Scott Jensen runs for Minnesota governor again after 2022 loss
- Scott Jensen, a Republican and former state senator, is running for governor of Minnesota again after losing in 2022.
- His campaign emphasizes bringing back a safer and stronger Minnesota and criticizes the current leadership's performance.
- Jensen's re-entry into the gubernatorial race reflects a desire for change after two decades of liberal policies in the state.
In Minnesota, former state senator Dr. Scott Jensen has declared his intention to run for governor again in the 2026 election after losing to incumbent Governor Tim Walz in 2022. Jensen, a Republican, made his announcement on a Thursday and launched his campaign with the slogan, 'We want our Minnesota back.' He expressed that two decades of liberal policies have made Minnesota costly and unsafe and criticized Walz for not taking responsibility for perceived failures. In the previous election, Jensen and his running mate Matt Birk faced significant challenges, including issues related to abortion, the state's COVID-19 response, and the Feeding Our Future fraud scandal. In the 2022 gubernatorial race, Jensen and Birk lost to Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan by approximately eight percentage points, with a vote margin of over 192,000. During that campaign, Jensen secured an endorsement from former President Donald Trump, who stated his complete support for Jensen campaigning as a strong crime fighter focusing on sensible education policies. Jensen had previously faced a lawsuit over a state investigation regarding his COVID-19 views, which was dismissed, and he is currently appealing the decision. Jensen's return to the political arena occurs against the backdrop of a gubernatorial landscape where term limits do not apply, allowing Tim Walz the opportunity to seek another term. The political climate is heavily influenced by past crises, particularly the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and rising concerns surrounding public safety and education. As Jensen takes another stab at governorship, he aims to galvanize voters who remember previous administrations that he indicates were more favorable. This renewed candidacy also reflects broader national trends within the Republican party, where candidates are rejuvenated by previous losses looking to regain momentum through established connections and messaging that resonates with constituents. Observers note that Jensen's pushback against Walz’s administration seems to echo a common sentiment among voters who seek change after extended periods of leadership aligned with Democratic policies. His campaign rhetoric promises to refocus on issues deemed critical to the state's well-being and aims to build on voter sentiments that align with his vision for the future of Minnesota.