Amidst national scrutiny and continued concerns over reports of fraud within state programs, Governor Tim Walz held a press conference to announce a new fraud-prevention program in Minnesota. In doing so, Gov. Walz announced the appointment of Judge Tim O’Malley as the state’s new Director of Program Integrity.

Currently the interim chief judge of the Court of Administrative Hearings, O’Malley previously served as the superintendent of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) under Gov. Tim Pawlenty. O’Malley also previously served as director of Ministerial Standards and Safe Environment with the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis to lead efforts promoting child protection and clergy accountability.

Gov. Walz also announced the state’s engagement of WayPoint, Inc., a Minnesota-based professional service firm of former law enforcement and federal special agents specializing in forensic accounting, financial investigations, health care compliance and investigations, and tax litigation support. 

The issue of fraud in state programs has been getting more attention in the run up to the 2026 legislative session and has forced additional messaging and attention from Democrats. Republican lawmakers have made fraud the centerpiece of their political messaging and will likely continue to do so in 2026. 

Gov. Walz Returns to Discussion of Gun Control

In addition to the discussion of fraud, Gov. Walz also discussed his intentions to promote a series of gun control measures in advance of the 2026 legislative session. He said he plans to take “incredibly aggressive executive actions.” He was critical of some legislators and blamed them for a lack of legislative action this fall. The governor did not outline specific proposals, but made it clear that this will be a priority for him heading into 2026.

After the high profile shootings in Minnesota this summer and fall, DFL lawmakers have advocated for additional gun safety measures at the state level. Given the narrow majority DFL lawmakers have in the Senate and the ongoing tie in the House, no legislation will be able to pass without Republican support. What these gun-related bills look like remains to be seen, but you can expect any legislation to face serious opposition when lawmakers consider them in St. Paul.

Minnesota Political News and Updates

As we look toward the 2026 legislative session and the 2026 elections, the political landscape continues to evolve as individuals announce retirements or new political endeavors. The following are a few recent developments:

• Steve Drazkowski (R-Mazeppa) announced that he will not run for office again next year. Drazkowski served in the Minnesota House of Representatives from 2007-2023 and has served one term as a State Senator. He is known as a conservative voice at the Legislature and has served on several different committees throughout his tenure, including taxes, transportation, agriculture and education.
• MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell formally announced he is running for governor of Minnesota as a Republican. He  joins a dozen other Republican candidates hoping to deny Gov. Walz a third term. In total, 22 candidates are currently running for governor in 2026. 
• Ramsey County Commissioner Raphel Ortega, the longest serving member of the Ramsey County Board, announced that he will not seek re-election in 2026. Ortega has been a county commissioner since 1994 and is currently serving as chair of the board. Saint Paul City Council President Rebecca Noecker announced just days earlier her intent to seek Ortega’s seat and state Rep. María Isa Pérez-Vega (DFL-St. Paul) announced her candidacy to fill the seat.