Torey Van Oot

Politics and Government
Reporter
Van Oot covered state and national politics for more than a decade, contributing to outlets ranging from The Sacramento Bee to InStyle to The Washington Post. When she's not writing and tweeting about politics, Van Oot enjoys running, getting outdoors and checking out Minnesota's many craft breweries. She's told she has terrible taste in TV. Van Oot, who grew up in Vermont, lives in Minneapolis with her husband and a sweet but poorly behaved golden retriever.

Contact

EMAIL
torey.vanoot@startribune.com
PHONE
612-673-7299

Latest from Torey Van Oot

Local

Campaign promise fulfilled: Meet Scout, Gov. Tim Walz's new dog

The three-month-old black lab mix made his public debut at the governor's residence.
August 26, 2024
Video Thumbnail02:38
Curious Minnesota

Listen: Will Minnesota join push toward a national popular vote?

Fifteen states have joined the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact, but Minnesota isn't one of them. Host Eric Roper talks to reporter Torey van Oot about why.
December 7, 2020
Al Lindell, head election judge, handed an "I voted" sticker to a voter from behind a plexiglass barrier as voters gathered for the election Tuesday at the Vasa Town Hall in Welch, Minn.
Politics

North Branch senator launches bid to lead Minnesota GOP

Jennifer Carnahan, the current party chair, has not yet said whether she plans to run for another two-year term.
November 28, 2020
Sen. Mark Koran, R-North Branch
Minneapolis

Minn. lawmakers hope to revive stalled push for sprinklers in old high-rises

Spurred by fatal fire in Minneapolis, bill became stalled during pandemic.
November 28, 2020
Rep. Mohamud Noor, DFL-Minneapolis, pictured after the fatal November 2019 fire, plans to renew efforts to require property owners to add sprinklers to most high-rise buildings.
Local

Walz, GOP legislators offer plans with relief for businesses

Gov. Tim Walz said he hopes to call legislators back into special session as early as next week. "It feels like there's bipartisan momentum," he said outside the Nook in St. Paul.
November 25, 2020
Gov. Tim Walz stood in front of Casper's and Runyon's Nook in St. Paul to roll out a proposal for a legislative relief package aimed at helping businesses and residents affected by the latest shutdown.
Local

Two Republicans join Minn. House Democrats in urging virus caution

About one-fifth of legislators vow to take safety steps, urge residents to do the same.
November 24, 2020
Legislators from both sides of the aisle joined forces Monday to encourage Minnesotans to wear masks and social distance over the holidays.
Politics

Klomentum or Klobmentum? Tweet revives heated Klobuchar primary debate

November 21, 2020
After officially announcing her candidacy for President, Amy Klobuchar's first appearance in Iowa was here in Mason City. On Sunday it was also her final presidential campaign appearance before Monday's Iowa caucus.
Migration Catchall

Will Minnesota join the push to switch to a national popular vote?

November 21, 2020
A Joe Biden supporter displayed the Electoral College map after the 2020 presidential election was called Nov. 7.
Local

Walz, GOP legislators offer plans with relief for businesses

Gov. Tim Walz said he hopes to call legislators back into special session as early as next week. "It feels like there's bipartisan momentum," he said outside the Nook in St. Paul.
November 25, 2020
Gov. Tim Walz stood in front of Casper's and Runyon's Nook in St. Paul to roll out a proposal for a legislative relief package aimed at helping businesses and residents affected by the latest shutdown.
Local

Two Republicans join Minn. House Democrats in urging virus caution

About one-fifth of legislators vow to take safety steps, urge residents to do the same.
November 24, 2020
Legislators from both sides of the aisle joined forces Monday to encourage Minnesotans to wear masks and social distance over the holidays.
Politics

Klomentum or Klobmentum? Tweet revives heated Klobuchar primary debate

November 21, 2020
After officially announcing her candidacy for President, Amy Klobuchar's first appearance in Iowa was here in Mason City. On Sunday it was also her final presidential campaign appearance before Monday's Iowa caucus.
Migration Catchall

Will Minnesota join the push to switch to a national popular vote?

November 21, 2020
A Joe Biden supporter displayed the Electoral College map after the 2020 presidential election was called Nov. 7.
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