Kendall Qualls

Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth won the Republican gubernatorial primary and will face the Democratic nominee in November to replace outgoing Gov. Tim Walz. Demuth emphasized that messages of hope, change, reducing taxes, improving education, and ending fraud are desperately needed in the state. The race gained prominence after Walz abandoned his third-term campaign amid mounting scrutiny over alleged fraud involving government-funded programs.

Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth won the Republican gubernatorial primary to challenge the Democratic nominee in November. She defeated Mike Lindell following a period of losing the GOP endorsement to Kendall Qualls. Meanwhile, Gov. Tim Walz abandoned his third-term campaign amid mounting scrutiny over state program fraud, opening the race for figures like Klobuchar.

5 EYEWITNESS NEWS interviewed GOP governor candidates Mike Lindell, Lisa Demuth, and Kendall Qualls regarding the Minnesota primary election. The candidates discussed various policy issues including reducing mandates such as Paid Family and Medical Leave, potential property tax reductions, improving education funding through state assessment, managing healthcare costs, addressing agency fraud accountability, and enforcing federal immigration laws.

The Farmfest gubernatorial debate featured Amy Klobuchar and three GOP candidates, discussing topics like fraud, property taxes, and immigration enforcement. This debate was the last public forum before the primary election on Tuesday.

Kendall Qualls, a Republican candidate for governor, discusses his policy priorities including tax reductions, education reform, healthcare solutions, fraud prevention, and immigration enforcement. He emphasizes fiscal conservatism, vocational education, and leadership-driven solutions to state issues.

Early in-person voting for Minnesota’s August primary election has begun, allowing voters to cast ballots in person at local sites. Key races include the Republican governor primary with Kendall Qualls, Lisa Demuth, and Mike Lindell, and the DFL Senate primary between Angie Craig and Peggy Flanagan. U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar leads Democrats in the gubernatorial race, while Keith Ellison is ahead of Ron Schutz in the attorney general race.

President Donald Trump endorsed MyPillow founder Mike Lindell for Minnesota governor, calling him a 'Patriot' and highlighting his support despite Lindell's denial of the 2020 election results. Lindell faces a competitive Republican primary against candidates including Lisa Demuth and Kendall Qualls, who has the Minnesota state GOP endorsement.

A Minnesota Senate committee reported that two-thirds of reviewed Medicaid providers received disenrollment notices, though officials clarified this does not confirm fraud. Brian Nicholson, running mate for Kendall Qualls, defended his Jan. 6, 2021, presence at the U.S. Capitol, stating he left when violence erupted. Qualls dismissed a critical report as a 'hit piece.' Peggy Flanagan, a U.S. Senate candidate, discussed her stance on fraud and ICE in a studio interview.

House Speaker Lisa Demuth’s gubernatorial campaign is receiving significant financial support from Richard Uihlein, owner of Uline, through a PAC that has contributed $1.1 million. This funding gives her a fundraising advantage over primary opponents Kendall Qualls and Mike Lindell.

The U.S. Supreme Court upheld birthright citizenship, prompting relief among Minnesota immigrants, while a separate ruling allowing states to restrict transgender athletes in school sports drew praise from Republican candidates and a defiant response from Gov. Tim Walz. Minnesota faces challenges including budget deficits, business struggles post-Operation Metro Surge, and environmental rulemaking, alongside suburban population shifts and activism against drone deployment.

Republican gubernatorial candidate Kendall Qualls and his running mate Brian Nicholson dismiss news stories about Nicholson's attendance at the Jan. 6 Capitol riot as 'hit pieces.' Nicholson claims he did not enter the Capitol and left when violence began, while Qualls states he was aware of Nicholson's presence during their initial meeting. A political analyst notes the issue could influence voter perceptions among different Republican factions.

5 EYEWITNESS NEWS is conducting one-on-one interviews with three leading Republican candidates for Minnesota governor: Mike Lindell, Lisa Demuth, and Kendall Qualls. A KSTP/SurveyUSA poll indicates Lindell leads the GOP governor race.

Brian Nicholson, the running mate for GOP-endorsed gubernatorial candidate Kendall Qualls, confirmed he was present at the U.S. Capitol during the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection. Minnesota DFL Party Chair Richard Carlbom condemned Nicholson’s participation, stating no one who supports January 6 rioters should be near the governor’s office.

In Minnesota's 2026 races, Republican and DFL candidates endorsed by their parties are trailing in polls and fundraising. Political party endorsements are losing influence, with experts suggesting they may be replaced by earlier primary dates. Examples include trailing candidates like Adam Schwarze and Kendall Qualls, while non-endorsing candidates like Angie Craig lead in fundraising and polls.

A KSTP/SurveyUSA poll shows Mike Lindell leading the Republican primary for Minnesota governor with 27% support, while Michele Tafoya leads the GOP Senate primary with 36%, and Angie Craig leads the DFL Senate primary with 41%. Undecided voters remain significant in all races.

Lisa Demuth remains in the Republican primary for governor after not receiving the GOP endorsement. She will face Kendall Qualls and Mike Lindell in August, claiming she is best positioned to defeat Amy Klobuchar in November. The endorsement was awarded to Qualls on the 10th ballot following convention confusion over electronic voting devices.