Shareholder Tom Hanson was quoted in a July 9, 2026, MPR News story regarding state budgeting perspectives by the Republican gubernatorial candidates who will be competing for the party’s nomination in the August 2026 primary election in Minnesota.

In this article, MPR News covered statements from GOP candidates Kendall Qualls, Lisa Demuth, and Mike Lindell, as well as from the director of a PAC aligned with the Democratic Party, a campaign spokesperson for U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, and officials (including Tom Hanson) who helped craft previous state budgets. Among other things, Hanson was quoted as saying:

“Nobody likes to pay money into something that isn’t being used properly. I think that’s a dynamic that we have not seen in budgeting.”

Hanson served as the commissioner of Minnesota Management and Budget under former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty. At Winthrop & Weinstine, his practice is focused on Advocacy & Lobbying, Regulatory & Government Relations, and Health Law.

Find the full article here: GOP governor candidates Demuth, Qualls, Lindell seek primary edge with budget-cut promises | MPR News

July 9, 2026