Mekeland returns to Capitol for start of 2026 session

February 20, 2026

ST. PAUL – Minnesota’s 2026 legislative session began Tuesday and Rep. Shane Mekeland, R-Clear Lake, said it’s good to be back at the Capitol working for District 27A residents with crucial issues on tap for the coming months.

“This is an important session, particularly as we continue working to restore balance after the reckless spending, unnecessary tax hikes and radical policies enacted in the last two-year cycle,” Mekeland said. “We delivered the largest government spending cut in state history last year but a lot more work remains. It starts with cracking down on fraud that’s been running wild in our state. I’m ready to get to work this session so we can start addressing that issue and others that Minnesotans care about most.”

Mekeland said House Republicans recently shared a list of priorities for the 2026 legislative session. They include:
-Stop the Fraud
-Make Minnesota Affordable
-Make Minnesota Safe
-Raise Standards, Reduce Mandates
-Make Minnesota Competitive
-Minnesota Tax Dollars for Minnesotans

Mekeland continues serving as vice chair of the House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee. He also remains a member of committees on housing and energy. With the latter, Mekeland said he will continue working to help Becker and the other seven energy-host communities in Minnesota backfill lost revenue as some power plants reduce production or come offline.

Mekeland said he welcomes correspondence throughout the session and encourages District 27A residents to call (651) 296-2451 or email rep.shane.mekeland@house.mn.gov to get in touch.