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Sydney Kashiwagi

Washington Correspondent  | Newsroom
Phone: 202-830-4227

Sydney Kashiwagi is a Washington Correspondent for the Star Tribune.


Kashiwagi has covered politics, campaigns and local government. She most recently covered U.S. Senate races at National Journal. Before that, she covered breaking news and politics at CNN, a stint that included coverage of the Minnesota state legislature. She also worked in New York City as a City Hall reporter for The Staten Island Advance, New York City's only borough-based daily newspaper. In this role, she covered the administration of former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and eventually all things that touched on state and local politics. In her spare time she enjoys movies, cooking and walking around D.C. to explore new parts of the city.
Recent content from Sydney Kashiwagi
Former Rep. Matt Gaetz has said a federal investigation into sex-trafficking allegations involving underage girls —  separate from the House Ethics

Two Minnesota lawmakers set to play a role in Matt Gaetz's nomination

GOP Rep. Michelle Fischbach could determine whether a potentially damaging report is to be released. Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar will decide if he should be confirmed by the full Senate.
Pete Hegseth, photographed by the Minnesota Star Tribune in 2012 in St. Paul.

Forest Lake native Pete Hegseth faces new scrutiny, support as Trump defense nominee

Forest Lake classmates remember Pete Hegseth as a talented student-athlete, but some Minnesota retired military members and lawmakers question his political experience.
DFL Party Chair Ken Martin speaks during a news conference at the party's headquarters after President Joe Biden's announcement that he was dropping o

Minnesota DFL Chair Ken Martin running for Democratic National Committee top job

Martin announced his bid Tuesday in a video posted on X. He's the second person to enter the race, after former Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley.
U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer speaks at a rally for President-elect Donald Trump in July in St. Cloud.

Emmer unanimously re-elected as No. 3 Republican in the House

Minnesota U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer says he is fine staying put in the House and is not aiming for a Trump Cabinet post.
Democrat Kelly Morrison celebrates her win at her election night party in Minnetonka on Nov. 5.

Kelly Morrison, Minnesota's newest member of Congress, heads to D.C.

Morrison said she is ready to work across the aisle and as a physician, she sees a role in educating lawmakers about abortion.
U.S. Rep. Angie Craig addressed her supporters after her the race was called in her favor during her campaign’s official watch party at Bald Man Bre

Five Minnesota congressional election takeaways

Angie Craig notches her biggest win, Tom Emmer cements ties with Trump, Amy Klobuchar wins by her smallest margin.
Democrat Jeanne Hendricks is challenging Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer in the Sixth Congressional District.

In a rematch, GOP House Majority Whip Tom Emmer defeats Democrat Jeanne Hendricks

Emmer defeated Hendricks by more than 24 percentage points two years ago in the Sixth Congressional District.
DFLer Kelly Morrison talks to supporters at her election party in Minnetonka on Tuesday.

Former state Sen. Kelly Morrison defeats Tad Jude for Minnesota's only open congressional seat

Dean Phillips' short-lived run for president created a vacancy in the suburban Third Congressional District.
Thomas Bowman was running as a “constitutional conservative” candidate in the Second Congressional District before dropping out and endorsing Repu

Shadow group's ad backs third-party candidate who dropped out of Minnesota Second District race

The group boosting Thomas Bowman, who suspended his campaign and endorsed Republican Joe Teirab, supports Democrats across the country.
Minnesotans funneled $7 million to Republican former President Donald Trump and $24 million to Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris.

These Minnesotans spent big to influence the presidential race

A look at the top Minnesota donors to the political groups supporting Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican former President Donald Trump.
Lynne Hausman joins supporters of the Harris-Walz ticket in Menomonie, Wis., on Oct. 19.

Gov. Tim Walz's swing-state appeal is put to the test in western Wisconsin

Democrats hope Walz, a former red-district congressman, can boost their appeal in rural America. Western Wisconsin could be the ideal testing ground for this hypothesis.

Hot dish 10.08.24

Republican candidate for Minnesota’s Second Congressional District Joe Teirab and Democratic Rep. Angie Craig face off in a debate in MPR News studi

Is Minnesota's most competitive House seat a swing district or is it trending blue?

