Dakota Times

Zach Duckworth, a Minnesota State Senator, recently posted several comments on social media regarding recent changes in the appointment process for Regents in Minnesota. His posts criticize the abandonment of a longstanding bipartisan approach and raise concerns about transparency and representation.

On August 12, 2025, Duckworth stated, "For the first time since 2001 - the bipartisan, public, & merit-based process completed by the Legislature was abandoned in favor of non-transparent & purely political appointments by the executive branch. Regents are meant to be representative of all Minnesota - not one party." In a subsequent post on the same day, he added, "Draw your own conclusions. I’m sure this will be scrutinized & reported on for the good of transparency & public awareness. Lots of talk about protecting & defending representative & democratic governing in the news lately - this seems to be the opposite. Any coverage? Tuition "

Earlier that week, on August 10, 2025, Duckworth shared a personal message unrelated to politics: "Some R&R with this beautiful babe - she deserves it way more than me!"

The remarks from Duckworth refer to changes in how Regents—members who oversee state university systems—are selected in Minnesota. Since 2001, appointments had typically followed a bipartisan and transparent legislative process designed to ensure broad representation across political lines and communities. The shift described by Duckworth moves decision-making power solely to the executive branch without public input or legislative vetting.

Such processes have been historically valued for promoting inclusivity and reducing partisanship in higher education governance.