs as they seek to distinguish themselves on an issue that has become a political liability for Democrats.
Amy Klobuchar and Lisa Demuth on gun restrictions, school safety
MINNEAPOLIS - Minnesota's next governor will inherit a politically charged debate over how to address school safety, an issue that took on new urgency after the deadly mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church and School in August 2025. Democratic U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar has vowed to press for new restrictions on firearms, including bans on assault-style weapons and high-capacity magazines. She would also seek funding to improve school security and expand mental health resources.
Where they stand: Amy Klobuchar and Lisa Demuth on gun restrictions, school safety
MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota’s next governor will inherit a politically charged debate over how to address school safety, an issue that took on new urgency after the deadly mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church and School in August 2025. Democratic U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar has vowed to press for new restrictions on firearms, including bans on assault-style weapons and high-capacity magazines. She would also seek funding to improve school security and expand mental health resources.
Klobuchar and Demuth spar over taxes, costs and regulation at business forum
MINNEAPOLIS - Amy Klobuchar and Lisa Demuth offered competing visions for Minnesota's economy on Monday, debating how to lower costs, stop fraud, attract businesses and regulate the fast-growing artificial intelligence industry. Demuth, the Republican speaker of the Minnesota House, tried to tie rising costs to Democratic policies and Gov. Tim Walz's administration. She said she'd lead the way with regulatory reform and reducing taxes if elected governor.
Klobuchar and Demuth spar over taxes, costs and regulation at business forum Original
Klobuchar and Demuth spar over taxes, costs and regulation at business forum With roughly two weeks until Election Day, Lisa Demuth and Amy Klobuchar went head-to-head on economic policy. Democrat Amy Klobuchar and Republican Lisa Demuth meet in a candidate forum hosted by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce at Madden's On Gull Lake in Brainerd on Monday.
Live: Governor candidates Demuth and Klobuchar to talk business issues at forum
Live: Governor candidates Demuth and Klobuchar to talk business issues at forum The forum hosted by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce begins at 9 a.m. Monday in Brainerd. From left: Rep. Lisa Demuth, Republican candidate for governor, and US Sen.
Where they stand: Amy Klobuchar and Lisa Demuth on health care
Where they stand: Amy Klobuchar and Lisa Demuth on health care Klobuchar as made lowering health care costs a pillar of her campaign, while Demuth has pointed to her record at the Capitol to show how she would address the issue as governor. Candidates for Minnesota governor, U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, left, and Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth.
Suspicious substances mailed to Minnesota offices of US senators, secretary of state
Packages containing suspicious substances were intercepted before reaching the Minnesota offices of U.S. Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith and Secretary of State Steve Simon, the officials said Friday. The incidents appear to be connected to a series of suspicious mailings that were sent to U.S. senators and election offices across the country.
Suspicious white powder sent to Minnesota Secretary of State’s office
Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon said Friday that a suspicious package that included a threatening letter and unidentified white powder was intercepted before it could reach his office. kAm%96 |:??6D@E2 s6A2CE>6?E @7 p5>:?:DEC2E:@? 5:D4@G6C65 E96 >2:=:?8 E92E H2D 255C6DD65 E@ $:>@?’D @77:46 367@C6 :E H2D 56=:G6C65] xE :D ?@H :? E96 A@DD6DD:@? @7 E96 &]$] !@DE2= x?DA64E:@?
Suspicious white powder sent to Minnesota Secretary of State’s office
Suspicious white powder sent to Minnesota Secretary of State’s office The state Department of Administration intercepted the package before it reached Steve Simon’s office. Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon (Glen Stubbe/The Minnesota Star Tribune) Comment Gift Share Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon said Friday that a suspicious package that included a threatening letter and unidentified white powder was intercepted before it could reach his office.
A relentless boss, Klobuchar would bring her intense style to running Minnesota Original
A relentless boss, Klobuchar would bring her intense style to running Minnesota Former aides describe a detail-driven leader whose intense style has persisted even after public scrutiny. It raises questions about how she would manage the sprawling state government. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, the DFL candidate for Minnesota governor, has a reputation for being a tough boss - an asset, some former aides say, that will help Minnesota tackle its biggest issues if she's elected governor.
