The Theater of Public Policy: Midterm Election Recap
This year’s midterm election cycle is behind us. Now what?
We’re talking with political reporter Mary Lahammer, media analyst Blois Olson, and political science professor Kathryn Pearson about the outcomes of the midterms in Minnesota. Host Tane Danger will moderate a conversation between the three about what happened in the election, why it happened, and what it means for our day-to-day lives.
And if spirited analysis isn’t enough for you, our cast will follow up that conversation with a slew of totally unscripted, midterms-inspired comedy scenes. Understand the election results in a fun, informative, and nuanced way at The Theater of Public Policy!
Event Info
Location: Granada Theater
Tickets: $15 in advance/$20 at the door
Doors: 6pm | Show: 7pm
Accessibility: The venue is wheelchair accessible. If you need additional accommodations, please email info@dangerboat.net at least 2 weeks prior to the event.
Media Inquiries: Contact clay@dangerboat.net
About the Guests
Mary Lahammer has been a program host and political reporter for Minnesota PBS since 1998. She has won more than a dozen regional Emmys and numerous other awards in several states for her anchoring, reporting, producing and photography. The Emmy chapter inducted Mary into the National Academy of Television Arts and Science Silver Circle for more than a quarter center of an “indelible impact” and on the media industry. Lahammer was named one of the "Best Capitol Reporters in America" by the Washington Post, "Best TV Reporter" by Minnesota Monthly and "Best Newscaster" by City Pages Magazine.
Ever since receiving his first computer as a paperboy, Blois Olson has lived at the entrepreneurial intersection of media, technology + communications. Today, he leads Fluence companies as one of the Midwest’s most sought-after CEO advisors, WCCO Radio media analyst, and publisher of Minnesota’s most read daily tip sheets.
After managing political campaigns in the 1990s, Blois built and sold his first agency before founding Fluence in 2012. Featured in The Wall Street Journal, Politico, and MSNBC, his innovative and strategic thinking drives nationwide client success through relationship-based counsel aligned directly with core business objectives.
Professor Kathryn Pearson is the Director of the University Honors Program and an Associate Dean of Undergraduate Education. Her research and teaching focuses on the United States Congress, congressional elections, political parties, and women and politics. Her research has recently appeared in The Journal of Politics, Perspectives on Politics, Legislative Studies Quarterly, Political Research Quarterly, and Politics & Gender. Her book Party Discipline in the House of Representatives was published by the University of Michigan Press. She is working on a new book, analyzing congresswomen's pursuit of power in a partisan era. She contributes political analysis to many local media outlets.
The Theater of Public Policy fall 2026 season is presented with generous support from the Minneapolis Foundation. Click here to learn more.