Ex-Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka Announces His Run For Governor

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MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO/AP) — Former Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka has announced his run to replace DFL Gov. Tim Walz Wednesday.

“Tim Walz says he wants ‘One Minnesota,’ but I’ve never seen Minnesotans more divided, angry and afraid than they are today. It’s the failed leadership of Tim Walz that’s so recklessly endangered our state,” Gazelka said Wednesday morning. “The question is, is that the road we want to go down?”

The GOP senator stepped down from his leadership role last week, in what was widely seen as a step toward a campaign.

Gazelka has frequently attacked Walz for his handling of the coronavirus pandemic. He’s also sought to make public safety a central issue.

“His inexcusable absence of leadership during the riots endangered countless families, businesses and communities,” Gazelka said.

Paul Gazelka (credit: CBS)

State Sen. Michelle Benson announced her bid last week to be the Republican nominee next November. She joins former state senator and physician Scott Jensen and dermatologist Neil Shah, as well as Mike Marti, Mike Murphy and Bob Carney Jr.

Gov. Walz has not said whether he will run for re-election, but on Wednesday he highlighted his COVID-19 record as a central campaign issue.

Gov. Tim Walz says he wishes @paulgazelka well in bid for #mngov, & welcomes his COVID record as a central campaign issue:
“I think if that’s a referendum on that, I’m quite comfortable talking about how we handled this versus sitting on the sidelines and denying science.” pic.twitter.com/wNCysC9QyK
— Caroline Cummings (@CaroRCummings) September 8, 2021

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

The Minnesota DFL chair Ken Martin issued a statement Wednesday morning:

“While in office, Paul Gazelka attacked voting rights, worked to limit access to health care, blocked meaningful criminal justice reform, and refused to call for the resignation of Minnesota GOP Chairwoman Jennifer Carnahan after countless reports of her abusive leadership came to light. The last thing Minnesotans need is someone who prioritizes their own political interests over the working people of this state.”

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