(KNSI) – Dr. Scott Jensen announced Thursday he’s making another run for governor in 2026.
The Sleepy Eye physician and former state senator (2017-2021) lost the 2022 gubernatorial race to Tim Walz, who won 52% to 44%. While Jensen carried 76 of Minnesota’s 87 counties, Walz’s support in the Twin Cities metro area proved decisive.
Jensen’s campaign focuses on three main areas: rebuilding law enforcement, removing politics from education while emphasizing core subjects, and promoting economic freedom through tax cuts and reduced regulations.
“Minnesotans want their state back,” said Jensen. “We remember the days when our communities were safe, our schools were strong, and our leaders put people, not politics, first. That’s the Minnesota we’re going to fight to bring back.”
Jensen joins businessman Kendall Qualls and former St. Cloud City Council member Jeff Johnson in seeking the Republican nomination.
The Democratic Governors Association quickly pushed back against Jensen’s announcement: “Minnesota’s GOP gubernatorial primary is shaping up to be yet another messy and divisive affair, and failed candidate Scott Jensen is just the latest underwhelming, out-of-touch candidate to throw his hat in the ring.”
It’s still unclear who DFL primary voters will have to choose from. Democratic Governor Walz hasn’t formally announced if he will seek a third term.
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