Former Minnesota state Sen. Dr. Scott Jensen, the Republican who lost the state’s 2022 gubernatorial contest to incumbent Gov. Tim Walz, has announced another bid for the governorship. In a campaign video posted on Thursday, Jensen criticized Walz’s policies, calling them responsible for making Minnesota too expensive, too dangerous, and throwing the state’s culture out of whack. He claimed that Walz ‘made it worse’ and argued that a leader must take responsibility, which Walz did not.
Then-former President Donald Trump endorsed Jensen before the Minnesotan lost in the 2022 gubernatorial contest. Trump’s support for Jensen was evident in an October 2022 Truth Social post, where he praised Jensen as a leader who would ‘bring Minnesota back from the brink.’ Trump highlighted his commitment to fighting crime and delivering sensible education, claiming that the results would be ‘quickly seen.’ The former president also emphasized that Minnesota would experience a resurgence under Jensen’s leadership.
Walz, currently serving his second consecutive term with no term limits, has the potential to run again in the next gubernatorial election. His current tenure has been marked by progressive policies, which Jensen and his allies have accused of increasing the cost of living and creating a ‘culture outta whack.’ The Minnesota governor has also served as Kamala Harris’s running mate during the 2024 presidential election, highlighting his political significance and national profile. As the state prepares for another election, the political landscape will likely be shaped by the competing visions of these two leaders.
For many Minnesotans, the upcoming election represents a pivotal moment in their state’s political trajectory. With Jensen vying to replace Walz, the contest could serve as a broader referendum on the future direction of Minnesota’s policies, particularly regarding economic management, law enforcement, and cultural values. The election is expected to draw significant attention and may have broader implications for national political trends, especially concerning the balance between progressive governance and more conservative approaches to state leadership.