The America First Policy Institute (AFPI) expansion into Minnesota aims to challenge Governor and failed vice presidential candidate Tim Walz’s unpopular policies on crime, hiring, and state oversight. The AFPI announced Monday it will invest six figures to launch a “Minnesota-based, Minnesota-focused entity” dedicated to holding the state’s leadership accountable, according to chapter chair Ryan Wilson.
Polling commissioned by AFPI shows overwhelming opposition to Walz-backed legislation allowing early release for violent criminals, with 87% of voters against it. Another 81% oppose a Minnesota Department of Human Services rule forcing hiring managers to justify decisions to hire non-“underrepresented” candidates—a policy already facing a Department of Justice probe.
Concerns over fraud remain high following the Feeding Our Future scandal, where mostly Somali immigrants stole $250 million from a federal child nutrition program. Sixty-five percent of respondents believe fraud is “widespread” in the state. Nearly half of voters say Minnesota is on the wrong track, while Walz’s approval sits underwater at 46%.
AFPI’s Minnesota chapter will use advertising, grassroots outreach, events, and earned media to challenge these policies. The group’s national record is formidable—95% of its legislative recommendations were introduced or passed in Congress last year.
“Minnesota is at an inflection point, and we will fight every day to empower and protect families to make Minnesota safe and affordable again,” Wilson said, signaling the group’s readiness to bring its America First platform to the state level.