Politics Friday

Mark Dayton calls perseverance a 'prerequisite for success' as he reflects

September 18, 2026·54 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

Mark Dayton held a career in public service in Minnesota that spanned five decades. He is well known for serving two terms the state’s governor, leaving office in 2019. Before that, Dayton’s career included stints as a state agency official, state auditor and U.S. senator. Dayton talked with MPR News politics editor Brian Bakst to reflect on his career and discuss his new memoir, titled "Perseverance." In this conversation, Dayton recounts his personal challenges and his time as governor. He also revisits his call to increase taxes on the wealthiest Minnesotans — a campaign promise he fulfilled— and his role in legalizing gay marriage in the state. Also on this episode: election season is underway in Minnesota. On the ticket is an open governor’s race, an open U.S. Senate seat and the full state legislature. Both of the state's major party chairs join the conversation to share their political lay of the land as voting begins.Guests:Mark Dayton served as the 40th governor of Minnesota. He also served as U.S. senator and Minnesota state auditor. Alex Plechash is chair of the Minnesota Republican Party. Richard Carlbom is chair of the Minnesota DFL Party. Dana Ferguson is a politics correspondent for MPR News.Peter Cox is a senior politics reporter for MPR News.Subscribe to the Politics Friday podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or RSS.

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