(The Center Square) – The Republican field for Minnesota governor has narrowed as three candidates have withdrawn from the 2026 race, leaving Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth, Kendall Qualls and Mike Lindell as frontrunners.
Former state Sen. Scott Jensen, the GOP’s 2022 gubernatorial nominee, announced Monday he is dropping out of the race to run for state auditor.
“We need to declare war on waste, fraud, and abuse. It’s time to protect your paycheck. Let’s go Minnesota,” Jensen said. “Let’s get back to work!”
Jensen joins current State Rep. Elliot Engen, R-White Bear Township, in the race for auditor. Another State Rep. Dan Wolgamott, DFL-St. Cloud, is also running, alongside several others. The current auditor, Julie Blaha, announced last year that she would not seek reelection.
Jensen’s move came less than a week after he placed fourth in the Minnesota Republican Party’s precinct caucus straw poll, receiving about 6.5% of the vote. Demuth led with roughly 32%, followed by Qualls at 25% and Lindell at around 18%.
Minneapolis attorney Chris Madel also ended his campaign Jan. 26, citing his opposition to what he described as national Republicans’ “retribution” amid federal immigration enforcement efforts, including Operation Metro Surge.
“I cannot support the national Republicans’ stated retribution on the citizens of our state, nor can I count myself a member of a party that would do so,” Madel said.
In a video posted to X, Madel said he could no longer support a party pursuing such policies, and said that the party had made it nearly impossible for Republicans to win a statewide race in Minnesota.
Former St. Cloud city councilmember Jeff Johnson also suspended his campaign Feb. 9 due to a family tragedy. Johnson’s 22-year-old daughter, Hallie Marie Tobler, was fatally stabbed in what authorities described as an apparent attempted murder-suicide involving her husband over the weekend in St. Cloud.
The Minnesota Republican Party announced Johnson’s decision, stating he was stepping aside “out of respect for his family and the enormity of this loss.”
Police reported Tobler died from multiple stab wounds, and her husband sustained self-inflicted injuries and remains in custody.
The departures come during a crowded GOP primary to challenge the eventual Democratic nominee in the open-seat race, after Gov. Tim Walz opted not to seek reelection.
The Republican primary is set for Aug. 11, with the general election on Nov. 3.
