Walz To Ventura: DFL Trifecta Will Legalize Marijuana In Minnesota

MINNESOTA — Minnesota Democrats will use their newly-won majority to legalize marijuana in the coming legislative session, according to former governor Jesse Ventura.

On his podcast Thursday morning, Ventura said Gov. Tim Walz called and invited him to the future bill-signing ceremony.

"The sticking point for cannabis in Minnesota was the Republicans and the House they controlled," Ventura said. "Well, they've lost it now and the governor reassured me that one of the first items that will be passed, Minnesota get ready, cannabis is gonna have its prohibition lifted."

A spokesperson for Walz confirmed the conversation, Minnesota Public Radio's Brian Bakst reported.

In a rare move, Ventura, an Independent, endorsed Walz for governor ahead of Election Day.

And now, following Tuesday's "blue wave" in Minnesota, Democrats will soon control the governor's mansion and both chambers of the state legislature.

"Tonight, the DFL Party defied all odds and made history by winning the Governor’s race and majorities in the state House and Senate," Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party Chairman Ken Martin said on election night.

"There has only been one trifecta in the past 31 years of Minnesota history, and during that time in 2013 and 2014, the DFL Party passed all-day kindergarten, raised the minimum wage, and legalized same-sex marriage in our state. I cannot wait to see the good our DFL Party will accomplish on behalf of Minnesotans everywhere during these next two years."

Martin said the Democrats' victory "belongs to House Speaker Melissa Hortman, Senate DFL Leader Melisa López Franzen, all of our fantastic candidates, and the organizers and activists who fought so hard for our movement."

Meanwhile, Democrats are also projected to maintain control over the secretary of state, state auditor, and attorney general's office.

Republicans still have not won a statewide race in Minnesota since 2006.

Republican candidates did win in four of the state's eight congressional districts on Election Day.