Presidential election years can make for unpredictable outcomes down the ballot. 

For Minnesota, the party that turns out its base — and connects with independents best — has the inside track to gain the gavels at the state’s Capitol. 

The Senate majority will be decided by a single, winner-take-all race in the western suburbs. As for the House, key races in northern Minnesota and some in the south could determine if the DFL trifecta will live on into 2025.  

MPR News politics editor Brian Bakst talks with Minnesota Speaker of the House Melissa Hortman, a Democrat and House Minority Leader Lisa Demuth, a Republican, about their party’s prospects in next month’s election.  

Later, a look at a northern Minnesota congressional race that features a rematch from two years ago.    

Guests:  

• House Speaker Melissa Hortman, DFL-Brooklyn Park   
• House Minority Leader Lisa Demuth, R-Cold Spring 
• Jennifer Schultz, a DFL candidate for Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District seat. 

Subscribe to the Politics Friday podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcast.  

Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.