Tim Walz Draws Notable GOP Challenger In Gubernatorial Race

Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth, the state’s top Republican lawmaker, announced Sunday that she will seek the Republican nomination for governor in 2026 — setting up what could become one of the most closely watched gubernatorial races in the Midwest.

If elected, Demuth would make history as Minnesota’s first female governor — and the first Republican to win a statewide office in nearly 20 years. Her campaign marks a direct challenge to Governor Tim Walz, a Democrat now seeking an unprecedented third four-year term.

Demuth joins a growing GOP field that already includes Dr. Scott Jensen, the party’s 2022 nominee; businessman and Army veteran Kendall Qualls; and State Rep. Kristin Robbins, who chairs the legislature’s anti-fraud committee.

“I believe that we’ll be able to build a better and a stronger Minnesota here together,” Demuth told WCCO before her announcement. “Businesses need to be able to grow, families should be able to thrive, our kids deserve an excellent education, and all Minnesotans need to be able to succeed.”

Demuth, who has served as House Speaker since 2023, says her hands-on experience leading a divided legislature gives her the edge over her primary rivals. The Minnesota House is currently split 67–67 between Republicans and Democrats, marking the GOP’s strongest showing in a decade.

“I know I’m the strongest candidate to take on Gov. Walz by my track record as Speaker of the House,” Demuth said. “I’ve been the only one of the Republican candidates that has sat across the table from Gov. Walz and negotiated in really trying times.”

While Demuth said she “respects the office” Walz holds, she accused the Democratic governor of deepening divisions across the state.

In her campaign launch video, Demuth delivered a sharp critique of Walz’s record, accusing him of betraying Minnesota values and showing “hatred” toward conservatives and supporters of President Donald J. Trump.

“Enough. I’ve had enough of the hate and enough of the lies and enough of Tim Walz dividing Minnesotans to cover up his failures,” Demuth said. “Let’s be real — Tim Walz doesn’t just disagree with us. He hates us. He’s more focused on attacking President Trump than on fixing Minnesota.”

The ad went on to accuse Walz of wasting the state’s budget surplus, raising taxes, failing to address massive welfare fraud, and extending free health care benefits to illegal immigrants.

“He blew the surplus, raised taxes, let fraud run wild. He attacked ICE and gave free health care to illegal immigrants. That’s not leadership, that’s betrayal,” Demuth’s campaign video declared.

In a notable move, Demuth confirmed that she will seek President Trump’s endorsement, signaling her alignment with his America First agenda — a position that could energize Minnesota’s conservative base while testing her crossover appeal in a historically blue state.

“I think President Trump has done a great job delivering on the promises that he made when he was campaigning for his second term,” Demuth said. “I think it is important to have that endorsement, so I will definitely be seeking that.”

Walz remains a formidable opponent with high name recognition and a vast fundraising operation. He defeated Jensen by eight points in 2022, a midterm year that otherwise favored Republicans nationally.

Still, recent polling suggests an increasingly competitive landscape. A SurveyUSA poll from September showed Walz leading Jensen by only six points in a hypothetical rematch — with 13 percent of voters still undecided.

As Minnesota’s political climate shifts and Walz’s progressive record comes under renewed scrutiny, Demuth’s candidacy could represent the GOP’s best chance in years to reclaim statewide leadership — and to deliver a clear conservative alternative to Democratic rule in St. Paul.