Minnesota’s Republican Gubernatorial Primary Results
Minnesota House Speaker Advances
Lisa Demuth, the Speaker of the Minnesota House, has won the Republican gubernatorial primary in Minnesota. She now faces Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar in the upcoming general election. Republicans are eager to reclaim the governor’s office.
Despite not receiving the GOP endorsement earlier, Demuth secured the nomination on primary night. Her campaign centered on public safety, tax policy, and government accountability. If successful in November, Demuth will become Minnesota’s first female governor.
Implications for Trump
Demuth’s victory marked a setback for President Donald Trump. His ally, Mike Lindell, who ran with high recognition and firm support for Trump’s claims about the 2020 election, lost the primary. Trump had endorsed Lindell prior to the race.
Demuth’s Background
Demuth was first elected to the State House eight years ago. She has recently served as the first Black lawmaker and Republican woman speaker. If elected in November, she would be Minnesota’s first Republican governor since Tim Pawlenty, who left office in 2011.
Democratic fortresses in the state are predicted to hold strong. Sabato’s Crystal Ball and the Cook Political Report rate the race as safely Democratic.
Minnesota Governor’s Race
This gubernatorial race is one of 36 taking place across the country this year. It includes high-profile races in several other states.
An open contest emerged when Democratic Governor Tim Walz announced he would not seek a third term, having run for vice president in 2024. Amy Klobuchar entered shortly after Walz’s departure, relying on decades of experience in the U.S. Senate.
Klobuchar secured widespread support, capturing the nomination by a significant margin.
Republican Field and Outcome
Demuth overcame competition from several other Republican candidates, notably Mike Lindell and Kendall Qualls. Despite polls showing Lindell’s initial advantage, Demuth emerged victorious.
Lindell, with greater national exposure and vocal defensive of Trump’s election claims, raised controversies during his campaign. He has denied criticisms concerning residency and other campaign-related activities.
Trump’s Support for Lindell
Before the polls closed, Trump expressed strong support for Lindell, urging voters to back him. Despite Trump’s backing, Lindell did not succeed.
Poll Insights and Projections
Polling for the general election shows Klobuchar holding an advantage over Republican candidates. A Mason-Dixon Polling & Research Inc. in June highlighted a tight race between Klobuchar and Demuth, with Klobuchar leading by 8 percentage points.
Other polls revealed wider gaps, with Klobuchar leading Lindell by a larger margin. The Emerson College poll reported a similar situation.
Shifts Due to Immigration Debate
The Minnesota governor race experienced shifts with an immigration-related scandal involving the Feeding Our Future nonprofit. Republicans criticized Walz for not adequately addressing fraud allegations, though his office has defended his actions.
Under the Trump administration, the focus on immigration in Minnesota intensified, leading to heightened operations and controversies over law enforcement actions.
Important Dates to Remember
- Early voting begins on September 18
- Voter registration deadline is October 13
- General election is on November 3