Close races in the Second Congressional District indicate the seat could remain purple for the foreseeable future.
U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, shown at the Minnesota delegation breakfast at the Democratic National Convention in August, has played a leading role in imp

Klobuchar to play key role on Jan. 6 amid questions over whether Trump, Vance will accept results

Minnesota's senior senator is also chairing the bipartisan Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies that will oversee planning for inauguration day.
Democratic vice presidential nominee Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, right, with Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, during the vice

Fact check: Walz and Vance made questionable claims during only VP debate

Here are some facts on abortion, health care, immigration and other topics Minnesota's Democratic governor and Ohio's Republican senator focused on during the Tuesday night debate.

Hot dish 10.01.24

FILE - Second-grade students select their meals during their lunch break in the cafeteria, Dec. 12, 2022, at an elementary school in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Omar, Smith want to end stigma for students who can't pay for school meals

The Minnesota lawmakers re-introduced legislation that would prevent schools from taking action against students that could be seen as shaming them for not being able to afford school meals.

Hot dish 09.24.24

Several red and blue "I voted" stickers across a black background. The blue stickers are on the left and the red stickers are on the right

Minnesota 2024 voter guide: Who's running, where they stand on the issues

Early voting begins today in Minnesota. We ask major party candidates for U.S. Senate and Congress about issues ranging from the economy to immigration.
Semira Ibrahim of Apple Valley holds a sign urging voters to vote uncommitted during a news conference Feb. 26 outside the Diana E. Murphy U.S. Courth

National Uncommitted Movement and Uncommitted Minnesota refuse to endorse Harris-Walz

The national pro-Palestinian movement expressed optimism about Tim Walz, but back home in Minnesota the group was more critical of his dealings with Palestinian Americans.
Mikeya Griffin, executive director of Rondo Community Land Trust, said the "Homes Act" could help solve Ramsey County’s shortage of 15,000 affordabl

Minnesotans join Smith, AOC in unveiling affordable housing bill

Minnesota housing advocates say the bill could help generate more affordable housing across the state.

Hot dish 09.18.24

Group of about 10 students and a teacher  looking at the camera along brick facade of the Great Wall of China.

House Republicans suspicious of Walz's time in China as they target Beijing as chief adversary

Walz taught English there and was one of the first government-sanctioned U.S. educators during a period when both countries were on friendly terms.

Hot dish 09.10.24

U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar talks to voters at the Hamline Church Dining Hall at the State Fair on Aug. 27.

Democratic excitement, Minnesota pride on display at State Fair

Some voters and Democratic lawmakers said that they are pleased with the new White House ticket. Others flocked to the "Never Walz" booth.
Republican Second Congressional District candidate Joe Teirab campaigns at the Eagan Fun Fest Parade on July 4.

State GOP stresses support for Joe Teirab after local party delays endorsement vote

Second Congressional District Republicans were set to decide Tuesday whether to formally back Teirab after he won the GOP primary, but pushed back the vote.
Joe Teirab speaks during a congressional candidate forum at Farmfest in Morgan, Minn., on Tuesday, Aug. 6.

Second District Republicans to decide whether to back Joe Teirab after primary win

Teirab is running in one of this cycle's most closely watched House races, but so far he's been doing it without the local party's backing.

Hot dish 08.27.24

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson speaks Sunday in front of Minneapolis’ charred former third precinct police headquarters, which burned during the ri

U.S. House speaker hits Walz's response to George Floyd riots outside former 3rd police precinct

House Speaker Mike Johnson previewed GOP lines of attack against Gov. Tim Walz during his stop in Minnesota to campaign for Republican Joe Teirab.

Hot dish 08.20.24

Group of about 10 students and a teacher  looking at the camera along brick facade of the Great Wall of China.

House GOP probes Walz's ties to China for 'possible CCP influence'

Gov. Tim Walz has been a vocal critic of China's human rights abuses but his longstanding relationship with the country has opened him up to GOP criticism.
Gov. Tim Walz thanks supporters in Eau Claire, Wis., at a rally with Vice President and Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris.

A chameleon or pragmatist? Walz's political evolution in the spotlight in VP race

Opponents describe him as a political opportunist, but those who know him say he's pragmatic and knows how to evolve to the constituency he serves to meet the time.
GOP Senate candidate Royce White, left, chats with House candidate Steve Boyd at Farmfest in Morgan, Minn., on Aug. 7.

Royce White wins GOP Senate primary to face off against Amy Klobuchar in November

Despite his win over Joe Fraser, he will likely face an uphill climb against Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar, who is seeking her fourth term.
Joe Teirab talks to supporters, including Aaron Uran, left, during a fundraiser at Cowboy Jacks in Apple Valley on April 9.

