(KNSI) — It’s official. Former Minnesota Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka is running for governor. Gazelka made the announcement Wednesday morning at the State Capitol in St. Paul.
In a tweet, he said, “It’s time for a new direction in Minnesota. I’m running to be your next governor.”
A frequent critic of Governor Tim Walz and how he handled the COVID-19 pandemic, insiders say Gazelka is expected to make public safety a central issue.
DFL Party Chairman Ken Martin released the following statement in response to Paul Gazelka’s announcement of his candidacy for governor of Minnesota:
“At a time when Minnesotans need their elected leaders to look out for them, Senator Paul Gazelka has put his political agenda over the health and safety of Minnesotans. Gazelka repeatedly spread dangerous misinformation throughout the pandemic and misled the public about the state of COVID-19 at virtually every turn. His decision to hold a maskless superspreader event led to a COVID-19 outbreak among lawmakers, and Senator Jerry Relph died from COVID-19 complications following the event.
“While in office, Paul Gazelka attacked voting rights, worked to limit access to health care, blocked meaningful criminal justice reform, and refused to call for the resignation of Minnesota GOP Chairwoman Jennifer Carnahan after countless reports of her abusive leadership came to light. The last thing Minnesotans need is someone who prioritizes their own political interests over the working people of this state.”
Gazelka is the latest Republican to announce he’s running to unseat Governor Walz. Minnesota Senator Michelle Benson, Dr. Neil Shah, and former Senator Dr. Scott Jensen are also running.
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