Scott Jensen, unsuccessful 2022 challenger, announces another run for Minnesota governor, reigniting political debate as the Republican physician and former state senator launches his 2026 campaign with a promise to “bring Minnesota back.” Jensen, who lost to Democratic incumbent Tim Walz by nearly eight percentage points in the last election, made his announcement Thursday, declaring that the state needs leadership that prioritizes people over politics.
In a campaign video released online, Jensen said, “We remember the days when our communities were safe, our schools were strong, and our leaders put people—not politics—first. That’s the Minnesota we’re going to fight to bring back.” His slogan, “We want our Minnesota back,” echoes themes of nostalgia and conservative resurgence, positioning him as a champion of traditional values and fiscal restraint.
Jensen’s 2022 campaign was marked by controversy and bold positions, particularly on abortion, COVID-19 policies, and government spending. He gained national attention for questioning pandemic death counts and opposing mask mandates, which earned him both criticism and support. Former President Donald Trump endorsed Jensen during that race, although Jensen’s team claimed they did not actively seek the endorsement.
Despite losing to Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan—who secured 52.27% of the vote compared to Jensen and running mate Matt Birk’s 44.61%—Jensen remains a prominent figure in Minnesota’s Republican circles. His return to the political arena comes as Walz has yet to confirm whether he will seek a third term. Flanagan, meanwhile, has announced her candidacy for the U.S. Senate in 2026, leaving the Democratic ticket open for speculation.
Jensen’s campaign is expected to focus on crime, education, and economic policy, with sharp critiques of what he calls “two decades of liberal policies” that have made Minnesota “too expensive, too dangerous, and culturally unstable.” He also continues to challenge the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice, which investigated him over his COVID-19 views—a lawsuit he filed was dismissed earlier this year, but he has appealed.
The Republican field for 2026 is beginning to take shape. Jensen joins Kendall Qualls, an Army veteran and former healthcare executive, as the only major GOP contenders so far. Qualls narrowly lost the party’s endorsement to Jensen in 2022. Other potential candidates include state Rep. Kristin Robbins and attorney Chris Madel, though neither has formally declared.
Governor Walz, who ran unsuccessfully on the Democratic presidential ticket in 2024 alongside Kamala Harris, has hinted at confidence in his re-election chances. “If we run again, we will win,” Walz told the Minnesota Star Tribune last week. “I have the capacity to ramp up a campaign that would be bigger than anything that they would see.”
As the 2026 race heats up, Jensen’s re-entry adds momentum to a Republican base eager to reclaim statewide leadership after nearly two decades of Democratic dominance. His campaign will likely test whether Minnesota voters are ready for a shift in direction—or if they’ll reaffirm the status quo.
