Scott Jensen, who lost to Tim Walz in 2022, announces a new bid for Minnesota governor, criticizing state policies.

Scott Jensen Seeks Rematch Against Governor Tim Walz

Former Minnesota state senator Dr. Scott Jensen, who lost the state’s 2022 gubernatorial race, has officially announced his candidacy for governor once again. The Republican’s campaign was launched on Thursday with a video message sharply criticizing incumbent Governor Tim Walz and the direction of state politics under Democratic leadership.

“Two decades of liberal policies have made Minnesota too expensive, too dangerous, and thrown our culture outta whack. Tim Walz made it worse. A leader must take responsibility. Tim Walz didn’t. And so he shouldn’t be governor,” Jensen said in his announcement, pledging to offer Minnesotans a different path forward if elected.

Jensen previously ran for governor in 2022, entering the contest with the support of President Donald Trump. Trump’s endorsement, issued shortly before Election Day, called Jensen “strong on both fighting Crime and delivering Solid and Sensible Education.” The then-former president told Minnesotans that Jensen “will bring Minnesota back from the brink,” and promised that under his leadership “there won’t be any more fiery takeovers of police precincts.”

Walz’s Tenure and the 2026 Gubernatorial Race

Despite the endorsement, Jensen was ultimately defeated by Tim Walz, who secured a second consecutive term. Walz, a prominent Democrat, was also tapped last year to serve as then-Vice President Kamala Harris’s running mate during the 2024 presidential election. Under current state law, Minnesota governors are not limited by term, meaning Walz could seek re-election in the upcoming cycle if he chooses to run.

The announcement sets the stage for a high-profile rematch in Minnesota’s gubernatorial contest, with state policy, crime, and education likely to remain at the center of debate. Jensen’s campaign signals a renewed effort by Republicans to reclaim the governorship and shift Minnesota’s political direction after two terms of Democratic leadership.

With the political spotlight returning to Minnesota, both parties are preparing for a contentious and closely watched race, as issues of governance, public safety, and affordability continue to shape the concerns of voters across the state. The upcoming election is poised to draw national attention, especially given recent political developments and the state’s history of competitive contests.