Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
In her first interview since filing for governor, Republican candidate Lisa Demuth said she's moving forward toward an August primary despite losing her party's endorsement at the convention in Duluth this weekend.
On Monday, Republican Party Chair Alex Plechash released Republican candidates for governor from prior pledges after the party experienced technical issues and hourslong delays with voting in the race. The party endorsed businessman Kendall Qualls on Saturday.
Demuth's entry into the primary creates more uncertainty for Republicans as they vie for an open governor’s office — one they haven’t held since early 2011. Qualls and MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell are already on the primary ballot along with a few other lesser-known candidates.
Demuth made her announcement on the final day of candidate filing.
Follow our ongoing coverage of the 2026 election at mprnews.org.
Reporting by Dana Ferguson and Clay Masters
Video captured by Erik Stromstad and edited by Payton Whaley
In her first interview since filing for governor, Republican candidate Lisa Demuth said she's moving forward toward an August primary despite losing her party's endorsement at the convention in Duluth this weekend.
On Monday, Republican Party Chair Alex Plechash released Republican candidates for governor from prior pledges after the party experienced technical issues and hourslong delays with voting in the race. The party endorsed businessman Kendall Qualls on Saturday.
Demuth's entry into the primary creates more uncertainty for Republicans as they vie for an open governor’s office — one they haven’t held since early 2011. Qualls and MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell are already on the primary ballot along with a few other lesser-known candidates.
Demuth made her announcement on the final day of candidate filing.
Follow our ongoing coverage of the 2026 election at mprnews.org.
Reporting by Dana Ferguson and Clay Masters
Video captured by Erik Stromstad and edited by Payton Whaley
