Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth, a Republican, declared her candidacy for the Republican gubernatorial nomination on Monday to challenge Gov. Tim Walz in 2026. “Minnesota is worth fighting for — that’s why I’m announcing today that I’m running for Governor,” Demuth wrote on X.

Demuth has emerged as a leading contender in the Republican primary, alongside Rep. Kristin Robbins, former state senator Scott Jensen, and former MMA fighter Brad Kohler. Another potential candidate, Mypillow CEO Mike Lindell, announced he reestablished his Minnesota residency as he considers a gubernatorial bid.

Walz, the current governor, confirmed his reelection campaign in mid-September. Demuth emphasized her opposition to Walz’s leadership, stating in a press release, “Minnesota faces a critical juncture and urgently requires fresh leadership following two terms under Tim Walz. As House Speaker, I stand as the only candidate in this field who has directly opposed Tim Walz, and I’m confident in my ability to unite the Republican Party and secure victory in 2026.”

Demuth, a small business owner and former ROCORI School Board member, highlighted her legislative experience. She also noted her historic achievement as the first Black legislator and first Republican woman elected as Minnesota House Speaker.

In her campaign platform, Demuth pledged to “combat wasteful spending, eliminate fraud, and stop what I view as Democrat giveaways for illegal immigrants,” while prioritizing education reform, infrastructure investment, and business-friendly policies. She criticized Walz’s record, citing rising crime, poor student performance, and mismanaged state finances. “By any standard, Tim Walz has let Minnesota down,” she said.