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A leading candidate among Republicans running for Minnesota governor opted Tuesday for a fellow political newcomer to fill out his ticket, saying voters are ready for a fresh start.

Businessman and think tank founder Kendall Qualls announced Brian Nicholson, an Albertville construction firm chief executive, as his choice for lieutenant governor. It’s unusual to have a pairing on the ticket of two people who haven’t held any prior political office between them, but Qualls is leaning into that alignment as a potential asset.

“With Brian’s involvement, our ticket stands in stark contrast to the rest of the field,” Qualls said in announcing the choice Tuesday. “Two business leaders, from different backgrounds, united by the mission of saving Minnesota.”

Nicholson said “Minnesotans can’t sit back and wait for change.” The campaign said he would bring expertise on regulations, permitting and taxes to the table.

Qualls is making his second run for Minnesota’s top office and finished second in last month’s Republican precinct caucus straw poll. 

Qualls is in a field bulging with Republican candidates, which include House Speaker Lisa Demuth, state Rep. Kristin Robbins and MyPillow founder Mike Lindell.

On the Democratic side, U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar is the frontrunner for the nomination after Gov. Tim Walz ended his reelection campaign.

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Kendall Qualls, who has been emphasizing his political outsider status in his campaign for Minnesota governor, has picked a fellow businessman to fill out his Republican ticket.

Republican Qualls picks fellow businessman Nicholson to fill out Minnesota governor ticket

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