Minnesota GOP Slams Gov. Walz for $430K Legal Bill Using State Funds

Minnesota Republicans are outraged after learning Governor Tim Walz spent roughly $430,000 in taxpayer funds to hire outside lawyers ahead of his congressional testimony on sanctuary-city policies.

Invoices obtained by the Star Tribune show that the Walz administration retained the law firm K&L Gates from April to June. The firm helped prepare Walz for a June House Oversight Committee hearing, led by Republicans. The lawyers charged an average of $516 per hour, with $232,000 billed in May alone.

The full amount was approved via a general fund transfer, signed off by the Legislative Advisory Commission. Though the state attorney general’s office initially offered guidance, Walz’s team said the congressional setting required more specialized legal support.

Republicans criticized the move as excessive. Rep. Jim Nash argued the AG’s office could have handled it, while Rep. Harry Niska called it overpriced “PR consulting,” accusing Walz of preparing for a national political future rather than state duties.

In response, Walz’s office called the GOP-led hearing a partisan “political stunt,” saying it forced unnecessary spending. Walz later dismissed the proceedings as grandstanding with no new findings.

Minnesota isn’t alone in such spending. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu reportedly authorized up to $650,000 for similar legal aid, and Denver’s mayor spent $250,000.

Now, Minnesota lawmakers are considering whether future governors should rely solely on in-house counsel for congressional matters—and whether taxpayer money should fund what critics say is political theater.