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MinneapoliMedia's Meet Your Legislator Interview Series
EDITOR'S NOTE: This interview was conducted in June 2025, days after the assassination of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and attempted assassination of Senator John Hoffman.
MinneapoliMedia Exclusive Interview with Rep. Bidal Duran (R – District 02A)
Conducted by Tom Akaolisa | June 19, 2025 | For MinneapoliMedia’s Meet Your Legislator Series
In the wake of unprecedented political violence that shook Minnesota and the nation, MinneapoliMedia sat down with Rep. Bidal Duran (R – District 02A) for an exclusive interview conducted by Tom Akaolisa. The conversation took place just days after the tragic assassination of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, and the attempted assassination of Senator John Hoffman and his wife.
Rep. Duran reflects on the implications of these attacks, rising political tensions, and the urgent need for unity, accountability, and civility in public life. He also outlines his legislative priorities for rural Minnesotans, discusses personal threats faced by lawmakers, and issues a call for leadership that transcends partisanship.
Tom Akaolisa: This must have been a very traumatic time for you but thank you for taking the time to speak with us. What has been your reaction as you process the senseless killing of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband and the attempted assassination of Sen. John Hoffman and his wife?
Rep. Bidal Duran: I’ve been unequivocal in my condemnation of these horrific attacks. Violence of any kind, especially political violence, has no place in our society. The murder of Speaker Emerita Hortman and her husband is a tragedy that has left our state reeling, and my prayers are with their loved ones. Likewise, the attempted assassination of Senator Hoffman and his wife is a stark reminder of the dangers we face. I am relieved that Senator Hoffman and his wife survived, and I pray for their full recovery.
We must come together as a state and as a nation to stand against violence and hatred. These acts are an attack on our democratic institutions and on all of us who serve the public. I support a full investigation and will do everything in my power to ensure justice is served and that we take steps to prevent future tragedies.
Tom Akaolisa: Have you or other legislators received security threats since the incident?
Rep. Bidal Duran: While I cannot speak for others, I can confirm that the current environment has heightened security concerns for many of us. We’re more vigilant, and we’re having difficult but necessary conversations about safety. The Capitol is not immune to the rising tension in our society, and we must acknowledge that public officials are increasingly being targeted for their beliefs or positions.
Personally, I’ve received threatening messages in the past, and I know colleagues across the aisle have as well. It’s a growing concern and one we must take seriously without letting it deter us from doing the work our constituents sent us here to do.
Tom Akaolisa: There are those who say the attacks were politically motivated. Do you agree?
Rep. Bidal Duran: I think the public deserves a full investigation before we make definitive statements. That said, when public figures are targeted in a coordinated manner, it’s hard to ignore the political context. Whether this was ideologically motivated or the work of a disturbed individual, we need to look at the larger picture—our discourse has become so toxic that violence now feels like an extension of political disagreement to some people. That’s unacceptable.
We’ve got to tone things down. We need to stop treating those with whom we disagree as enemies. Disagreement is part of democracy. Violence is not.
Tom Akaolisa: You’re a Republican representing District 02A. How has your district responded to the tragedy?
Rep. Bidal Duran: My constituents are just as horrified as everyone else. Northern Minnesota is filled with hardworking people who may disagree politically but overwhelmingly reject violence. The people I represent believe in law and order, in democracy, and in basic human decency. They’ve been reaching out—Republicans, Democrats, Independents—all expressing shock and offering prayers. This tragedy has united us in grief, and I think it’s a moment we must seize to heal and move forward together.
Tom Akaolisa: Some believe this attack is a reflection of a deeper breakdown in political discourse. What do you think?
Rep. Bidal Duran: I couldn’t agree more. We’ve reached a point where shouting has replaced listening, where demonizing each other has become the norm. Social media, partisan media, and some politicians themselves have played a role in fanning the flames. We all need to take a step back and think about the consequences of our words.
I try to approach my colleagues with respect, even when we disagree. We need more of that. We need to model the kind of discourse we want to see in the public square.
Tom Akaolisa: What do you think lawmakers should do in the wake of these attacks?
Rep. Bidal Duran: First and foremost, we need to ensure that our colleagues and their families are safe. That may mean reassessing security protocols for legislators and public officials.
Secondly, we need to engage in a serious, bipartisan effort to examine the root causes of political violence and work toward solutions. That includes better mental health support, more robust law enforcement tools to investigate threats, and a crackdown on extremist groups of all stripes.
Lastly, we need to change the tone of our politics. That starts with us—the elected officials. If we’re not willing to lead by example, we can’t expect the public to do any better.
Tom Akaolisa: What are your legislative priorities this session?
Rep. Bidal Duran: I remain committed to the issues that matter most to the people of District 02A: agriculture, rural infrastructure, public safety, and protecting individual freedoms.
We’re working on expanding broadband access in rural communities—something that’s long overdue. I’m also fighting to ensure our farmers have the support they need, especially as they face rising input costs and unpredictable markets.
Public safety is now front and center, and I support legislation that gives law enforcement the tools they need while also ensuring transparency and accountability.
Finally, I continue to stand up for our constitutional rights, including the Second Amendment and religious liberty. Those values run deep in my district, and I’ll never back down from defending them.
Tom Akaolisa: How do we as Minnesotans move forward from this?
Rep. Bidal Duran: We remember the humanity in each other. We refuse to let violence define us. We speak with courage but also with compassion. And we recommit to the principles that bind us together: democracy, civility, and justice.
I believe Minnesota can lead the way—show the rest of the country what it means to disagree without destroying each other. That starts with each one of us.
Tom Akaolisa: What message do you have for the families of Speaker Emerita Hortman and Senator Hoffman?
Rep. Bidal Duran: To the Hortman family: I grieve with you. Speaker Hortman was a fierce advocate for her beliefs, and while we often disagreed, I respected her service. Her death is a terrible loss to this state.
To Senator Hoffman and his wife: I’m thankful you survived, and I pray for your full recovery—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. You’ve endured something unimaginable, and we stand with you. We won’t let this tragedy be the final word.
Tom Akaolisa: Any final words?
Rep. Bidal Duran: We can’t let this moment pass without meaning. If we return to business as usual, we will have failed. Let’s turn our grief into purpose. Let’s come together—not as partisans, but as Minnesotans.
About the Legislator:
Rep. Bidal Duran Jr. represents House District 2A in northwestern Minnesota. He serves on the Judiciary Finance & Civil Law, Public Safety Finance & Policy, Higher Education Finance & Policy, and Veterans & Military Affairs Division committees. Known for his advocacy for rural communities and constitutional rights, he was elected in November 2024 and assumed office in January 2025.
