Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth has won the Republican gubernatorial primary, positioning her to challenge the Democratic nominee in the November election to replace outgoing Gov. Tim Walz.
Demuth's victory is notable as she remained in the race despite losing the Republican Party endorsement to Kendall Qualls at the state convention, where Qualls secured the endorsement after 10 ballots. Demuth emphasized her legislative experience and leadership of House Republicans as key strengths for the general election.
In the primary, Demuth defeated MyPillow founder and CEO Mike Lindell, who had the endorsement of former President Donald Trump and national name recognition.
No Republican has won a statewide election in Minnesota since 2006, when Gov. Tim Pawlenty narrowly won reelection by less than a percentage point. Since then, Republicans have lost 28 consecutive statewide contests through the 2024 election, marking an 18-year drought—the longest for either major party in Minnesota history.
As governor, Tim Walz signed a broad set of Democratic priorities after his party gained full control of state government, including expanded abortion protections, free school meals, legalized recreational marijuana, and paid family and medical leave. Walz’s withdrawal from the race marked a significant shift for a politician who had been Kamala Harris’ 2024 vice presidential running mate less than two years earlier.
Demuth expressed optimism about the future, stating, "There is hope for Minnesota, for the change that is so desperately needed," and highlighted key campaign messages focused on reducing taxes, improving education, and addressing fraud.
Lisa Demuth, a Republican state representative from Cold Spring, Minnesota, was the House Speaker in the 2025 session. (Glen Stubbe/TNS/ABACA via Reuters Connect)
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