A relentless boss, Klobuchar would bring her intense style to running Minnesota
Amy Klobuchar’s treatment of her staff became a scandal and punchline during her 2020 presidential campaign, fueled by accounts of angry outbursts, humiliating criticism and a memorable episode involving a salad eaten with a comb.
Minnesota Poll: Klobuchar has a commanding lead over Demuth in gov’s race
U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar holds a significant lead over Republican Lisa Demuth in the governor’s race three weeks before Election Day, according to a new Star Tribune/KARE 11 Minnesota Poll. By Ryan Faircloth, Star Tribune (TNS) U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, left, toured the Green Acres Milling site earlier this month during a visit to Albert Lea.Provided U.S. Sen.
Minnesota Poll: Klobuchar has a commanding lead over Demuth in governor’s race Original
Minnesota Poll: Klobuchar has a commanding lead over Demuth in governor’s race Slightly more voters trust Amy Klobuchar, the Democrat, to tackle the state’s fraud crisis than Republican Lisa Demuth. Candidates for governor U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, left, and Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth. (The Minnesota Star Tribune) Comment Gift Share U.S. Sen.
Amy Klobuchar tries to defy the DFL’s rural decline one more time
ADA, MINN. – When Amy Klobuchar first ran for Senate in 2006, U.S. Rep. Collin Peterson brought her to this small western Minnesota town to meet with farmers. kAmp3@FE `__ D9@H65 FA 96C6 :? E96 D62E @7 }@C>2? r@F?EJ[ D@>6 c_ >:=6D ?@CE962DE @7 |@@C9625[ !6E6CD@? C642==65] %96J H2?E65 E@ <?@H H92E E96 s6>@4C2E H@F=5 5@ 7@C E96 28C:4F=EFC6 :?5FDECJ] z=@3F492C 925 2 D:>A=6 2?DH6Ci “x’> 8@:?8 E@ 5@ H92E6G6C r@==:? !6E6CD@? E6==D >6 E@ 5@]”k^Am kAm!6E6CD@? H2D 2 A@H6C7F= G@:46 @?
Amy Klobuchar tries to defy the DFL’s rural decline one more time
Amy Klobuchar tries to defy the DFL’s rural decline one more time Ada is the county seat of Norman County, which voted overwhelmingly for President Donald Trump in 2024 while also supporting Amy Klobuchar's Senate re-election by a slim margin. (Richard Tsong-Taatarii/The Minnesota Star Tribune) In a slice of the Red River Valley, Klobuchar has retained sizable support despite its huge swing to the right.
What exactly was Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan's role in the state's fraud response?
It’s the question that won’t go away for Peggy Flanagan. kAmw@H >F49 C6DA@?D:3:=:EJ 5@6D D96 362C 7@C 2 7C2F5 D42?52= E92E F?7@=565 5FC:?8 v@G] %:> (2=K’D E6?FC6nk^Am kAmpD (2=K’D =:6FE6?2?E 8@G6C?@C[ u=2?282? H2D @?6 @7 E96 E@A @77:4:2=D :? 2? 25>:?:DEC2E:@?
What exactly was Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan's role in Minnesota's fraud response?
It's the question that won't go away for Peggy Flanagan. How much responsibility does she bear for a fraud scandal that unfolded during Gov. Tim Walz's tenure?
What exactly was Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan's role in the state's fraud response?
It’s the question that won’t go away for Peggy Flanagan. kAmw@H >F49 C6DA@?D:3:=:EJ 5@6D D96 362C 7@C 2 7C2F5 D42?52= E92E F?7@=565 5FC:?8 v@G] %:> (2=K’D E6?FC6nk^Am kAmpD (2=K’D =:6FE6?2?E 8@G6C?@C[ u=2?282? H2D @?6 @7 E96 E@A @77:4:2=D :? 2? 25>:?:DEC2E:@?
What exactly was Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan's role in the state's fraud response? Original
What exactly was Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan's role in the state's fraud response? Flanagan cites her limited authority as lieutenant governor as a defense against fraud attacks, even as she makes the case that the job prepared her to serve in the U.S. Senate. Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and Gov. Tim Walz at an event together in July 2024. They have rarely appeared together over the past two years.
