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A few Republican candidates for governor are separating from the pack when it comes to fundraising, according to reports for the first three months of 2022 that 

The money race is one element that state Republican Party convention delegates could consider 

as they decide on an endorsement in Rochester next month

. For Republicans, that endorsement typically translates into the eventual nomination.

The eventual Republican nominee will have to play catchup to DFL Gov. Tim Walz. He raised $1 million in the opening months of 2022 and has more than $4 million in the bank.

Figures provided to campaign regulators show physician and former state Sen. Scott Jensen with a financial edge among the Republican contenders. He entered April with about $775,000 in the bank after raising about $256,000 from January through March.

Sen. Paul Gazelka had the next most with $406,000 available to spend.

But former business executive Kendall Qualls had the best performance in terms of money raised so far this year. He entered the race in January and pulled in $467,000 through the end of March. He spent much of it raising money and getting his campaign off the ground, leaving him with about $168,000 in reserve.

Another late entrant, former Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek, raised $149,000 since entering in February. He too pushed much of that out the door as he began outreach to active Republican party members.

Stanek entered April in about the same financial position as state Sen. Michelle Benson, whose fundraising trailed all but one of the seven main endorsement contenders. She had $38,000 left in her account.

Former radio host Cory Hepola, who is running as a Forward Party candidate, came into April with $25,000 on hand.

Outside groups loom large in key races, and several are sitting on six- or seven-figure stockpiles. They don’t have contribution limits and their spending often dwarfs the candidates themselves.

So far, Minnesota is not on the national radar as one of the most competitive. But that can change quickly.

Other highlights of newly filed reports show:

Politics and Government News

NewsPartners

Brian Bakst

Author

Having the most money doesn’t always mean electoral success, but some party activists view it as a measure of viability when they choose candidates.

Six people sit on a stage with microphones in hand.

Walz pads cash lead as Qualls, Jensen rake in most for GOP

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