2024 United States Vice President Voters Guide

Ban. In 2022 said should be “illegal nationally.” No exceptions for rape or incest. “Two wrongs don’t make a right.” Now says leave to the states. Opposed Biden’s reproductive care privacy rule.

Legal. Enshrined the right to abortion and reproductive health care into state law. Signed a bill to protect MN abortion access for out-of-state patients. “Freedom is on the march in Minnesota.”

No. There is no “climate crisis.” “I’m skeptical of the idea that climate change is caused purely by man.” Called Biden climate policies the “Green New Scam.” Sponsored bill to repeal a program to curb leaks of methane, a greenhouse gas.

Yes. Signed a bill that mandates Minnesota utilities to transition to carbon-free energy by 2040, with at least 55% of their energy sales from renewable sources by 2035. Adopted California’s car-emissions standards.

“Let’s declare war on the violent crime on our streets.” “Hire 100,000 additional cops.” Keep “qualified immunity,” restricting lawsuits against police officers. They’re “afraid to do their jobs.”

Funded $43 million toward combating violent crime and limited the use of no-knock warrants. Allocated $300 million for public safety aid to local governments. Banned chokeholds.

Mixed. Opposed the $1.3 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill. Supports Trump protectionist trade policies, including broad import tariffs. Supports Biden FTC chair’s antitrust actions. To roll back regulation, would fire “every civil servant… replace them with our people.”

Increase. Invested $1.9 billion in construction and renovation projects. Signed $2.6 billion on infrastructure. Created a program to move “Minnesotans into high-growth employment opportunities.”

Yes. “Force our schools to give an honest, patriotic account of American history.” Universities are dedicated to “deceit and lies.” “Aggressively attack” them. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion “is racism… outlaw it nationwide.”

No. “If you’re banning books, you’re always on the wrong side of history.” Mandated that middle and high schools teach about the Holocaust and other genocides. Helped start his high school’s first gay-straight alliance.

No. “The election was stolen” with “a massive effort to shift” it “by very powerful people.” Had he been VP, would not have certified election results on January 6. Promoted a fund for people convicted in the US Capitol attack.

Yes. Congratulated Biden. Biden’s victory “puts us on the path towards restoring civility and decency in this country.” “Minnesota will continue to stand as a firewall against any and all attempts to undermine our democracy.”

Loosen. “Environmental justice” policies are making jobs be shipped to China. Opposed EPA restrictions on steel-making emissions. Voted to limit Fisheries Service establishing critical habitat for endangered species.

Tighten. Signed a ban on toxic “forever chemicals,” one of the world’s strictest. Gave Pollution Control more power to hold severe polluters accountable. Increased protection for historically polluted neighborhoods.

Loosen. “I will fight the gun grabbers.” Would “ABOLISH the ATF [Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.]” Expanded background checks won’t solve mass shootings.

Tighten. “I’m a veteran, a hunter, and a gun owner… But it’s about keeping our kids safe.” Signed universal background checks for gun sales and a red flag law. Increased the penalty for straw gun purchases from a gross misdemeanor to a felony.

Repeal. “Obamacare… just doesn’t provide high-quality health care,” and “has failed to take care of” high health care costs. Supports work requirements for obtaining Medicaid.

Expand. Would let all Minnesotans buy into the state’s low-income health insurance program. Banned medical providers from withholding care from patients with unpaid medical bills.

“Oppose every attempt by the Democrats to grant amnesty.” Biden’s “open border policies” have “led to rising crime, lower wages… and a drug epidemic.” Voted against the 2024 bipartisan border security bill. Introduced a bill to “exclude DACA recipients” from Obamacare.

Expanded access to low-income public health insurance for undocumented people in Minnesota. Supports paths to citizenship for DACA Dreamers and Temporary Protected Status holders. In Congress, cosponsored a bill to keep immigrant families together.

“Israel has a right” to strike back “with overwhelming force.” Biden has “surrendered the war on terrorism” by failing in support of Israel. Americans care because their “savior… was born, died, and resurrected” in Israel.

Calls for “a cease-fire.” “We cannot let terrorists like Hamas win.” “But… the situation in Gaza is intolerable. The humanitarian crisis must be brought to an end.” “We need a two-state solution,” “a permanent solution.”

Mostly harder. Opposes the PRO Act, which boosts the right to organize: It empowers the “current union leadership model” that’s “in bed with” Democrats. Joined United Auto Workers picket line, but said UAW president Shawn Fain should “shut your mouth” about Trump.

Easier. Banned employers from requiring workers to attend anti-union presentations. Required Amazon workers to disclose work quotas and large meatpacking plants to create injury prevention plans. Protected construction workers against wage theft.

Limit. Wouldn’t have voted to legalize same sex marriage. Introduced a bill to ban “gender-affirming” care for minors.

Expand. Banned LGBTQ conversion therapy and protected MN access to gender affirming care for out-of-state patients. The “march of bigotry and hate stops at Minnesota’s borders.”

Ban. Opposed protecting banks that serve legal marijuana business; it can “promote illicit activity.” “Not a fan of recreational marijuana.” Leave the issue to the states. Opposed Ohio’s 2023 legalization initiative.

Legal. Legalized recreational marijuana in Minnesota and expunged low-level marijuana offenses from criminal records. “A lot of the things learned in other states are incorporated into how we do this.”

Mixed. Would gradually raise to $11 by 2028. In 2016 called a $15 minimum “a medicine worse than the disease.”

Yes. “$15 is an important place to start, but… isn’t enough for families.” Eliminated a lower minimum wage for small business employees.

No. To support Social Security, get more people “in the labor force” and “stop spending so much on welfare benefits.”

No. Exempted Social Security income from state taxes for most seniors. In Congress sponsored a bill taxing the wealthy to fund Social Security.

No. “Forgiving student debt is a massive windfall to the rich,” and it’s “unfair and illegal.” Voted to end the student loan payment pause.

Yes. Supported loan repayment help for eligible teachers and nurses and tuition assistance for lower income families. In 2009, supported lowering student loan interest rates.

Mixed. Would’ve voted for the 2017 Trump tax cut. But “cutting the top marginal rate” would not have been a priority. Would remove tax exemptions for large corporate mergers.

Raise. Raised taxes on the wealthy and corporations. Opposed the 2017 Trump tax bill that cut taxes for corporations and the wealthy. Gave tax credits to lower income families.

No. “I don’t really care what happens to Ukraine” and “won’t even take” their calls. Individual nations are responsible for their own security. Opposes Biden’s $60 billion aid.

Yes. “Russian invasion” is “unlawful” and “unprovoked.” “Minnesota will continue to support Ukraine.” Ended state contracts with Russian entities.

Harder. Supports voter ID and ending early and “mass mail-in voting.” Proposed giving parents an extra vote per child, with parents deservng more voting power than the childless.

Easier. Approved automatic voter registration, pre-registration for 16- & 17-year-olds, and permanent absentee voting. Restored voting rights for ex-cons.