Published 11 hours ago • loading... • Updated 11 hours ago

Former Gov. Tim Pawlenty says 2026 is ‘the best chance’ for Republicans to win statewide office

Former Gov. Tim Pawlenty said the 2026 elections offer the best chance for Republicans to win statewide in Minnesota, stating this in emails and media appearances.
Pawlenty argues these outcomes will depend on Trump and Gov. Tim Walz's popularity, the economy, key consumer affordability, candidate quality, and a growing sense things are off track.
The GOP primary already features Mike Lindell, Lisa Demuth, Kristin Robbins, Chris Madel, Kendall Qualls and Scott Jensen, while Pawlenty notes he was the last statewide GOP victor in 2006.
While not ruling out office, Tim Pawlenty said he doubts he would secure his party endorsement, but his media appearances could shape GOP strategy for 2026.
The political climate is now more polarized than during Pawlenty's governorship, and he urged against stigmatizing Minnesota's Somali community amid fraud probes charging over 80 people.

Insights by Ground AI

14 Articles

Post Bulletin

+13 Reposted by 13 other sources

Center

Former Gov. Tim Pawlenty says 2026 is ‘the best chance’ for Republicans to win statewide office

ST. PAUL — Tim Pawlenty was the last Republican to win statewide office in 2006 after he was re-elected to his second term as Minnesota’s governor. The former governor thinks 2026 might be Minnesota Republicans’ “best chance” to achieve the same feat 20 years later, he told Forum News Service in November. The GOP race is crowded, with MyPillow founder Mike Lindell, Minnesota Speaker of the House Lisa Demuth, Minnesota Rep. Kristin Robbins, attor…

11 hours ago·Cherokee County, United States

Read Full Article

Think freely.Subscribe and get full access to Ground NewsSubscriptions start at $9.99/year