Klobuchar leads in fundraising as GOP megadonor floods the airwaves for Demuth
U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar has vastly outraised her Republican opponent in the race for governor. But a massive independent campaign to help Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth has given the GOP a rare opportunity to level the financial playing field. The DFLer Klobuchar has reported raising nearly five times more this election cycle than Demuth, according to new data released Wednesday, and has more than five times as much cash on hand. Copyright 2026 Tribune Content Agency.
Klobuchar leads in fundraising, but Republican megadonor helps Demuth compete
Klobuchar leads in fundraising, but Republican megadonor helps Demuth compete Democrats accuse a Wisconsin billionaire couple of trying to buy the governor’s race. Republicans point to wealthy donors supporting Democratic groups. Candidates for governor U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, left, and Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth. (The Minnesota Star Tribune) Comment Gift Share U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar has vastly outraised her Republican opponent in the race for governor.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz accepts blame for fraud but says it shouldn't define his legacy
MINNEAPOLIS - Gov. Tim Walz took responsibility Tuesday for not stopping fraud in the state's social services programs sooner, but he said the scandal should not overshadow the investments he made in children and families during his tenure. In his "exit interview" at the Minnesota Star Tribune's North Star Summit, Walz expressed regrets about his handling of fraud, saying he "should have done more" and been harder on state agencies that administered the programs that were defrauded.
Walz accepts blame for fraud but says it shouldn’t define his legacy Original
Walz accepts blame for fraud but says it shouldn’t define his legacy In a candid exit interview, Walz conceded that fraud “tainted” his record but said his accomplishments will endure. Gov. Tim Walz gestures during an interview at the North Star Summit at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis on Tuesday. (Aaron Lavinsky/The Minnesota Star Tribune) Comment Gift Share Gov.
Debate calendars remain unsettled in Minnesota’s races for governor and U.S. Senate
Minnesota’s candidates for governor and U.S. Senate haven’t shared a debate stage in nearly two months, and with six weeks until the general election, it’s unclear how many more times they will face off. kAm%96 =24< @7 2 D6EE=65 5632E6 D4965F=6 :D C2:D:?8 BF6DE:@?D 23@FE H96E96C G@E6CD H:== 86E E@ D66 >2?J >@C6 D9@H5@H?D 36EH66? E96 42?5:52E6D] $:?46 E96 AC:>2CJ 6=64E:@? :? pF8FDE[ E96 42?5:52E6D 92G6 =2C86=J 4@>>F?:42E65 E9C@F89 42>A2:8? 6G6?ED[ :?E6CG:6HD[ 25G6CE:D:?8 2?5 D@4:2= >65:2 C2E96C E92?
Minnesota candidates say they want to debate. They can't agree on where or when
MINNEAPOLIS - Minnesota's candidates for governor and U.S. Senate haven't shared a debate stage in nearly two months, and with six weeks until the general election, it's unclear how many more times they will face off. The lack of a settled debate schedule is raising questions about whether voters will get to see many more showdowns between the candidates.
Debate calendars remain unsettled in Minnesota’s races for governor and U.S. Senate
Debate calendars remain unsettled in Minnesota’s races for governor and U.S. Senate Gubernatorial candidates Amy Klobuchar and Lisa Demuth, along with Senate contenders Peggy Flanagan and Michele Tafoya, have yet to face off in general election debates. The last time Amy Klobuchar and Lisa Demuth debated was at a Minnesota Farmfest forum in Morgan on Aug. 5, before the primary election. So far the next, and potentially only, time they will debate before the Nov. 3 general election is Oct. 19.
Minnesota candidates say they want to debate. They can't agree on where or when
MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota’s candidates for governor and U.S. Senate haven’t shared a debate stage in nearly two months, and with six weeks until the general election, it’s unclear how many more times they will face off. The lack of a settled debate schedule is raising questions about whether voters will get to see many more showdowns between the candidates.
