FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Contact: Anita Smithson, Communications Officer – dflprogressivecaucus@gmail.com
DFL Progressive Caucus Endorsement Committee declines to endorse in 2026, instead focusing on caucus infrastructure
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – On July 23, 2025, the DFL Progressive Caucus elected a slate of new leaders to their Coordinating Committee in the height of municipal election season. Shortly after municipal elections wrapped and we entered the holiday season, our cities and towns were gripped by ICE raids and a federal occupation of our state. Many Minnesotans, including DFL Progressive Caucus leaders, were in their communities, standing up for their neighbors.
As the occupation slowed down, the DFL Progressive Caucus Coordinating Committee met on February 1, 2026 to discuss action items needed, including electing committee chairs. At this meeting, DFL Progressive Caucus First Vice Chair, Ayana Smith-Kooiman, was elected to chair the Endorsement Committee. The DFL Progressive Caucus Endorsement Committee has elected not to endorse in the 2026 elections, instead focusing on caucus infrastructure.
“2025 was a year that many leaders stepped up in the DFL Party. New leadership coupled with municipal elections and the federal occupation means that our energy was directed in many different directions as we worked to elect progressive municipal leaders and protect our neighbors from federal abuse,” said First Vice Chair Smith-Kooiman. “We don’t want to fly the plane while we’re building it. With the State Convention less than a month away, it makes more sense to direct our energy into building sustainable caucus infrastructure that allows for consistent engagement in future elections rather than a hastily put together endorsement process. Lines have been drawn and delegates have many resources to determine support. Our focus will be on building up our caucus and uplifting DFL endorsed candidates with progressive values.”
The DFL Progressive Caucus is accepting new members! Fill out our membership form today. Our next general membership meeting will be Saturday, June 6 at 1:30 PM.
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