Lisa Demuth projected winner of Republican primary in Minnesota governor's race

The Minnesota House Speaker, Lisa Demuth, is projected to win the Republican primary in the state's gubernatorial race, according to CBS News. She will face off against Democratic primary winner Amy Klobuchar in the November 3 general election. The state Republican Party had initially endorsed Kendall Qualls over Demuth. Despite this, Demuth remained in the race, citing concerns about irregularities in the convention voting process.

Demuth expressed her excitement about the opportunity to "really move Minnesota forward" after CBS News projected her primary victory. She announced her campaign while serving as the top Republican in the Minnesota Legislature during a divided session. Her platform has focused on addressing the issue of fraud in Minnesota, blaming outgoing Democratic Governor Tim Walz. On her campaign website, Demuth promised to transform the state government into a "fiscal and moral steward of our tax dollars."

Although she trailed MAGA candidate Mike Lindell in recent polls, Demuth secured the primary win. Her running mate is Ryan Wilson, an attorney who previously ran for state auditor in 2022. The Demuth-Wilson ticket expressed their readiness to serve Minnesota, promising to respect taxpayer dollars, end fraud, improve educational outcomes for children, and create an environment where businesses can grow, start, and thrive. Minnesota has not elected a Republican governor since Tim Pawlenty in 2006.