Politics and government reporter | Higher Education

Ryan Faircloth covers Minnesota politics and government for the Star Tribune.

Faircloth 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.


Here's what would happen in Minnesota if Gov. Tim Walz were to become vice president

If Walz stepped down from the governor's office to become vice president, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan would succeed him and become Minnesota's first female and Native American governor.


Five Minnesota-specific takeaways from the Republican National Convention

There were several Minnesota moments, from Rep. Tom Emmer's primetime convention speech to Gov. Tim Walz leading Democrats' response to the RNC.


At RNC, Trump's inner circle adamant they can turn Minnesota red

Trump campaign officials said at the RNC this week they're targeting Minnesota. But could the Minnesota GOP's Senate candidate undermine their effort?


In Milwaukee, Gov. Tim Walz and other Democrats sound alarm over Trump-Vance ticket, Project 2025

The Minnesota governor and other Democrats raised their concerns before the third day of the Republican National Convention got underway.


At RNC, Emmer cements himself as a top Trump backer

After an apparent rift, Tom Emmer and Donald Trump's relationship comes full circle.


Republicans in Minnesota, U.S. change tune on early voting in push to get Trump elected again

GOP leaders are promoting early voting this year as a means to get Trump elected. They're also calling for future restrictions, such as a return to same-day voting.


Minnesota Republicans show solidarity with Trump at RNC, vow to turn state red

Republicans also passed a new party platform on Monday and celebrated the announcement of Donald Trump's running mate, U.S. Sen. JD Vance.


Minnesota's delegates to the RNC unified after assassination attempt on Trump

Thirty-nine delegates from Minnesota are in Milwaukee for the national convention. Some cite the economy and Democratic policies as their reasons for supporting the former president in his re-election bid.


How 6 Minnesota conservatives feel about the presidential race ahead of the RNC

Conservatives who participated in a Star Tribune voter panel were divided on whether they'll support former President Donald Trump. But they shared concerns about immigration, the economy and other issues.


Many millions lost. Is the Walz administration taking fraud and waste seriously enough?

Minnesota's legislative auditor questions if agencies and the governor's office are taking its recommendations seriously. The governor's office said agencies have implemented many of the auditor's suggestions, but sometimes "we may fundamentally disagree."