WCCO Radio Political Analyst Blois Olson has learned the Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth (R - Cold Spring) plans to announce Sunday she's entering the Minnesota Governor's Race.
"Lisa Demuth, the Speaker of the House, a Republican, will release a video later today and hold a news conference tomorrow, announcing she will run for governor in 2026," Olson announced on his show, Sunday Take.
Demuth, who became Speaker in 2025 in a power-sharing agreement in a tied House, has been rumored to be entering the race for some time.
Current Governor Tim Walz has already announced he intends to seek an unprecedented third consecutive term in office.
It's already a bit crowded on the GOP side.Demuth enters a race that includes Rep. Kristin Robbins (Maple Grove), Dr. Scott Jensen who was defeated by Walz in 2022, and businessman Kendall Qualls.
"Demuth's announcement will will definitely create some buzz, but Kristen Robbins has a good head start, Kendall Qualls has a good head start, Scott Jensen has an inherent level of support," Olson says.
DeMuth and her status as Speaker certainly changes the race, Olson says.
"But its not clear how much considering Robbins has had success raising money and has had significant visibility as the Chair of the House Fraud Committee," Olson says, noting that the fraud issues have plagued Walz and the Democrats for a few years.
Olson also says this probably creates a much more difficult path to the GOP nomination for Qualls and Jensen - but they still have support within the party.
"Qualls has built some support among the grassroots activists within the GOP, but most observers sense he lacks the energy to build a broader support," says Olson. "The 2022 Republican nominee Scott Jensen has largely been absent from invites for forums, but still has a significant following within the party."
Olson also says expect Demuth to remain Speaker in the 2026 legislative session ahead of the full 2026 Election.
"Since becoming the leader, DeMuth has grown her confidence in the spotlight as the spokesperson for her caucus, she has also navigated the tie in the house with strength," says Olson. "One of the dynamics in holding unity within the GOP caucus included receiving a standing ovation once the final deal with DFLers and Gov. Tim Walz was agreed to."
DeMuth is the first Black person and the first female Republican to become Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives. If she is elected governor, she would also be the first female and Black person to hold that office in Minnesota.