Former GOP gubernatorial nominee Scott Jensen is strongly considering running for governor again next year, according to the Minnesota Star Tribune. Jensen, a Chaska physician and former state senator, lost to current Governor Tim Walz by nearly 8 percentage points in the 2022 election. Despite being at the top of the ticket, Jensen received fewer votes than other GOP candidates for state positions.
In an interview, Jensen admitted to making mistakes during his first campaign and said he would be a more disciplined candidate if he decides to run again. He believes Minnesota is heading in the wrong direction under Walz’s leadership, citing concerns about fraud in state programs, declining reading scores among students, and excessive spending of a $17.5 billion surplus by Walz and Democrats in the Legislature.
Neither Walz nor Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan have confirmed if they will run together again. Walz told WCCO that they will cross that bridge when they get to it. Jensen’s potential candidacy adds another layer of uncertainty to the upcoming election, as he has been a vocal critic of COVID-19 restrictions and mandates implemented by the Walz administration.
Jensen’s decision to run again could shape the political landscape in Minnesota, as he seeks to challenge the current governor’s policies and leadership. Voters will have to wait and see if Jensen officially enters the race and how his candidacy might impact the outcome of the gubernatorial election in the state.
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