Morning Edition

Demuth presses her case for 'different leadership' in Minnesota governor’s race

Still seeking Trump's approval

People speak at a podium
House Speaker Lisa Demuth speaks during the presentation of the state budget and forecast on Dec. 4, 2025. The state budget is projected to have a surplus in a short term, but faces a deficit in coming years.
Peter Cox | MPR News file

The 2026 Minnesota governor's race has been disrupted by Gov. Tim Walz’s decision to drop his reelection bid.

As U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar mulls a gubernatorial run, her potential challengers are mulling whether they should change lanes and try for a different office if she enters the race.

Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth, a Republican who represents Cold Spring, is among a crowded field of Republican contenders and joined Cathy Wurzer on Morning Edition with her stance.

Klobuchar is among “Democrats that have supported Gov. Walz for years and never stood out differently,” Demuth said. “Minnesota needs different leadership at the top so we can take our state and turn it back into the strong state that it needs to be.”

Listen to the interview by clicking the player button above.