Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth, a Republican, announced her candidacy on Monday for the Republican gubernatorial nomination to challenge Gov. Tim Walz in 2026. “Minnesota is worth fighting for — that’s why I’m announcing today that I’m running for Governor,” Demuth wrote on X.
Demuth has emerged as a leading contender in the Republican primary, joining Rep. Kristin Robbins, former state senator Scott Jensen, and former MMA fighter Brad Kohler, among others. Another potential candidate, Mypillow CEO Mike Lindell, recently reestablished his Minnesota residency as he considers a gubernatorial bid.
Current Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced his reelection campaign in mid-September. Demuth highlighted her opposition to Walz’s leadership, stating, “Minnesota faces a critical juncture and urgently requires fresh leadership following two terms under Tim Walz. As House Speaker, I stand as the only candidate in this field who has directly opposed Tim Walz, and I’m confident in my ability to unite the Republican Party and secure victory in 2026.”
Demuth, a small business owner and former member of the ROCORI School Board, emphasized her focus on fiscal responsibility, school reform, and infrastructure. “My administration will prioritize improving test scores in our schools and address what I see as divisive ideology in classrooms. I’ll champion investment in essential infrastructure like roads and bridges rather than costly, underutilized rail projects,” she said.
She also criticized Walz’s policies, claiming his tenure led to rising crime, mismanaged budgets, and declining educational outcomes. “By any standard, Tim Walz has let Minnesota down. During his tenure, fraud has proliferated throughout state programs. Violent crime has risen. Half of Minnesota’s students cannot read at grade level. Walz increased taxes by billions and mismanaged a historic budget surplus. We need a change in direction, and I’ll provide it next November.”