UPDATE: In a significant move, Minnesota Republican governor candidate Rep. Lisa Demuth has just announced Ryan Wilson as her lieutenant governor pick for the 2026 election. This announcement marks the first major contender in the race to secure a running mate, intensifying the competition against incumbent Gov. Tim Walz.
Demuth, who currently serves as the Speaker of the Minnesota House, revealed her choice for running mate in a press release on November 10, 2023. Wilson, an attorney with a recent political history, narrowly lost a Supreme Court race in 2022 and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to join Demuth on this pivotal campaign.
“I am honored that Speaker Demuth has asked me to serve as her running mate in this pivotal election to send Tim Walz into retirement,” Wilson stated. “Lisa is a proven fighter and leader. She’s the only candidate in this race who has stood up to Walz, stared him down, and won.”
Demuth officially launched her campaign last week and the duo is set to embark on a campaign tour across Minnesota starting this week, a critical step in gaining traction ahead of the election. Their strategy aims to galvanize support and energize Republican voters who are eager for change in state leadership.
Meanwhile, Gov. Tim Walz, the Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) incumbent, is vying for a third term and is currently deliberating on a potential running mate, with current Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan being a prominent figure in discussions.
As the political landscape heats up, all eyes will be on Demuth and Wilson as they navigate their campaign strategy and connect with voters. With the 2026 election approaching, their efforts could reshape Minnesota’s political future.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
