Minnesota’s state lawmakers have returned to work for the 2026 legislative session facing a long list of difficult topics and deep disagreements. With issues like immigration enforcement, fraud, gun violence and the cost of living rising up the political agenda, there’s pressure on both parties to find ways to solve problems. What many people want is clear: their elected leaders should work together respectfully and productively instead of fighting and making things worse.
To talk about how legislators are trying to do that, an MPR News host spoke with two state lawmakers: one from the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL) and one from the Republican Party. They represent different parts of Minnesota and often have different political views, but both say they believe in trying to keep conversations civil and focused on results rather than frustration or anger.
Both lawmakers agreed that one of the biggest challenges this year is dealing with issues that affect everyday Minnesotans, like the cost of housing, healthcare, and rising concerns about safety and crime. People from all over the state have told legislators that they feel stretched thin financially, and they want lawmakers to act. But the lawmakers also pointed out that when political fights become personal attacks, it can make cooperation harder. Instead of talking past each other, they say trust and respect are key to moving forward.
One area that came up in the discussion is immigration enforcement. Recently, federal immigration activity in Minnesota has been a topic of heated debate. Some people in communities across the state have said that the presence of federal enforcement agents disrupts schools and neighborhoods. Others argue that enforcing immigration law is necessary for public safety. The legislators said they want to address residents’ concerns thoughtfully and without inflaming divisions. They acknowledged that this is a topic many Minnesotans feel strongly about, but emphasized that finding common ground is important.
Both lawmakers also talked about the idea of fairness and transparency in government. When people feel excluded from decisions or believe that leaders are working only for their own supporters, it undermines trust. To counter that, they said they want to make sure constituents understand what laws are being considered and why. They see openness about the process — like explaining how a bill would work or why a vote is happening — as a way to build trust and reduce misunderstanding.
Even when legislators disagree on a specific issue, like how to improve public safety or what kinds of economic policies will help the most people, both lawmakers said it’s possible to still work with respect. They pointed out that disagreement doesn’t have to equal hostility. Instead, respectful debate can lead to better solutions, because it forces each side to think deeply about their positions and consider alternatives.
Another key point they raised was listening — really listening — to people who don’t share the same views. Elected officials hear from many Minnesotans every day, and sometimes opinions are very different from their own. The lawmakers said that even when a constituent’s view seems opposite of theirs, taking time to understand where that person is coming from can help lawmakers represent them better. That doesn’t always mean agreeing, but it does mean acknowledging everyone’s humanity.
Both also mentioned that civility isn’t just about how legislators talk to each other in the Capitol. It includes how politicians communicate with the public and with the news media. Clear, truthful communication helps calm tensions and keeps people informed instead of confused or angry. They said the goal should be to make political debate healthy rather than harmful.
At the same time, both lawmakers acknowledged there are real conflicts ahead. On issues like reforming government systems, addressing crime, or changing how state funds are distributed, people hold strong opinions. They said differences won’t disappear, but they can be managed in ways that don’t tear communities apart. Mutual respect, they argued, is essential.
As the session progresses, they said they hope their colleagues in the House and Senate will continue to seek compromise where possible and not let disputes spiral into personal attacks. They said they know Minnesotans are watching, and many voters want results and civility more than partisan triumphs. It’s up to lawmakers to show that politics can be a space where difficult problems are solved — not just fought over.
