Senator Paul Gazelka Endorsed by Law Enforcement Association

(KNSI) — Senator Paul Gazelka has been endorsed by the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association in his bid for governor.

The endorsement from the MPPOA comes after he was recognized as its 2020 Legislator of the Year. That was the same year Waseca police officer Arik Matson was named MPPOA Officer of the Year. Matson was shot in the head during an ambush in January of 2020. Gazelka helped pass a bill bearing Matson’s name that increased penalties for the attempted murder of police officers.

MPPOA Executive Director Brian Peters issued a statement saying the organization “proudly endorses Paul Gazelka to be our state’s next Governor. He is an extraordinary supporter of first responders and public safety officials and stands against attempts to defund and dismantle the police. He will always promote public safety proposals that keep communities safe. On behalf of the largest public safety association in Minnesota, we are proud to support Paul Gazelka for Governor.”

“I am humbled and honored to receive the endorsement of the MPPOA, the largest association representing licensed peace officers in the State of Minnesota,” said Gazelka. “This endorsement is further acknowledgement of the ongoing work we have done to support our women and men in blue-the people who risk their lives every day for all of us in Minnesota. Thank you to all of the members of the MPPOA for this powerful endorsement.”

Public safety is likely to be a major issue in the upcoming election as crime rates have soared across St. Cloud, the state, and the country. In St. Cloud, the most significant jump in crimes in 2020 was in thefts. The city also saw an increase in motor vehicle theft, burglaries, robberies, and arson. In 2021, Minneapolis recorded the highest number of homicides in over 20 years. St. Cloud set a record for homicides at five, including two on back-to-back days.

Gazelka is among several seeking the Republican nomination. He joins former lawmaker Dr. Scott Jensen, Senator Michelle Benson, former Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek, Dr. Neil Shah, and Kendall Qualls. The primary election to determine who will go up against Democratic Governor Tim Walz will be in August.

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