Overview
- Jensen announced the switch in a video, saying Minnesota needs to "declare war on waste, fraud, and abuse" and a government watchdog to rebuild trust.
- In last week’s GOP precinct caucus straw poll, he drew about 7%, trailing House Speaker Lisa Demuth at 32% and Kendall Qualls at 25%, according to official results.
- The state auditor reviews local governments’ finances, while audits of state-run programs at the center of recent fraud scandals fall to the Office of the Legislative Auditor.
- The open contest follows Auditor Julie Blaha’s decision not to seek reelection, with declared candidates including Republican Rep. Elliott Engen and DFL Rep. Dan Wolgamott.
- Jensen’s departure further narrows the Republican gubernatorial field, where Demuth, Qualls and Mike Lindell are viewed as leading contenders after recent withdrawals.