Joe Teirab wins in competitive Second District GOP primary

Teirab defeated Tayler Rahm, the endorsed Republican candidate who quit the race to work for Donald Trump.

Hot dish 08.13.24

Tayler Rahm campaign literature is showing up in some Apple Valley mailboxes, even though he suspended his campaign to work as Trump's senior advisor

GOP primary in Minnesota's Second Congressional District marked by confusion, intraparty feuding

A shadow primary continues even after Tayler Rahm has suspended his campaign for the competitive seat held by U.S. Rep. Angie Craig.
U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., and Republican challenger Royce White meet before a candidate forum at Farmfest in Morgan, Minn., on Wednesday.

Klobuchar, White and Fraser take the stage at Farmfest

Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar and GOP candidate Joe Fraser stuck to policy, while endorsed Republican candidate Royce White tried to move the discussion to his "MAGA extremist" credentials.
Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, speak at a campaign rally in Philadelphia

Harris highlights Walz as teacher, coach as they take the stage as a ticket in Philly

Democratic president candidate Kamala Harris focused on Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz's everyman qualities and accomplishments as governor, saying it will help him reach the middle class.

Hot dish 08.06.24

Gov. Tim Walz appeared at a fundraiser in Minnesota on Monday as Kamala Harris deliberates on her pick for vice president.

Gov. Tim Walz appears at Minneapolis fundraiser for Kamala Harris ahead of her vice president announcement

The governor reportedly flew to Washington over the weekend for final interviews for vice president candidates.
Dean Phillips, seen here at an election eve rally in his New Hampshire campaign headquarters on Jan. 22, was among the first to publicly call for Pres

Right message, wrong time? Dean Phillips called for 'new generation' of leadership two years ago.

With just five months to go until Phillips' congressional term ends, Democrats are finally on board with his message to usher in a new generation of political leadership.

Hot dish 07.30.24

Republican Second Congressional District candidate Joe Teirab campaigned at the Eagan Funfest parade on July 4.

Republicans put Joe Teirab on national Young Guns list after Tayler Rahm suspends his campaign

The announcement comes as Teirab has a clear path to challenge Democratic Rep. Angie Craig in November.
Don Samuels listens to U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar during the question-and-answer portion of the Fifth Congressional District's DFL endorsing convention at S

Pro-Israel groups stay out of Ilhan Omar, Don Samuels rematch so far

Omar meets all the qualifications for being a top priority for defeat by pro-Israel groups, but the fact they have stayed out of her primary suggests she's seen as tough to beat in the August primary.
Gov. Tim Walz on Thursday in St. Paul. The Minnesota leader is in the mix as Vice President Kamala Harris considers possible running mates.

Prominent Minnesota Dems mostly backing Gov. Tim Walz for Kamala Harris' VP pick

Minnesota's U.S. House Democrats are united behind Walz as the vice presidential buzz builds. Sen. Amy Klobuchar also supports Walz, while Sen. Tina Smith wants Harris to decide.
Kate Hagsten, plants director for the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe's Division of Resource Management; Raining White, invasive species specialist with the

Nearly 12,000 acres restored to Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe; more could be on way

The massive land transfer brings to an end a more than four decades long process by the tribe to get back land taken by the federal government.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gives a speech during a ceremony on the eve of the Memorial Day for fallen soldiers (Yom HaZikaron) at the Y

Netanyahu set to address Congress; some Minnesota members among Democrats opting out

Rep. Ilhan Omar will not attend Netanyahu's speech, and Rep. Betty McCollum plans to watch it from her office.

Hot dish 07.23.24

Former President Donald Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, watches balloons fall as he stands on stage with Melania Trump and family on the f

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?
Gov. Tim Walz speaks in Milwaukee on Wednesday, accompanied by Biden deputy campaign manager Quentin Fulks and Amanda Zurawski, who was denied an abor

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.
Minnesota Rep. Tom Emmer, right, joined Donald Trump, left, and JD Vance in the VIP seating at the RNC in Milwaukee on Tuesday, July 16, 2024.

At RNC, Emmer cements himself as a top Trump backer

After an apparent rift, Tom Emmer and Donald Trump's relationship comes full circle.
Minnesota Congressman Tom Emmer focused his attacks on Vice President Kamala Harris as he speaks to the delegates gathered at the RNC Tuesday night in

Emmer zeroes in on Harris at RNC as GOP waits to see if Biden will step aside

The Minnesota congressman made sure to mention the vice president while comparing President Biden with former President Trump.

