Despite the efforts of organizations like the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and the Center of the American Experiment, too few people understand just how serious Minnesota’s economic situation has become. Nearly every major economic indicator is trending downward, placing our state in the bottom third nationally.
With personal, business, and property taxes among the highest in the country—and new burdens like the Paid Family Leave Act—Minnesota is approaching a point of irreversible economic decline.
The time for incremental change has passed. We need bold, decisive action—and we need it now.
In 1994, Republicans changed the course of American politics with the Contract with America—a clear, bold promise to voters about what they would do if given the opportunity to lead. It was simple: an agenda grounded in accountability, transparency, and common sense. It helped Speaker Newt Gingrich and the Republican Party secure control of the U.S. House for the first time in 40-years.
Minnesota needs that kind of leadership again.
For too long, the political class in St. Paul has operated without real accountability. The same insiders make the decisions, pass massive bills in the dead of night, and expect Minnesotans to trust that things will somehow improve. Meanwhile, families are being squeezed by higher taxes, expanding government overreach, widespread fraud, and rising crime in communities that were once the pride of our state.
That’s why my running mate, Brian Nicholson, and I are offering something different: a Contract with Minnesota.
This contract outlines 15 clear commitments we will pursue in our first legislative session if Minnesotans entrust us with leadership. These are not vague campaign slogans or political talking points—they are concrete priorities designed to restore accountability, strengthen our economy, and put Minnesota families first in ways they can actually feel.
And the timing could not be more critical.
In the Minnesota Legislature today, the House is tied, and Democrats hold a razor-thin one-seat majority in the Senate. Yet under their leadership, Minnesotans are among the most heavily taxed in the nation, and both families and businesses are leaving our state.
It doesn’t have to be this way.
This November, Republicans have a rare opportunity to go on offense and secure a governing trifecta for the first time since 1969. But seizing that opportunity will require more than politics as usual. It will require bold leadership willing to challenge the status quo in St. Paul.
Our Contract with Minnesota starts where it matters most—your wallet. We will roll back income taxes, lower property taxes, eliminate unnecessary fees, and end taxes on Social Security benefits so seniors can keep more of what they’ve earned.
But fixing Minnesota isn’t just about lowering taxes—it’s about restoring trust.
Recent fraud scandals and reckless spending have shown exactly what happens when government operates without accountability. Our plan introduces stronger transparency rules, independent audits, and real consequences for those who violate the public trust.
Parents also deserve a stronger voice in their children’s education. We will establish a Parental Bill of Rights, expand school choice, and ensure that parents—not politicians—decide the best educational path for their children.
Public safety must be restored, especially in our major cities. Families in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and surrounding communities deserve safe neighborhoods and a justice system that supports law enforcement, not undermines it. We will deploy additional state law enforcement officers to restore order to complement and support local policing efforts.
At the same time, we will reignite Minnesota’s economic engine. Responsible mining on the Iron Range and lifting the outdated nuclear energy moratorium will create thousands of high-paying jobs while strengthening our energy future.
We will also ensure that government power has clear limits. The “Never Again Bill” will prevent any governor from unilaterally shutting down businesses, closing churches, or keeping children out of school without legislative approval.
Together, these priorities form a roadmap to restore common sense to Minnesota government. But the most important part of this contract isn’t any single policy—it’s the principle behind it.
Brian and I are not products of the St. Paul political machine. We are business leaders, problem-solvers who believe leadership means keeping your word. A contract means something. It means Minnesotans will know exactly what we intend to do—and will be able to hold us accountable for delivering results.
Minnesota is a remarkable state, built by hardworking people, strong families, and vibrant communities. But today, too many feel we are drifting in the wrong direction.
This election offers a clear choice: more of the same from the insiders who created these problems, or a new direction rooted in accountability, opportunity, and freedom.
Our Contract with Minnesota is our promise.
Together, we will save Minnesota.
Kendall Qualls is a conservative candidate for governor, U.S. Army veteran, and former business leader. He is also the founder and president of TakeCharge, an organization devoted to uniting Americans of all backgrounds around a shared history and common set of beliefs.
The views and opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author and do not represent an official position of Alpha News.
Kendall Qualls
Kendall Qualls is the President of TakeCharge, Minnesota which is an organization committed to supporting the notion that the promise of America works for everyone regardless of race or station in life. Mr. Qualls was a Republican candidate for Governor of Minnesota. Prior to his candidacy, he was a health care executive and served in the U.S. Army as an Artillery officer. Mr. Qualls has been married for 36 years and has five children.
