Rochelle Olson
Reporter
Politics and GovernmentOlson has covered St. Paul and Minneapolis City Halls, Ramsey and Hennepin county governments, as well as courts and state government. Before joining the Star Tribune in 2000, Olson worked for eight years with the Associated Press in Kansas City, Topeka, Charleston, W.Va. and St. Paul. She has a master's degree from the University of Kansas and a bachelor's from Hamline University. She grew up in Bloomington. She loves to swim and do yoga.
Latest from Rochelle Olson
Elections
Walz: 'I'm not done fighting for Minnesota'
As he shifts back to his job leading Minnesota, Gov. Tim Walz didn’t give any indication during a speech on Friday of whether he’ll seek re-election in 2026, or run for another office.
November 8, 2024
Elections
Takeaways from the 2024 election in Minnesota
Strong turnout, congressional incumbents win big, justices and judges hold their seats, Klobuchar outperforms the top of the ticket, Carnahan returns.
November 6, 2024
Elections
Ann Johnson Stewart wins special election, giving DFL control of Minnesota Senate
Western Twin Cities suburban candidates Johnson Stewart and Republican Kathleen Fowke were the only Senate candidates on the ballot.
November 6, 2024
Elections
Harris-Walz secure Minnesota’s electoral votes as Trump is elected for a second time
Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican former President Donald Trump top the ticket in a tight race for the state’s 10 electoral votes.
November 6, 2024
News & Politics
Minnesota judges and justices can’t campaign much, rely on voters to do research
The back of voters’ ballots shows a long list of judges and justices up for election.
October 31, 2024
Elections
U.S. Senate debate: Klobuchar criticizes White for saying ‘the bad guys won in World War II’
Klobuchar, seeking a fourth term, portrays herself as a pragmatist; Republican challenger Royce White says he threatens the status quo and decries the “permanent political class.”
October 27, 2024
Elections
Gov. Walz votes early in St. Paul with First Lady Gwen Walz and first-time voter Gus
Minnesota’s governor said he voted for his running mate and presidential candidate Kamala Harris, as well as U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, but not for the St. Paul child care referendum.
October 23, 2024
Elections
Walz talks assault rifles, running and beef jerky in national media blitz
Minnesota’s governor and vice presidential candidate appeared late Monday with Jon Stewart on Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show.”
October 22, 2024
News & Politics
Minnesota judges and justices can’t campaign much, rely on voters to do research
The back of voters’ ballots shows a long list of judges and justices up for election.
October 31, 2024
Elections
U.S. Senate debate: Klobuchar criticizes White for saying ‘the bad guys won in World War II’
Klobuchar, seeking a fourth term, portrays herself as a pragmatist; Republican challenger Royce White says he threatens the status quo and decries the “permanent political class.”
October 27, 2024
Elections
Gov. Walz votes early in St. Paul with First Lady Gwen Walz and first-time voter Gus
Minnesota’s governor said he voted for his running mate and presidential candidate Kamala Harris, as well as U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, but not for the St. Paul child care referendum.
October 23, 2024
Elections
Walz talks assault rifles, running and beef jerky in national media blitz
Minnesota’s governor and vice presidential candidate appeared late Monday with Jon Stewart on Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show.”
October 22, 2024