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A businessman and former Marine joined the race for Minnesota governor Thursday, expanding the Republican field of hopefuls seeking the job.

Patrick Knight launched his 2026 campaign with a video that says Minnesota has lost its way. He joins a crowded field of Republican candidates that is now above a half dozen. The nominee is headed for a fall race against two-term DFL Gov. Tim Walz.

“In recent years, our state leadership has lost its way,” Knight says in his video. They’ve taken their eyes off our North Star.”

Knight, of Plymouth, is the chief executive officer of Good Sense Foods, which makes salad and vegetable toppings and produce snacks. 

He served in the Marines, both active duty and reserves, for nearly 22 years. He said that included a deployment to the Middle East and work as a judge advocate. 

The priorities listed on Knight's campaign website include affordability in housing, child care and health care, making the state more business-friendly and focusing on strengthening the state's education outcomes.

Knight is a graduate of the College of Holy Cross, and has a law degree from Georgetown Law and a masters of business administration from Harvard Business School.

His entrance is the second by a Republican this week. House Speaker Lisa Demuth announced her campaign on Sunday. Also seeking the GOP nod are: state Rep. Kristin Robbins, former state Sen. Scott Jensen, businessman Kendall Qualls, ex-martial arts fighter Brad Kohler, former Navy officer Phillip Parrish and former St. Cloud city council member Jeff Johnson.

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Election 2026 

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The field of Republican candidates for Minnesota governor expands as food company executive Patrick Knight enters race.

Food company CEO Patrick Knight enters Minnesota governor’s race as GOP candidate

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