🌟 Welcome to Episode #39 of The Politics Chicks Podcast! 🌟
Today we’re joined by Minnesota State Representative Cedrick Frazier, a former Hennepin County public defender, New Hope City Council member, labor attorney, and the DFL and labor-endorsed candidate for Hennepin County Attorney.
🎙️ Cedrick joins us to explain the county attorney race’s unusual nonpartisan, top-two primary—and why voters need to flip over their ballots and research the candidates before voting. We discuss how his childhood on Chicago’s South Side shaped his understanding of gun violence, drug trafficking, public safety, and the criminal justice system. Cedrick also lays out his approach to accountability for federal agents, rebuilding public trust, reducing racial disparities, addressing fentanyl addiction, investing in young people, and leading one of Minnesota’s most consequential public law offices.
🐓 IN THIS EPISODE
🗳️ The Top-Two Primary—and Why You Must Flip Your Ballot
The Hennepin County Attorney race is nonpartisan, which means party endorsements do not appear beside candidates’ names. Cedrick explains how the two candidates receiving the most votes advance to the general election regardless of party—and why voters must flip over their ballots, research the candidates, and avoid leaving this consequential race blank.
⚖️ Public Safety Starts With Public Trust
Drawing on his experience as a public defender, city council member, legislator, and attorney, Cedrick explains why accountability must include prevention, intervention, rehabilitation, and listening to victims. He discusses diversion, restitution, conviction integrity, and why every case file represents real people, families, and communities.
🚨 Gun Violence, Prevention & Legislative Action
Cedrick discusses losing loved ones to gun violence, Minnesota’s stalled gun-safety legislation, and the need to prevent violence before police and prosecutors are called. He also explains how a county attorney can use crime data, community partnerships, civil litigation, and relationships with state lawmakers to advocate for safer communities.
🛡️ Operation Metro Surge & Accountability for Federal Agents
Cedrick addresses the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, the harm caused during Operation Metro Surge, and the community’s demand for accountability. He explains how state criminal investigations involving federal agents work, why federal officers do not have blanket immunity from state law, and why the next county attorney will play a pivotal role in determining whether those cases continue.
✊ George Floyd, Racial Disparities & Moving Minnesota Forward
The conversation examines Minnesota’s unfinished reckoning following the murder of George Floyd. Cedrick discusses racial disparities in policing, charging, and sentencing—and why he believes the justice system must treat every person with humanity, decency, and fairness while continuing to hold people accountable.
💊 Addiction Is a Public-Health Issue
Cedrick explains why he does not believe people choose addiction. He outlines an approach that distinguishes people who need treatment from large-scale traffickers bringing fentanyl into Minnesota communities. We also discuss drug courts, diversion, rehabilitation, and the lifelong collateral damage that a criminal conviction can create—particularly for young people.
🏛️ Leadership, Experience & the County Attorney’s Office
The Hennepin County Attorney does much more than oversee criminal prosecutions. The office also handles child-protection matters, civil litigation, victim services, and legal representation for county departments and institutions. Cedrick makes the case that his lived, legal, legislative, and elected experience gives him the breadth required to lead the office.
🌱 Workplace Culture, Community Engagement & Hope
Cedrick describes what he would want to accomplish during his first year, including improving workplace culture, supporting staff, continuing the pursuit of accountability for Operation Metro Surge, and making the office more accessible and transparent. He also shares why increased voter engagement—and conversations at the doors—are giving him hope.
👇 Learn More:
🌐 Cedrick Frazier Campaign:
https://www.cedrickfrazier.org/
📱 Follow Cedrick:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CedrickFrazier
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cedrickfrazier/
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/cedrickfrazier.bsky.social
🏛️ Minnesota House Profile:
https://www.house.mn.gov/members/profile/15548
🗳️ Research Your Ballot and Voting Options:
View Your Sample Ballot — Minnesota Secretary of State:
https://www.sos.minnesota.gov/elections-voting/whats-on-my-ballot/
Register to Vote or Update Your Registration:
https://www.sos.mn.gov/elections-voting/register-to-vote/
Hennepin County Early and Absentee Voting:
https://www.hennepincounty.gov/services/elections/absentee-early-voting
Hennepin County Offices on the Ballot:
https://www.hennepincounty.gov/services/elections/offices-on-the-ballot
League of Women Voters’ VOTE411 Voter Guide:
https://www.vote411.org/
🔎 Additional Resources Discussed:
Minnesota Attorney General’s Glock Litigation:
https://www.ag.state.mn.us/Office/Communications/2025/08/21_Glock.asp
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🧡 xoxo — Christy & Monica
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