2026 Advocacy and Issues Forum - 2026 Legislative Session: What Just Happened and What Does It Mean for Business and for You?

Torey Van Oot with Axios Twin Cities. 

Torey works as a co-author of Axios Twin Cities, a free newsletter that helps readers get smarter, faster about the biggest stories shaping life in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro. They havve built an audience of more than 100,000 subscribers since launching in January 2021. You can join them heres://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities!

Before joining Axios, I was a political reporter in the Capitol Bureau of the Minneapolis Star Tribune. My bylines have also appeared in places like The Washington Post,  The Daily Beast, Glamour.com, Public Radio International, Bustle, Refinery29, Teen Vogue and  InStyle.com. I also contributed to Comstock's magazine, a regional business publication in Sacramento.

In past professional lives, I worked as a features writer and editor at Refinery29, a digital editor for a group of 11 NBC Owned Television Stations and a political reporter at The Sacramento Bee. I've covered congressional and gubernatorial races, state and federal policy, and five national political conventions.  

Elizabeth Emerson is a principal and senior vice president of Goff Public, a highly respected public relations and public affairs agency in Saint Paul. Elizabeth is a sought-after strategist who helps clients achieve meaningful results in even the most tumultuous political environments.

Elizabeth’s background as a campaign operative, legislative staffer and political consultant provides the foundation for her approach to problem-solving for clients, using creative strategies to fit clients’ needs. She leads Goff Public’s public affairs and lobbying teams, in and outside of the Capitol, working with clients to build authentic advocacy, direct lobbying and coalition efforts that produce tangible outcomes in public policy.

Named one of Twin Cities Business’ 100 People to Know in 2023, she has successfully advocated for many high-profile issues at the Minnesota Capitol. She demystifies the legislative process for clients, bringing their voices to life with lawmakers and connecting them to their elected officials. Elizabeth has been recognized for her involvement in various organizations and her commitment to public affairs. She holds positions on several boards and most recently served as co-chair for Grand Old Day, a business-driven community celebration drawing over 200,000 people to Saint Paul.