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Former state Sen. Scott Jensen announced Thursday that he’s launching another bid for Minnesota governor. 

The Republican and family physician said he’s running again to “restore the values, safety, and opportunity that once made Minnesota a national model for prosperity and fairness,” according to a news release announcing his candidacy. He cited concerns about public safety, education outcomes and economic development.

“Minnesotans want their state back,” Jensen said. “We remember the days when our communities were safe, our schools were strong, and our leaders put people — not politics — first. That’s the Minnesota we’re going to fight to bring back.”

Jensen won the Minnesota Republican Party endorsement in 2022 but lost to Gov. Tim Walz by more than 7 percentage points. His campaign at that time centered on criticizing the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

In an interview with MPR News, Jensen said he would work to make the cost of living more affordable for Minnesotans and take responsibility for his actions in office. He also said he’d learned from his experience running in 2022 and would shy away from partisan rhetoric, as well as unsubstantiated claims.

“I feel like I can run a campaign that minimizes the rhetoric and will focus heavily on solving problems, and that’s why I'm doing it,” Jensen said. “I’m going to go to the Republicans and say, ‘I learned a lot.’ I think this time around, we’ll make less unforced errors. We’ll run a highly energized campaign, and we’re going to do the best job possible to make certain that everybody’s voice is being heard.”

Jensen joins Kendall Qualls, Phillip Parrish and Brad Kohler in the race for the GOP endorsement. He didn’t say whether he’d pursue a primary if he failed to secure the party’s endorsement.

No DFLers have launched bids yet, but Walz has hinted at seeking a third term. No Minnesota governor has served three consecutive terms in office.

Shortly after Jensen made the announcement, progressive group Alliance for a Better Minnesota responded, saying he was out of step with the state.

“Minnesotans have already rejected Scott Jensen because they know his extreme policies serve the ultra-wealthy, not working people,” Emma Piorier, the group’s communications director, said. “Minnesota families deserve a leader who will fight to protect our freedoms, health care, and communities.”

Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party chair Richard Carlbom in a news release said, “Scott Jensen will never be governor of Minnesota.”

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The former state senator and medical doctor faced and ultimately lost to DFL Gov. Tim Walz in 2022. His latest bid centers on wanting to “restore Minnesota.”

Republican Scott Jensen announces he’ll again run for Minnesota governor

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