Minnesota Report
Today, Governor Tim Walz (DFL-MN) announced his unprecedented third term for office. He announced his reelection via a Youtube video. This effort will be a climb, but it might be easier if the Republicans nominate a weak candidate. Here are the current spate of candidates (10 Republicans and one gadfly DFL candidate) filed to contest Walz- Thomas Evenstad (R-MN), Scott Mitchell Jensen (R-MN), Jeff Johnson (R-MN), Adam J Kedrowski (R-MN), Brad Kohler (R-MN), Calvin Larson Jr (R-MN), Hannah P Nicollet (R-MN), Phillip Parrish (R-MN), Kendall Qualls (R-MN), Kristin Robbins (R-MN), Harley Swarm (R-MN) and Ole Savior (DFL-MN).
Initially, in 2018, Hennepin County Commissioner Jeff Johnson (R-MN) lost to Walz with 42.43% to 53.84%. In 2022, State Senator Dr Scott Jensen (R-MN) fell to with 44.61% compared to Walz’ 52.27%. These races have not been landslides by any measure.
This go round he will no longer have Lt Governor Peggy Flanagan (DFL-MN), since she is making her own bid for the US Senate. We are hearing a connection to Melissa Hortman’s district as a possible running mate in Brooklyn Park Mayor Hollies J. Winston (DFL). He has shown himself to be a forward thinking person, who has vigorously addressed crime in his community.
The climb will be uphill, but the slough will be a test of Walz’ personal mettle.