Ryan Faircloth
Politics and government reporter
Higher EducationFaircloth previously covered higher education and breaking news, contributing to the Star Tribune’s Pulitzer Prize-winning coverage of the police killing of George Floyd. A 2018 graduate of the University of Minnesota, Faircloth started his career covering state politics for the St. Paul Pioneer Press and was named Minnesota’s Young Journalist of the Year by the state Society of Professional Journalists for his reporting at the Capitol. In his spare time, he enjoys practicing boxing and mixed martial arts – sports he once competed in – and searching the Twin Cities for barbecue and tacos that are even half as good as those he had growing up in Houston.
Latest from Ryan Faircloth
Editor's Pick
Gov. Tim Walz, Democrats tap influencers to spread political message
After Republicans outmaneuvered Democrats online in the 2024 election, Walz and fellow Democrats are trying to build their own network of content creators.
December 28, 2025
Trump says Mike Lindell ‘deserves’ to be Minnesota governor — but it’s not an endorsement
The MyPillow CEO thanked Trump for his words of support but said he did not interpret it as a formal endorsement.
December 22, 2025
Walz says there’s no evidence of $9B in fraud, exposing rift between state and feds
The statements exposed tensions that have been simmering between Walz and Joe Thompson, the federal prosecutor who has led the fraud investigations.
December 19, 2025
Who has early momentum in the GOP race for Minnesota governor?
More than 300 GOP activists signaled their preferences this past weekend, pointing to four candidates who have strong early support.
December 18, 2025
Democrats advance to special elections for Minnesota House seats
Both seats swung heavily in favor of Democrats in the last election.
December 17, 2025
Mike Lindell gives MAGA movement a potent voice in Minnesota governor’s race
Lindell has strong appeal with the party’s right flank, but other Republicans believe he’d doom their chances of defeating Walz.
December 14, 2025
MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell launches campaign for Minnesota governor
Lindell joins a field of about a dozen Republicans who are vying to face DFL Gov. Tim Walz.
December 11, 2025
Editor's Pick
Trump looms large over Minnesota’s GOP race for governor
The president’s sway among the Republicans who are seeking Minnesota’s highest office was fully apparent during a gubernatorial candidate forum in southwestern Minnesota.
December 9, 2025
Trump’s ‘garbage’ comments threaten GOP inroads in Minnesota Somali community
Trump has ramped up attacks on Somali Minnesotans and pledged to revoke Temporary Protected Status.
December 3, 2025
MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell files paperwork to run for Minnesota governor
The Mike Lindell for Governor committee was registered with Minnesota’s Campaign Finance Board on Wednesday.
December 3, 2025
Minnesota becomes latest target of Trump’s pressure campaign against Democratic-led states
Gov. Tim Walz said he expects threats of National Guard use from the president. Reports say Trump has the Somali community in his sights.
December 3, 2025
Minneapolis attorney Chris Madel announces GOP campaign for governor
A political newcomer, Madel hopes his experience as a litigator and fraud investigator will resonate with Minnesotans who are tired of the status quo.
December 1, 2025