Hot Dish 07.16.24

Minnesota delegation members cheer as they cast all of the state's votes for Donald Trump at the RNC in the Fiserv Forum arena Monday, July 15, 2024 i

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.
Delegate Kelly Fenton talks with Minnesota GOP Party Chair David Hann on the bus ride to a delegate reception on Sunday night, ahead of the Republican

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.
Clockwise from top left: Daniel McMonigal, Sue Keator, Joe Bridges, Donna Schiff, AK Kamara and Ted Storck gathered at the Star Tribune to talk about

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.
Republican Second Congressional District candidate Tayler Rahm campaigned at the Eagan Fun Fest Parade on July 4, 2024.

Tayler Rahm to suspend congressional campaign to work as Trump's senior adviser in Minnesota

Former President Donald Trump makes two senior hires in the state as he looks to flip Minnesota in November.
Former President Donald Trump, who spoke at a Minnesota Republican Party fundraising dinner in May, has said he has “a really good shot” at winnin

Republicans look to beat the odds, flip Minnesota for Trump

On the heels of Biden's lackluster presidential debate, Republicans bank on dissatisfied Democrats and third-party candidates boosting Trump.

Hot dish 07.09.24

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, center, standing with New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, left, and Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, right, talks with reporters following th

Walz says Biden is 'fit for office' and Democratic governors stand behind him

Walz said the president had governors' backs through COVID and other turmoil, and he vows that they will have Biden's back now as concerns mount over his candidacy.

Hot dish 07.02.24

Gov. Tim Walz defended Joe Biden after a halting debate performance that has renewed concerns among some Democrats about his campaign.

Walz: Biden 'had a bad night' in debate but should be Dems' nominee

Some Democratic members of Minnesota's delegation said the debate was "terrible" and the president needs to answer serious questions about his campaign.
Minnesota U.S. Reps. Betty McCollum, left, and Ilhan Omar say they hope the Biden administration will make an Office for Missing and Murdered Black Wo

Omar, McCollum urge White House to create federal Office for Missing and Murdered Black Women and Girls

The lawmakers propose an office within the U.S. Department of Justice similar to what's already been established on a state level in Minnesota.

Hot dish 06.25.24

U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber, R-Minn., is photographed in his Capitol Hill office in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, March 17, 2021.] Stauber is continuing

What's next for GOP Rep. Pete Stauber's mining initiatives?

The northeastern Minnesota congressman's mining legislation would affect the state's economy and environment.
Supporters clapped for GOP congressionao candidate Brad Finstad after his campaign announced his primary victory during an election night party for Fi

GOP Rep. Brad Finstad's absence at Trump speech questioned by conservative activists

The congressman was the last of Minnesota's Republican delegation to show support for the former president after his conviction in New York. His campaign says he's fully behind Trump, and the former president has endorsed him.

Hot Dish 06.18.24

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Senate GOP blocks Democrats' effort to ensure access to IVF

Democrats wanted to put GOP senators on record with the vote, and Sen. Tina Smith says it could hurt Republicans come November.

Hot Dish 6.11.24

Gov. Tim Walz and First Lady Gwen Walz with Dennis Boldt, a World War II veteran from Mankato, while in Normandy, France, for the 80th anniversary of

Gov. Tim Walz, Minnesota congressional members in France for D-Day ceremony

A bipartisan group of Minnesota's delegation also marked the anniversary of the pivitol World War II invasion.

Hot Dish 6.04.24

Joe Fraser speaks to the crowd at the state GOP convention.

GOP candidate Joe Fraser will push forward in U.S. Senate primary despite losing party's backing

Fraser initially said he would respect the party's endorsement, but Royce White's "history of questionable conduct and serious charges levied against him" made him change his mind.
Royce White speaks to the state GOP convention before winning the party’s endorsement on May 18.

Tired of losing, some Republicans willing to look the other way when it comes to Royce White

Republicans say the endorsed Senate candidate's overwhelming victory sends a strong message that the base wants a political outsider who's not afraid to speak his mind.

Hot Dish 5.28.24

Royce White takes the stage after winning the GOP endorsement at the state convention on May 18.

GOP Senate nominee Royce White's 2022 campaign spent funds on strip club, travel, retail

The former NBA player has defended the transactions, but several campaign finance experts say they could be illegal.