 Governor Walz celebrated the 78th Governor’s Fishing Opener this weekend, reeling in two Walleye and one White Bass alongside legislative leaders on the St. Croix River.
On Friday, Governor Walz participated in interviews with local and statewide press, joined the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Commissioner and fisheries staff for trout stocking at Browns Creek Nature Preserve, and joined Stillwater students at a youth fishing event highlighting conservation and water safety. The Governor also visited small businesses and attended a community celebration in Stillwater.
On Saturday, Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan joined the opening day launch ceremony before fishing on the St. Croix River with legislative leaders. Afterwards, they joined fellow anglers for a shore lunch.
“Minnesota has world-class fishing, and we don’t take that for granted – we've made major investments to enhance outdoor recreation by updating infrastructure, restoring our lakes and streams, and supporting outdoor education,” said Governor Walz. “During my final Governor’s Fishing Opener, I’m grateful to have the opportunity to uplift this work and celebrate our vibrant outdoor spaces and exceptional tourism industry. Thank you to the Stillwater community, Explore Minnesota, and the Minnesota DNR for keeping this time-honored tradition alive.”
“The Governor’s Fishing Opener is Minnesota’s best tradition – and not only because it falls on Mother’s Day Weekend,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “Whether you’ve been fishing all your life or it’s your first time, Minnesota offers unparalleled opportunities to get outside, drop a line, and experience the beauty of our outdoor spaces. Good luck to everyone heading out to the water, and thank you to the Stillwater community, the businesses, educators, and leaders who made this weekend possible.”
 On Monday, the Minnesota Board of Pardons unanimously granted a pardon to At “Ricky” Chandee at an emergency meeting. The Board considered the fact that Chandee is a Minnesota father, a longtime public employee, and a refugee who has lived in the United States for decades without incident after his single conviction over 30 years ago.
“The federal government says they’re targeting the ‘worst of the worst,’ but instead they’re tearing a father and public servant away from his family over a mistake from more than 30 years ago,” said Governor Walz. “This is not about public safety; it’s a campaign of retribution that uses heavy-handed tactics to target people who have already paid their debt and built their lives here in Minnesota.”
At Chandee, who came to the United States as a refugee from Laos, faces deportation this week due to a single conviction from more than 30 years ago when he was 18 years old. Since that time, he has built a life in Minnesota, working for nearly three decades in engineering at the City of Minneapolis, raising a family, and contributing to his community without further incident.
Last week, the Clemency Review Commission unanimously recommended a pardon for Chandee after hearing testimony from family members, coworkers, and community members who described Chandee as a dedicated public servant and loving father to a son currently serving in the United States Air Force. Today, the Minnesota Board of Pardons agreed and voted unanimously to grant the pardon.
Chandee applied for a pardon in early January and was detained by ICE shortly afterwards as part of Operation Metro Surge. The federal government has rushed to schedule his deportation before the Board’s next regularly scheduled meeting.
Governor Walz convened an emergency meeting of the Board to ensure Chandee’s pardon could be considered before that deportation could occur. With the pardon now granted, the federal government’s legal basis for his deportation may be removed, allowing him to return to his family and community.
Governor Walz remains committed to using every available tool to protect Minnesotans from unjust federal actions. The Governor continues to demand impartial investigations into the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti and the return of Minnesota’s children taken during Operation Metro Surge.
 Last week, Governor Walz delivered his final State of the State address, recognizing the profound challenges Minnesota has faced while underscoring how our shared resilience, compassion, and commitment to one another carries us through. He also reflected on eight years of progress for everyday Minnesotans: lowering costs, expanding opportunity, protecting freedoms, and building a stronger, more resilient state that is the best place in the nation to raise a family.
"When I look back at the story we've written together, I'm deeply proud of Minnesota," said Governor Walz. "There is, I believe, no better place in America to raise a child. And, not to sound like your parents, but there's never been a better time to start a family in Minnesota than right now."
The Governor reiterated that the work is not done. In the final days of this legislative session, he will push for more affordable childcare, tax cuts for working families, meaningful progress to end gun violence, and investments in our public infrastructure that will continue to make our state a place worthy of the incredible people who live here.
Access the Governor’s full address here.
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