State Republican Lawmaker Announces Bid To Challenge Democrat Governor

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.

Watch her campaign announcement video below:

Minnesota is worth fighting for — that’s why I’m announcing today that I’m running for Governor. pic.twitter.com/hiOfQX7bdv

— Lisa Demuth (@LisaDemuthMN) November 3, 2025

FOX 21 shared:

Demuth has become the biggest name in the republican primary, which also includes Rep. Kristin Robbins, former state senator Scott Jensen, and former MMA fighter Brad Kohler, among others.

Another big name set to enter the race is Mypillow ceo Mike Lindell, who said he re-established his Minnesota residency as he mulls a bid for governor.

Current Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced his run for reelection in mid-September.

“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 stated in a press release, according to KNSI.

In addition to serving in the Minnesota Legislature, Demuth served on the ROCORI School Board and is a small business owner.

Alpha News shared a press conference of Demuth formally announcing her gubernatorial campaign:

LIVE: Minnesota House speaker Lisa Demuth formally launches her campaign for governor https://t.co/i5C5V8zFW7

— Alpha News (@AlphaNews) November 3, 2025

KNSI noted:

Earlier this year, Demuth made history by becoming both the first Black legislator and the first Republican woman elected to serve as House Speaker.

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The release adds, “As Governor, I’ll bring fiscal responsibility back to our state budget by combating wasteful spending, eliminating fraud, and stopping what I view as Democrat giveaways for illegal immigrants,” Demuth said. “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. I’ll eliminate regulations that impede housing development and investment. And I’ll work to make Minnesota an attractive destination for businesses, mining operations, and manufacturing jobs.

“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.”