Senator Paul Gazelka Issues Statement Thanking Supporters After Ending Bid for Governor

(KNSI) — Former Minnesota Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka is thanking his supporters after ending his bid for governor.

At the GOP convention over the weekend, Gazelka hoped to earn his party’s endorsement to go up against incumbent Democratic Governor Tim Walz. After several rounds of balloting, Gazelka dropped out and threw his support behind business executive Kendall Qualls, who also dropped out of the race.

Ultimately, the endorsement went to former Senator Dr. Scott Jensen. Jensen is an outspoken critic of how Walz handled the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a statement, Gazelka wished Jensen well and encouraged the party and his supporters to rally around him.

Gazelka expressed gratitude for his supporters in his run for governor and his role over the years in the Senate, rising to majority leader in 2017. He said, win or lose, he would end his career as Senator after the 2022 session.

Gazelka says he is looking forward to the next chapter of whatever life may bring, and he has no regrets.

Gazelka represented Senate District 9, then Senate District 12, starting in 2011, covering Cass, Morrison, Todd, and Wadena counties. Before that, he was a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives District 12A from 2005 to 2007.

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