Democrat Tim Walz wins second term as Minnesota governor

State of play: Walz was challenged by Republican Scott Jensen, a physician and former state senator who garnered national attention for his controversial comments on COVID-19 and vaccines.

• Several minor party candidates were also on the ballot.

Driving the campaign: The Walz campaign and outside Democratic groups spent heavily on ads blasting Jensen for previously supporting an abortion ban.

• Meanwhile, Republicans criticized Walz over inflation, crime and pandemic closures of businesses, churches and schools.

Between the lines: Minnesota Republicans had initially hoped that a favorable political environment would give them a shot at winning the governor’s office for the first time since 2006.

• But Walz maintained an advantage in polls and on the airwaves. Most political handicappers had predicted a win for Democrats.

Catch up quick: Walz, a former teacher and football coach, served six terms representing a southern Minnesota congressional district before running for governor in 2018.

• He sought to present himself as a "steady hand" in challenging times as he ran for a second term.