ALBERT LEA,Minn. — A lot of folks want to send Tim Walz packing as Minnesota governor. Veteran state legislaor Peggy Bennett o of Albet Lea has announced her — the 11th Republican to do so. Walz is the only Democrat running so far. He’s seeking a third term. At the Capitol Bennett carries a handgun. Bennett is a retired school teacher. She taught first grade for 33 years. Her House District 23-A includes parts of Faribault, Freeborn, Steele and Wascea counties. She was first elected 12 years ago.
Bennett. Endorsed Florida Senator Marco Rubio, not Donald Trump, for president in 2016. She made no primary endorsements in 2020 or 2024. Age 67.
Electoral history
2014: Bennett defeated Democrat Thomas Keith Price 53% to 29% from House 27-A.
2016: Defeated Gary Schindler 61% to 37%.
2018: Defeated Terry Gjervik 56% to 43%.
2020: Defeated Thomas Martinez 63% to 36%.
2022: Defeated Ma Hinenkamp 65% to 34% in renumbered House District 23-A.
2024: Defeated Joe Staloch 67% to 32%.
Legislative history
On House Education Policy Committee. In 2018 Bennett authored legislation to help foster children in from being separated from their siblings. She supported legislation increasing fines on protestors who block freeways. During the CoVid pandemic she opposed vaccine mandates. She opposes gay rights. Aligns with conservative view that emphasizes biological sex over individual gender identity choice.
GOP gubernatorial field
> Peggy Bennett: State Representative of Albert Lea.
> Lisa Demuth: Speaker of the Minnesota House.
> Mike Lindell: MyPillow owner, vocal ally of Donald Trump.
> Scott Jensen: A physician and former state senator, 2022 OP nominee for governor.
> Jeff Johnson: Former St. Cloud City Council member.
> Brad Kohler: Retired mixed martial arts fighter.
> Patrick Knight: Chief executive of Good Sense Foods and former Marine.
> Chris Madel: A prominent Minneapolis defense attorney.
> Kendall Qualls: Army veteran and former healthcare executive.
> Phillip Parrish: Retired Naval intelligence officer.
> Kristin Robbins: State representative, chair of the House Fraud Prevention Committee.