Lisa Demuth seeks Trump endorsement in Minnesota governor race

Lisa Demuth announced her candidacy for governor of Minnesota in the 2026 race. She is the current Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives, a Republican from Cold Spring, and represents District 13A. Demuth has held leadership roles since 2023 and became the state’s first Black speaker and first Republican woman speaker in 2025. Demuth is seeking the Republican nomination to challenge the open seat left by Governor Tim Walz, who ended his re-election bid in January 2026 after pursuing a third term. Her campaign emphasizes tax policy and election integrity, and she has publicly expressed hope for former President Donald Trump’s endorsement as she positions herself as an alternative to Walz. The announcement comes amid a legal case involving a woman who pleaded guilty to sending threatening voicemails to Demuth; the incident occurred less than nine months after House DFL Leader Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed in their home. The August 11, 2026 primary will determine her general election opponent, with the general election scheduled for November 3, 2026.

Demuth’s rise and current role

Lisa Demuth, a Republican from Cold Spring, has served as Minnesota House Speaker since 2025, becoming the first Black speaker and the first Republican woman to hold the position. She has led the House Republican caucus since 2023 and represents District 13A, which includes St. Joseph, Cold Spring, and parts of Stearns County. Her leadership has positioned her as a prominent figure within the GOP. Demuth is campaigning for the Republican nomination for governor in the 2026 election, emphasizing new leadership and plans targeting fraud and taxes. She has sought former President Donald Trump’s endorsement to bolster her bid against Governor Tim Walz. A recent threat case involving a woman who left threatening voicemails for Demuth ended with a no‑prison plea deal. The August 11 primary will determine her place on the general election ballot for November 3.

Campaign strategy and Trump endorsement bid

In January 2026, following Governor Tim Walz's decision not to seek a third term, Lisa Demuth launched a campaign for governor of Minnesota. As Speaker of the House and representative of District 13A, she has traveled the state promoting a platform focused on reducing election fraud and cutting taxes. Demuth has said she hopes to secure former President Donald Trump's endorsement to bolster her bid and prevent Walz's continued influence. She made these remarks during a Farmfest forum in 2026, appearing alongside Senator Amy Klobuchar, businessman Mike Lindell, and candidate Kendall Qualls. Demuth also told Newsmax that Minnesota needs new leadership. According to reports, she emphasized the urgency of her message in the final stretch of the campaign.

Threat case and legal backdrop

A 43-year-old woman pleaded guilty to sending threatening voicemails to House Speaker Lisa Demuth in 2026, court documents show. The case was filed less than nine months after House DFL Leader Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed at their home. Under a plea agreement, the woman avoided prison time, though the exact sentence was not disclosed. The episode has added a layer of personal risk to Demuth’s public service, highlighting the growing threats faced by state leaders. According to reports, the incident underscores the heightened security concerns surrounding political figures in Minnesota’s contested gubernatorial race.

Upcoming primary and general election

The Republican primary for governor is scheduled for August 11, 2026, with vote counting to be conducted by candidate and county. Demuth’s campaign has framed the race as a contest to prevent Walz from securing a third term. The general election is set for November 3, 2026, though the outcome remains uncertain pending primary results and potential endorsements.

The primary will be decided on August 11, 2026, with votes tallied by candidate and county across the Republican and Democratic fields. Demuth’s campaign has explicitly positioned the contest as a bid to block Tim Walz’s bid for a third term, emphasizing anti‑fraud and tax measures in the final stretch. Former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed less than nine months before the threat case against Demuth was filed. A 43‑year‑old woman pleaded guilty to sending threatening voicemails to Demuth, reaching a plea deal that spared her prison time. The race also includes a three‑way Republican primary, with Demuth appearing alongside Amy Klobuchar, Mike Lindell and Kendall Qualls at a Farmfest forum and telling Newsmax that Minnesota needs new leadership.

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