On February 3, 2026, residents of Rochester, Minnesota, convened at Mayo High School for a Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) caucus aimed at voicing their political concerns and shaping the future of local governance. Neighbors Peggy Higgins and Cheryl Anderson, attending their first caucus together, expressed their desire for change in government, stating that participating at this level is essential to making their voices heard.
Higgins noted, “I just feel that if I want things to be different, I have to make my wants known at this level and go up from there.” She anticipates increased participation in caucuses across the country, reflecting a growing trend towards civic engagement.
Mark Liebow, Olmsted County DFL director, explained that the caucus serves multiple purposes, including voting on delegates for the county convention, debating resolutions to add to the party platform, and electing local party officials. This year, participants cast their votes using physical ballots for a gubernatorial preference, an unusual aspect following Governor Tim Walz‘s withdrawal from the race in January.
Despite a slow initial turnout, lines began forming from 18:30 until after the official start time of 19:00, highlighting the community’s eagerness to engage in political discourse. A prominent topic of discussion was the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minnesota. Signs posted outside the venue emphasized the rights of attendees, stating, “Everyone is welcome here except I.C.E.”
To ensure a sense of security, Barbara Andrew, donning a vest with the words “peaceful observer don’t shoot,” offered reassurance to attendees. “I feel that some people may not have felt secure enough to come and I want to know that we’re out here to protect them,” she said. Having lived in Rochester for 25 years, Andrew highlighted the community’s commitment to support one another.
Participants engaged in discussions on various issues in small groups across approximately 30 classrooms at Mayo High School. Other DFL caucuses were held at Century High School, Byron Middle School, and Stewartville High School, while the Republican caucus took place at John Marshall High School and other locations throughout Olmsted County.
Through resolutions—such as those advocating for no masks and requiring body cameras for ICE agents—attendees found their voices acknowledged with nods and applause. Individuals gathered for various reasons, including support for expanding the Supreme Court and concerns over Rep. Brad Findstad’s actions.
Andrew described her role in the caucus process as a reminder that “we are the people and we do have a choice.” The gubernatorial preference ballot revealed significant support for Sen. Amy Klobuchar, who received 714 votes, while 221 attendees remained uncommitted and seven voted for Christopher Seymore.
As the election approaches in November, candidates such as Simon Glaser, a teacher at John Marshall High School, and Jake Johnson, a teacher at Mayo High School, participated in the caucus. Johnson is challenging incumbent Findstad in Minnesota’s 1st Congressional District, while Glaser is up against Sen. Carla Nelson for Minnesota Senate District 24. State Representative Tina Liebling also attended the Mayo caucus.
Glaser stated, “Today as ICE continues to threaten our community, our neighbors have never needed us more than now.” He criticized Nelson, asserting that she has supported the “MAGA agenda” and has unfairly blamed peaceful protesters for community tragedies.
With the retirement of Sen. Tina Smith at the end of her term, the race for her seat in the U.S. Senate is heating up. Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and U.S. Rep. Angie Craig are vying for the DFL endorsement.
Anderson emphasized the need for constructive dialogue among political leaders, stating, “There’s been name calling and picturing of other people being the enemy… We have to get along.” Her call for solutions over divisiveness reflects the sentiments of many attendees at the caucus, underscoring the importance of community engagement in shaping political discourse.
