Gov. Tim Walz’s first State of the State Address since winning reelection in 2022 applauded Minnesota’s economic and social strengths while criticizing Republican policies across the nation Wednesday night.

Walz used the address to emphasize the accomplishments made so far and encourage legislators to pass more legislation for Minnesotans before the end of the session. Walz said his administration ended an “era of gridlock” in Minnesota politics.

Given once a year, the State of the State Address is the governor’s opportunity to address the current state of Minnesota and promote priorities and achievements.  

The political divide of the event was physically visible with Republican legislators to the left of Walz and Democratic legislators to his right.

Democrats rose from their seats and gave stadium-like applause for Walz’s calls for better gun control, reproductive rights and gender-affirming care protections. Republicans remained silently seated for those portions.

Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson (R-East Grand Forks) said in a press conference Walz’s address was nothing more than a “Democratic pep rally.”

Speaker of the House Melissa Hortman (DFL-Brooklyn Park) said in a press conference after the address Walz’s lack of bipartisanship comes from a  “different brand of Republican,” whose party has shifted further to the right.

Walz said during the address that although he’s a veteran, hunter and gun owner, being a parent and former teacher has proven to him the need for gun control. 

“Weapons of war have no place in our schools, in our churches or in our banks,”  Walz said.

Walz said protecting the rights to gender-affirming care, abortion and voting were a few examples of Minnesota protecting its citizens’ rights in the past year.

Walz also took the opportunity to contrast Minnesota with Republican-led states, especially Republican Gov. Ron Desantis’ Florida.

While listing his administration’s successes, Walz alluded to fights between Republicans and companies like Disney and Budweiser who’ve gone “woke.” 

“It’s amazing what you can accomplish when you stop complaining about corporations going woke and start giving a damn about real people and real lives,” Walz said during the address.

Comparing efforts by national Republicans to ban Critical Race Theory to his Free School Meals bill, Walz said Minnesota is taking steps forward in education as other states take steps back.

“They’re banning books in their schools. We’re banishing hunger from ours,” Walz said.

Walz also denounced the rise of legislation targeting LGBTQ+ communities across the country. 

Minnesota borders Iowa, South Dakota and North Dakota, which have banned gender-affirming care for minors this year. Florida expanded limitations on classroom discussion of sex and gender identity in the dubbed “Don’t Say Gay” bill by critics.

“The forces of hatred and bigotry are on the march in states across this country,” Walz said. “That march stops at Minnesota’s borders.”

Walz also wished Senate Majority Leader Kari Dziedzic (DFL-Minneapolis) a speedy recovery as she works to return to the capitol following her cancer diagnosis.

Looking toward the future, Walz said gun safety legislation and increasing school funding will be passed before the session ends on May 22.