Paul Gazelka, Minnesota's highest ranking Republican office holder, is stepping down from his post as Senate Majority Leader, however, he's not quite ready to announce whether or not he's running for governor.
"Chad Hartman asked me that last week if I'm leaning for or against running for governor, and I said I am leaning towards running for governor," Gazelka told WCCO Radio's John Hines during the WCCO Radio Morning News on Wednesday. "I'm still in that place."
Gazelka said he has spent the last week talking with individuals at the Minnesota State Fair to hear what they believe is the next step for Minnesota.
"I want to get through that and then keep moving forward," he added. "That's where I'm at. I'm not trying to be coy. It's just as we're working through all the things I felt it was best to step aside as the leader of the senate, that there's too many things going on...I'm excited about the opportunities and I'm excited about what it could mean for Minnesota."
Gazelka confirmed to WCCO Radio that he is still leader until they vote in session again, but will transfer power to a new leader when that vote happens.
In an email to his colleagues on Wednesday, Gazelka wrote, "Five years ago, under bittersweet conditions, I was honored to be elected leader of the Senate Republican Caucus. I have those same bittersweet feelings today as I announce my intention to step aside as your leader."
As for as what's next, Gazelka added, "I plan to be part of that future success but look forward letting someone else take over serving as leader while I pursue the next chapter in my political life."
Gazelka's announcement came hours after State Senator Michelle Benson (R-Ham Lake) announced her campaign for Minnesota's 2022 gubernatorial race.
Benson will make a formal announcement Wednesday morning in Blaine.
Related
Gazelka's entire letter can be read below:
Members,
Five years ago, under bittersweet conditions, I was honored to be elected leader of the Senate Republican Caucus. I have those same bittersweet feelings today as I announce my intention to step aside as your leader.
Outside of my family life, and my faith in God, leading this caucus has been the most rewarding experience of my life. I am so grateful for what we’ve accomplished together:
Finding agreement on three consecutive budgets without raising taxes, over the strong objections of both Governors Mark Dayton and Tim Walz.
Cutting income tax rates for the first time in 20 years in addition to tax cuts for Social Security income and small business and agriculture property taxes.
Blocking an exhaustive list of policies pursued by the DFL that would have slowed the growth in our economy, taken away rights and freedoms and worst of all, harmed our families.
Growing the caucus from a razor-thin one vote majority in 2017 to a comfortable working majority through special election victories and by strategically attracting centrist Democrats to join our efforts.
Building a culture of respect in the organization – respect for members in both parties, staff, lobbyists and the public – solidifying our reputation as the “adults in the room.”
Raising and spending record amounts in the 2020 election, winning back-to-back Republican majorities in the Senate for the first time in history, even in the face of a strong Democratic wave.
These accomplishments were possible because we stuck to our principles and communicated directly with the people of Minnesota. Again, I’m so very grateful for the work we’ve accomplished together and believe the caucus is in a very strong position to be successful in the 2022 session and the subsequent election.
I plan to be a part of that future success but look forward to letting someone else take over serving as leader while I pursue the next chapter in my political life.
It has been an honor.
Sincerely,
Paul Gazelka