>>Senator Mann Will Not Seek Reelection in 2026
(St. Paul, MN) – Democratic Senator Alice (ah-leese) Mann of Edina announced she will not seek reelection at the end of her current term. Mann was elected to the Senate in 2022, representing Edina and Bloomington. Before that, she was in the Minnesota House starting in 2018. Mann has worked as an emergency room physician and centered her work in the legislature on making healthcare more affordable and strengthening public health. She was also the chief author of the new Minnesota Paid Leave program, which begins on January 1, 2026. Senator Mann’s current term ends after the next legislative session.
>>Chris Madel Launches Campaign for MN Governor
(Minneapolis, MN) — Minneapolis attorney Chris Madel has entered the race for Minnesota governor, pledging to cut taxes, improve schools, fight crime, and end what he calls “open season” on law enforcement. Madel, a Waseca native, announced his campaign today (MON), saying, “If you’re tired of losing, I’m your candidate.” The state D-F-L Party quickly criticized Madel, citing past legal work for clients accused of serious crimes, including a mosque bombing case. Madel joins a crowded Republican field seeking to unseat Governor Tim Walz, who is running for a third term. The G-O-P endorsement fight begins at next spring’s convention.
>>World AIDS Day Marked Amid U.S. Silence, Sen. Dibble Comments
(St. Paul, MN) — December 1st is World AIDS Day, a global observance honoring lives lost to H-I-V/AIDS and recommitting to prevention and treatment. This year’s theme, “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response,” highlights the need for funding and equity as progress stalls worldwide. For the first time since 1988, the U-S will not officially recognize the day, a move critics call a retreat from leadership. Senator Scott Dibble says the decision is “unforgivable,” noting rising H-I-V infections demand urgency, not silence. Dibble reaffirmed Minnesota’s commitment to its END H-I-V MN strategy, which aims to expand access to healthcare, housing, prevention, and treatment to eliminate new infections.
>>Gophers’ John Nestor Named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week
(Minneapolis) – University of Minnesota defensive back John Nestor was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week after his incredible performance Saturday against Wisconsin. Nestor had two interceptions, recovered a fumble, and recorded a career high nine tackles, including two for a loss of yards. The Gophers beat the Badgers 17-7. According to Stathead, no FBS player has had a game like Nestor’s since 1995. Nestor is the first Gopher to win Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week honors since Koi Perich (koy pair-ich) in October 2024.
