Bussman is the endorsed Republican for the seat, besting State Sen. Paul Utke and earning the honor before Dale A. P. Anderson entered the race. And this, despite never before seeking office, save as a member of the board of directors for the Sylvan Shores Property Owners Association.
With the retirement of state Sen. Paul Gazelka this year, Utke is the only incumbent in the newly redrawn district headed toward the Aug. 9 primary and faces two Republican challengers.
The top priority for Minnesota anti-abortion groups following the overturning of Roe v. Wade is winning elections in November. But even with the state Legislature and governor's office, passing sweeping bans could be a far reach.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is floating a proposal to double the original $500 "Walz checks" he pitched earlier this year. But the odds of that happening appear slim as lawmakers failed to reach a deal to return to the Capitol for a special legislative session.
The Minnesota Legislature ended its regular session in May without making any decisions on how to use a historic 9.25 billion surplus or passing public projects borrowing bill.
The governor on Thursday told reporters that he remained hopeful about the prospect of a special session but worried that Republican lawmakers had 'buyer's remorse' about a deal they'd struck for $4 billion in tax relief and $4 billion in spending.
Fifty-seven state lawmakers announced that they would leave their seats due to redistricting, desires to seek another office or for personal reasons. The exits include some of the Capitol's best-known deal makers, opening room for one of the largest crops of new freshman legislators in decades.
Gov. Tim Walz and DFL lawmakers said that lawmakers should weigh changes to the state's gun laws during a special session, while Republicans noted that mental health was a more pressing issue in the Uvalde, Texas, shooting.
