WINONA, Minn. – In an outstate campaign swing, gubernatorial candidate Paul Gazelka cited his experience as a solid reason for Republicans to choose him to take on Democratic incumbent Tim Walz in 2024. Although six Republicans have their hats in the ring, Gazelka singled out State Senator Michelle Bensen and former State Senator Scott Jensen as his primary opponents. Gazelka said his experience as Senate majority leader puts him ahead of Bensen and Jensen. In a KWNO interview, Gazelka leapfrogged over his long record partisanship. He called himself a collaborator. “People want to know that their government is going to work,” said Gazelka. “For Republicans, they want to know you’re going to stand for the principles they believe in. I can do both and that’s the only way Republicans are going to win in Minnesota.” Even so, his partisan instincts were in display in the interview. Gazelka said that Governor Tim Walz has led the state in wrong directions. He focused, as he has before, on Walz’s record on public safety going back to the George Floyd unrest. Police need to be recognized and appreciated for their work, he said. “Now in Minneapolis and St. Paul people definitely do not feel safe,” Gazelka said.
Earlier: Senate leader Gazelka seeks governor’s mansion
GOP gubernatorial field
>Michelle Bensen, five-term state senator from Ham Lake.
> Matt Birk, former Minnesota Vikings lineman from Mendota Heights.
> Paul Gazelka, Senate majority leader and insurance agent from East Gull Lake near Nisswa.
> Scott Jensen, a physician and former one-term state senator from Chaska.
> Mike Murphy, a shopkeeper with municipal experience in Lexington.
> Mike Lindell, the television pillow-hustler from Chaska.
> Neil Shah, a St. Anthony dermatologist.
> Thomas Evensted, an Edina paralegal and activist on jail reform
> Sammy McCarty, a Rosemount activist on marijuana reform.
> Mike Marti, owner of Marti Electric in Kasson.
Gazelka. Elected to House 2005, elected to Senate 2010, Senate majority leader since 2017.