Scott Jensen drops GOP bid for governor to run for auditor
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Jensen lost to DFL Gov. Tim Walz in 2022. Photo: Torey Van Oot/Axios
GOP gubernatorial candidate Scott Jensen is pivoting to the state auditor's race.
Why it matters: It's the latest winnowing of a crowded field in the wake of last week's straw poll and fundraising reports.
- Both benchmarks showed House Speaker Lisa Demuth and 2022 candidate Kendall Qualls leading the pack.
The big picture: The open race for auditor could be one of the GOP's best shots at ending a two-decade statewide losing streak.
- The 2022 race was decided by just 8,435 votes — the slimmest margin of any statewide contest that year.
The outlook for the governor's race, meanwhile, shifted dramatically when Tim Walz dropped out and U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar stepped up in his place last month.
What he's saying: The 2022 GOP gubernatorial nominee, who came in a distant fourth in the recent straw poll, said in a video announcing his move Monday that he's confident another GOP candidate for governor will be "well-positioned to win in November."
- He said he chose to shift to the auditor's race because the state needs a stronger "watchdog" to tackle fraud and restore trust.
Between the lines: While fraud will likely be a hot topic in the race again, the office has limited authority and oversight when it comes to state programs.
- Instead, the job is largely focused on the finances of local entities, like towns, school districts and municipal liquor stores.
State of play: Jensen, a doctor who also served as a state senator, joins state Rep. Elliott Engen (R-Lino Lakes) in the GOP primary for auditor.
- Engen jeered Jensen's entrance in a social post, saying, "Perennial losers attempting to maintain political relevance isn't public service. It's desperation."
- State Rep. Dan Wolgamott, Fergus Falls Mayor Ben Schierer, Tonka Bay Mayor Adam Jennings and Duluth Council Member Zack Filipovich are running for the DFL nomination.
What we're watching: Who else drops from the GOP governor's race ahead of the May endorsing convention.