Minnesota politics is characterized by a mix of progressive and conservative values, often leading to competitive elections. The state has a history of strong third-party influence, particularly from the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL) and the Minnesota Republican Party. The state government is divided into an executive branch led by the governor, currently Tim Walz, and a bicameral legislature consisting of the Minnesota House of Representatives and the Minnesota Senate. Key issues often include education, healthcare, and environmental policies, reflecting the diverse interests of its residents.