Jensen drops out of GOP race for Minnesota governor, will run for state auditor instead
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Scott Jensen, the Republican nominee for Minnesota governor four years ago, has dropped out of this year’s contest and will run for state auditor instead.
The doctor and former state senator announced the shift on Monday. It’s less than a week after a poor showing in the Republican precinct caucus straw poll for governor; Jensen finished a distant fourth.
“We have excellent candidates running for governor, and I am confident that one of my colleagues will be well-positioned to win in November. That’s why I’m shifting my focus,” Jensen said in a video announcing his run for auditor.
He said that a run for auditor will allow him to put his focus solely on addressing misuse of taxpayer money and restoring trust in government. The state auditor largely concentrates on local government spending.
“I am ready and determined to be the person who opens up the hood and looks at what the engine of our government is doing and not doing — and fix it,” Jensen said.
Current DFL State Auditor Julie Blaha is not seeking a third term. Several Democrats and Republicans are vying for their parties’ nominations.
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