Minnesota's next governor promises a better relationship with the White House
The next governor of Minnesota will inherit a relationship with the White House that has been strained by years of conflict between Gov. Tim Walz and President Donald Trump. Beyond trading partisan jabs, the tension between Walz and Trump has had tangible consequences for the state. Trump used a fraud scandal that unfolded in state government on Walz's watch as a pretext to deploy thousands of federal immigration agents into Minnesota and withhold hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding.
Minnesota’s next governor promises a better relationship with the White House
The next governor of Minnesota will inherit a relationship with the White House that has been strained by years of conflict between Gov. Tim Walz and President Donald Trump. Beyond trading partisan jabs, the tension between Walz and Trump has had tangible consequences for the state. Trump used a fraud scandal that unfolded in state government on Walz’s watch as a pretext to deploy thousands of federal immigration agents into Minnesota and withhold hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding.
Minnesota’s next governor promises a better relationship with the White House
The next governor of Minnesota will inherit a relationship with the White House that has been strained by years of conflict between Gov. Tim Walz and President Donald Trump. kAmq6J@?5 EC25:?8 A2CE:D2? ;23D[ E96 E6?D:@? 36EH66?
Minnesota’s next governor promises a better relationship with the White House
Minnesota’s next governor promises a better relationship with the White House Both Republican Lisa Demuth and Democrat Amy Klobuchar say they want a reset with the Trump administration, but they differ on what that would look like. Candidates for Minnesota governor, U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, left, and Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth.
Demuth, Klobuchar both say state fraud response should lead to firings
Republican gubernatorial nominee Lisa Demuth called for the firing of two Walz administration officials on Monday following a Minnesota Star Tribune report about the state’s handling of fraud, while DFL nominee Amy Klobuchar said she would fire officials who failed to stop fraud and would overhaul state government more broadly.
Demuth, Klobuchar both say state fraud response should lead to firings
Republican gubernatorial nominee Lisa Demuth called for the firing of two Walz administration officials on Monday following a Minnesota Star Tribune report about the state’s handling of fraud, while DFL nominee Amy Klobuchar said she would fire officials who failed to stop fraud and would overhaul state government more broadly. The responses came one day after a Star Tribune investigation detailed how Gov.
Demuth, Klobuchar both say state fraud response should lead to firings
Republican gubernatorial nominee Lisa Demuth called for the firing of two Walz administration officials on Monday following a Minnesota Star Tribune report about the state’s handling of fraud, while DFL nominee Amy Klobuchar said she would fire officials who failed to stop fraud and would overhaul state government more broadly.
Demuth, Klobuchar both say state fraud response should lead to firings
MINNEAPOLIS - Republican gubernatorial nominee Lisa Demuth called for the firing of two Walz administration officials on Monday following a Minnesota Star Tribune report about the state's handling of fraud, while DFL nominee Amy Klobuchar said she would fire officials who failed to stop fraud and would overhaul state government more broadly. The responses came after a Star Tribune investigation detailed how Gov.
Demuth, Klobuchar both say state fraud response should lead to firings Original
Demuth, Klobuchar both say state fraud response should lead to firings The responses came one day after a Star Tribune investigation detailed how Gov. Tim Walz and his top advisers failed to heed warning signs until fraud had spread through multiple programs. Lisa Demuth, the Republican nominee for governor, accompanied by her running mate Ryan Wilson, holds a news conference Monday in response to a Minnesota Star Tribune report about the Walz administration's handling of the state's fraud crisis.
Missed warnings and a late reckoning
By Ryan Faircloth, The Minnesota Star Tribune MINNEAPOLIS - Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz was finally taking decisive action. It was summer 2025. Federal agents had just raided businesses tied to the state's Medicaid programs for the second time in eight months, this time investigating a "massive scheme" to defraud a program that helped people at risk of homelessness.
Inside the Walz administration's fraud response: Missed warnings and a late reckoning
MINNEAPOLIS - Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz was finally taking decisive action. It was summer 2025. Federal agents had just raided businesses tied to the state's Medicaid programs for the second time in eight months, this time investigating a "massive scheme" to defraud a program that helped people at risk of homelessness.
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