Cold Spring’s Demuth Tops Republican Field In Governor’s Primary

(KNSI) – Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth has won the Republican nomination for governor.

The Associated Press called the race Tuesday night. With 81.49% of precincts reporting, 3,345 of 4,105, Demuth and running mate Ryan Wilson had 150,434 votes, or 44.11%. Mike Lindell and Phillip C. Parrish were second with 108,093 votes, or 31.69%. Kendall Qualls and Brian Nicholson finished third with 73,562 votes, or 21.57%.

Demuth, who represents District 13A and lives in Cold Spring, spoke with KNSI’s election coverage Tuesday night from the Twin Cities metro area. “The results that have come through really send a message that Minnesotans are ready for a change, they were willing to be a part of getting out and voting in the primary.”

She was asked how she was feeling as the numbers came in.

“Tonight, I have both excitement, but that sense of hope, as I said, turning Minnesota back around is what is needed, that comes out of listening to Minnesotans across the state, as they share their absolute frustration over fraud, their absolute frustration over high taxes.”

Demuth credited the win to volunteers, donors and campaign workers, and said she and Wilson were both born and raised in Minnesota. Asked what carried her to the top of a three-way field, she pointed to her record as Speaker, her running mate and her own campaign work together.

During the interview, District 13B Rep. Tim O’Driscoll congratulated her. Demuth said O’Driscoll and Sen. Jeff Howe helped get her across the finish line in her first legislative race in 2018, including door-knocking with her.

Demuth advances to the November general election, where she will face Amy Klobuchar, who also won the DFL Primary on Tuesday night.

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