A massive State Fair survey signals public appetite for safety, fairness, and pragmatic governance in 2026

The Minnesota State Fair poll shows a clear message: safety and fairness lead public opinion. In the 2025 Minnesota State Fair poll, 78.9% supported a Capitol gun ban, 67.4% backed a higher income tax rate for top earners, and 66.1% favored allowing undocumented immigrants access to state programs. That’s a decisive snapshot of where fairgoers stand as lawmakers head toward the 2026 legislative session, informed by a record-setting crowd of nearly 1.94 million attendees at the Great Minnesota Get-Together this year FOX 9. The poll—conducted by the nonpartisan House Public Information Services—surveyed 9,945 people and is unscientific, but not insignificant. The official results and question wording are here: Minnesota House 2025 State Fair Poll Results (PDF).

What Minnesotans Said—At a Glance

• 78.9%: Ban guns in the Minnesota State Capitol
• 67.4%: Create a higher income tax rate for top earners
• 66.1%: Do not ban undocumented immigrants from state programs
• 70.0%: Support free fishing licenses for residents 65+
• 69.1%: Oppose using state funds for pro sports stadiums
• 79.9%: Back a two-year lobbying ban for ex-legislators
• 9,945 total respondents (House Public Information Services)
  Sources: Minnesota House PDF; KARE 11

Why This Year’s Poll Hit Different

In June, Minnesota endured a shocking act of political violence. Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were killed, while Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were critically wounded in targeted shootings—an attack federal officials called “the stuff of nightmares” NPR. The House’s official release explicitly notes that Capitol security is under review in the wake of the shootings and that fairgoers overwhelmingly support banning guns in the building MN House PDF.

As Barry LaGrave, director of House Public Information Services, put it: “It’s an unscientific [poll] because it’s just a snapshot of the fair goers… But it’s a great snapshot of fair goers’ opinions… on a variety of issues that they maybe weren’t aware the legislature was talking about” KARE 11.

Capitol Gun Ban: Public Safety Meets Public Sentiment

The case for a Capitol gun ban

• The poll shows 78.9% favor banning guns in the Minnesota State Capitol (current law allows permitted carry) MN House PDF.
• Context matters: this summer’s targeted shootings of Minnesota lawmakers reframed the urgency around Capitol safety measures NPR; ABC News.

“Political assassinations are rare… They strike at the very core of our democracy,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson. “The details… are truly chilling. His crimes are the stuff of nightmares” NPR.

A fair counterpoint—rights, access, and balance

• Gun-rights advocates note that permitted carry is a constitutional right and argue that trained carriers deter threats.
• But the poll suggests voters make a distinction between public streets and the seat of state government. High-security public buildings often impose tighter standards.
• Even among those cautious about new restrictions, the June attacks reshaped perceptions of risk in the Capitol complex.

Featured snippet-ready explainer:

• What is the Minnesota House State Fair Poll?
  It’s an informal, unscientific survey conducted annually at the House booth, gauging fairgoer opinions on topics discussed in recent sessions and likely to reemerge next year MN House PDF.

Taxes and Fairness: A Mandate for Progressivity?

Topline: 67.4% support higher taxes on top earners

Minnesota’s highest bracket is 9.85% for certain incomes. Two-thirds of respondents want a higher rate for the highest earners MN House PDF.

Why it resonates:

• Voters consistently say they value good schools, infrastructure, and public safety—and want those with the most to pay more when budgets tighten.
• The poll also asked how to close a projected $6B deficit in 2028–29: 43.5% preferred raising revenue vs. 41.1% cutting spending—a near tie that still leans slightly toward revenue MN House PDF.

Balanced view:

• Fiscal conservatives warn that higher top rates can impact competitiveness.
• Advocates counter that quality public services and talent pipelines drive long-term growth—and that targeted tax policy can shield small businesses and middle-class families.

Immigration and Inclusion: Compassion with a Practical Edge

66.1% oppose bans on undocumented immigrants accessing state programs

This signals support for policies that keep families healthy, kids in school, and workplaces functioning—especially in sectors that rely on immigrant labor MN House PDF.

What this might mean:

• Expect debates over access to MinnesotaCare and other programs to return in 2026—this time with public sentiment more clearly documented.
• Policymakers can pair compassion with accountability: eligibility clarity, anti-fraud safeguards, and cost transparency.

Other Takeaways Shaping 2026

Ethics and trust in government

• 79.9% support a two-year lobbying ban for ex-lawmakers MN House PDF. That’s a slam-dunk signal on closing the revolving door.

Stadium funds and spending priorities

• 69.1% reject state funds for pro stadiums or arenas MN House PDF. In a tight budget climate, voters want dollars going to core services.

Cannabis local control and school start dates

• 47.8% support allowing cities/counties to bar cannabis businesses; 41.8% oppose—close enough that local context will matter MN House PDF.
• Starting school before Labor Day remains divisive: 39.9% yes, 36.4% no, 23.7% undecided.

Read the Room: Record Attendance, Strong Signals

The 2025 State Fair drew 1,940,869 visitors—the highest since 2019 and fifth-most all-time—underscoring how broad this public snapshot could be FOX 9. Again, the poll is not scientific. But the sample size—nearly 10,000 respondents—combined with the clarity of margins on key questions makes it hard for lawmakers to ignore.

Quote worth remembering:
“It’s a great snapshot of fair goers’ opinions… on a variety of issues,” said Barry LaGrave. It’s “unscientific” but valuable, surfacing where the public is leaning ahead of session KARE 11.

What Lawmakers Should Do Next

Move swiftly on Capitol security

• Advance a comprehensive Capitol security package, including the firearm ban fairgoers support, improved screening, and trained staffing.
• Coordinate with courts and law enforcement to deter threats without creating barriers to public access.

Center budgets on fairness and outcomes

• If new revenue is needed, tie higher rates to clear outcomes: safer streets, better schools, and stronger mental health supports.
• Protect small businesses and middle-class families while closing loopholes.

Lead with dignity on immigration

• Keep essential access for undocumented residents where clear public interest exists (public health, education).
• Pair with eligibility clarity, anti-fraud controls, and reporting that shows costs and benefits.

A Mandate for Safety, Fairness, and Decency

The Minnesota State Fair poll isn’t a scientific predictor. But it is a persuasive barometer: Minnesotans want a safer Capitol, a fairer tax code, and a humane approach that keeps families and communities stable. Lawmakers should read these results not as a cudgel, but as an invitation to govern with courage and care.

Call to action:

• Contact your legislators and share your priorities for the 2026 session.
• Support community efforts that promote safety and civic participation.
• Stay engaged—policies that reflect our values only happen when we show up.