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Role of Government

Community Voice

Government spending and size of state government

In the 2026 gubernatorial race and legislative contests, candidates and parties are clashing over government spending levels, welfare program costs, and whether Minnesota needs a smaller state government. Some Republican contenders criticize establishment figures for failing to cut spending and fraud, while calling for a constitutional reset reducing government scope.

Should Minnesota reduce the size and spending of state government?

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Sources

Ballotpedia — https://ballotpedia.org/Minnesota_gubernatorial_and_lieutenant_gubernatorial_election,_2026
Both Lindell and Qualls positioned themselves as political outsiders and claimed Demuth, the state's House speaker, was too willing to work with Democrats and failed to decrease government spending and welfare fraud.
https://ballotpedia.org/Minnesota_gubernatorial_and_lieutenant_gubernatorial_election,_2026
MN needs a Constitutional reset, of which I will lead the way, bringing government back to WE THE PEOPLE, reducing the size and scope of MN government, giving citizens, not entrenched politicians, control of the State.
Minnesota Chamber of Commerce — https://www.mnchamber.com/your-voice/key-issues
Policymakers must prioritize reducing costs and improving affordability over subsidies.
Positions on this issue  ·  liberal → conservative
  1. Expand state programs and spending to address equity, services, and economic supports
  2. Keep current spending levels with targeted investments in proven high-need areas
  3. Hold the line on new spending and improve efficiency without major cuts or expansions
  4. Reduce state spending and scale back selected programs to lower taxes and costs
  5. Aggressively shrink government scope, cut welfare spending, and return power to citizens