The 2026 Legislative Session begins on February 17, and there will be many changes as lawmakers convene. Opening day promises to be somber, with it being the first day back in session since the assassination of former Speaker Melissa Hortman. Due to increased threats of political violence, security measures will also be increased at the Capitol. Limited points of entry will be open to access the Capitol building, and visitors will be subject to screening. In the House, committee hearings will now be ticketed for in-person attendance.
Tension will likely be high, between ICE’s ongoing presence with Operation Metro Surge and the immense fraud discovered within the Department of Human Services.
Though Governor Walz announced that he would not be seeking a third term, he now finds himself a “lame duck” during negotiations. House Speaker Lisa Demuth is one of many GOP hopefuls to be her party’s nominee for governor and will have to balance her campaign with running the House.
