Live: DFLers and Republicans are endorsing candidates for governor, U.S. Senate and other statewide races

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Minnesota Republicans are considering whom to endorse in the race for governor Saturday morning in Duluth.

Six candidates are contending for the endorsement: House Speaker Lisa Demuth, businessman Kendall Qualls, MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell, Phillip Parrish, Minister John Krhin and food processing company CEO Patrick Knight.

As the candidates spoke to delegates, Demuth said that in her role as speaker of the tied Minnesota House, she’d blocked gun restrictions and limited state spending. She pitched the delegates on her campaign to “de-Walz” the state referring to the changes Gov. Tim Walz made during his two terms in office.

“Today you're going to hear a lot about labels such as an insider or an outsider. Well, labels don't win elections, actions and results do,” Demuth said. “And I am the only candidate for governor that's a tested fighter and proven winner. 

Kendall Qualls, a businessman, told delegates he could wipe out fraud in state programs. He urged Republicans to join him in the “rescue mission.”

“Will we finally end 20 years of statewide defeat? We’ve tried politician after politician, insider after insider,” Qualls said. “People from around the country are hoping that we summon the courage to try something different, choose a different type of leader, a political outsider.” 

Mike Lindell, a staunch ally of President Donald Trump, told the crowd that he was an anti-establishment candidate. And he said that his national network could help break a statewide office losing streak for Minnesota Republicans.

“One of the excerpts in my book says, ‘I dedicate the book to all of you needing hope.’ Well, right now we know Minnesota is looking for hope,” Lindell said, noting he’d purchased copies of his autobiography for more than a thousand delegates.

“Picking an established candidate has not won in 24 years. We have to win now,” he continued. “People have told me they're leaving Minnesota if we don't win this time.” 

Phillip Parrish accused Democrats of “thieving and grifting” while in control of state government. He said his campaign could help reset the state.

“The message is very clear. This is not about right and left anymore. This is about right versus wrong,” Parrish told the delegates.

Minister John Krhin leaned into his faith as he made his pitch.

“By God's grace, I will lead this charge and do my best to lead Minnesota. By God's light, please prayerfully cast your vote for the nomination for John Krhin,” he said.

His backers held up flashlights shrouded with paper that looked like lanterns as Krhin closed out his remarks.

Patrick Knight, CEO of a food processing company, said he’d use his business and military background serving in the Marines, if elected.

“I made hard decisions and delivered meaningful results, and that's what we need now, not a politician, not a manager, not a personality. A leader will work with you to turn this state around and get us back on track,” Knight said. “After 20 years in the wilderness, it's time for the Republicans to step up and lead this state.”

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Dana Ferguson

Author

Minnesota Republicans gathered in Duluth over the weekend to endorse candidates. Their final choice was in the race for governor on Saturday.

Minnesota Republicans weigh endorsement in governor’s race

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