2022 Minnesota gubernatorial election

• Tim Walz, incumbent governor and former U.S. representative for Minnesota's 1st congressional district (2007–2019){{Cite web|url=https://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2021/02/02/preparing-for-2022-gubernatorial-election-walz-campaign-boasts-record-fundraising/|title=Preparing For Re-Election Push, Walz Campaign Announces It's Hiring Staff, Breaking Fundraising Records|date=2020-02-02|website=WCCO-TV|access-date=2020-06-28}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2021/10/19/gov-walz-running-for-reelection|title=Gov. Walz makes it official: He's running for a second term|website=MPR News|date=October 19, 2021 }}
• Peggy Flanagan, incumbent lieutenant governor

• Ole Savior, perennial candidate{{cite web|url=https://candidates.sos.state.mn.us/CandidateFilingResults.aspx?county=&municipality=&schooldistrict=&hospitaldistrict=&level=1&party=0&federal=False&judicial=False&executive=True&senate=False&representative=False&title=&office=0&candidateid=0|title=Candidate Filings – 2022 State General Election|access-date=10 Jun 2022}}{{cite web|url=http://olesavior.org/|title=olesavior.org|access-date=10 Jun 2022}}
• Julia M. Parker

[[File:2022 Minnesota gubernatorial Democratic–Farmer–Labor primary election results map by county.svg|thumb|250px|Results by county:

{{collapsible list

| title = {{legend|#7996E2|Walz}}

| {{legend|#3933E5|80–90%}}

| {{legend|#0D0596|90–100%}}

}}

]]

{{Election box begin no change

| title = Democratic–Farmer–Labor primary results{{cite web |title=2022 State Canvassing Board Certificate State Primary and State of Minnesota Canvassing Report |url=https://officialdocuments.sos.state.mn.us/Files/GetDocument/132932 |website=Minnesota Secretary of State}}}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

| party = Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party

| candidate = Tim Walz (incumbent)

| votes = 416,973

| percentage = 96.54%}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

| party = Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party

| candidate = Ole Savior

| votes = 14,950

| percentage = 3.46%}}

{{Election box total no change

| votes = 431,923

| percentage = 100.0%}}

{{Election box end}}

• Scott Jensen, family medicine physician and former state senator{{Cite web|url=https://www.kare11.com/amp/article/news/politics/race-is-tight-as-minnesota-gop-picks-candidate/89-f9a67df8-05b5-4bd2-bad9-80fa564cfa13|title=Jensen wins GOP endorsement for Minnesota governor|quote=All had pledged to honor the party’s endorsement and forego the right to run in the Aug. 9 GOP primary, assuming there was no deadlock.|last=Croman|first=John|date=2020-05-14|website=Kare11|access-date=2020-05-14}}
• Matt Birk, former professional football player with the Minnesota Vikings, businessman, and author{{Cite web |date=2022-03-04 |title=Super Bowl Champ to be Jensen's running mate for MN governor |url=https://www.kaaltv.com/minnesota-news/super-bowl-champ-to-be-jensenrsquos-running-mate-for-mn-governor/6410361/ |access-date=2022-03-05 |website=ABC 6 NEWS |language=en}}

• Bob "Again" Carney Jr., candidate for U.S. Senate in 2020{{cite web|title=Vote Bob Again|url=https://www.votebobagain.com|access-date=10 Jun 2022}}
• Captain Jack Sparrow, perennial candidate
• Joyce Lynne Lacey{{cite web|url=https://joycelacey.com/|title=Joyce Lacey for Governor|access-date=10 Jun 2022}}
• Kent Edwards

• Michelle Benson, state senator{{Cite web |last=Tribune |first=Emma Nelson Star |title=Michelle Benson bows out of Minnesota governor's race |url=https://www.startribune.com/michelle-benson-bows-out-of-minnesota-governors-race/600169209/ |access-date=2022-04-29 |website=Star Tribune}}
• Thomas Evensted, activist{{Cite news|last=Bourke|first=Theresa|date=September 13, 2021|title=Scott Jensen visits Brainerd, addresses anti-mask supporters at NP Center|work=Brainerd Dispatch|url=https://www.brainerddispatch.com/news/government-and-politics/7192039-Scott-Jensen-visits-Brainerd-addresses-anti-mask-supporters-at-NP-Center|url-status=live|access-date=December 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210913144221/https://www.brainerddispatch.com/news/government-and-politics/7192039-Scott-Jensen-visits-Brainerd-addresses-anti-mask-supporters-at-NP-Center|archive-date=September 13, 2021}}
• Paul Gazelka, state senator and former majority leader of the Minnesota Senate{{cite web|date=February 8, 2021|title=Gazelka on run for governor: "I'm at least considering it."|url=https://www.audacy.com/wccoradio/news/local/gazelka-on-run-for-governor-im-at-least-considering-it|website=WCCO}}{{Cite web |title=Benson running for Minnesota governor; Gazelka resigns as majority leader |url=https://www.kimt.com/content/news/Benson-running-for-Minnesota-governor-Gazelka-resigns-as-majority-leader-575219881.html |access-date=2021-09-01 |website=KIMT News |date=September 2021 |language=en}}{{Cite web|title=Gazelka enters race for governor|url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2021/09/08/gazelka-run-for-governor|access-date=2021-09-08|website=MPR News|date=September 8, 2021 }}
• Mike Marti, businessman{{cite web |title=Mike Marti to Suspend Campaign for Governor |url=https://www.facebook.com/MikeMartiforMinnesota/posts/211860051108393 |website=Facebook.com |publisher=Mike Marti |access-date=December 13, 2021 |date=December 13, 2021 |quote=Thank you to everyone who has supported our campaign. While I have enjoyed campaigning across our beautiful state and getting to know so many of the delegates, I feel it is best at this time to suspend my campaign for Governor.}}
• Mike Murphy, mayor of Lexington{{Cite news|last=Pugmire|first=Tim|date=December 8, 2021|title=Five GOP candidates for governor say they've had COVID-19|work=MPR News|url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2021/12/08/five-gop-candidates-for-governor-say-theyve-had-covid19|url-status=live|access-date=December 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211209014832/https://www.mprnews.org/story/2021/12/08/five-gop-candidates-for-governor-say-theyve-had-covid19|archive-date=December 9, 2021}}
• Kendall Qualls, Army veteran, businessman, and Republican nominee for Minnesota's 3rd congressional district in 2020{{Cite web|url=https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2022/01/09/kendall-qualls-minnesota-governor-bid-tim-walz|title=Another candidate enters race for Minnesota governor|first=Torey |last=Van Oot|date=January 9, 2022|website=Axios}}{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/Stowydad/status/1525660143194710018|title=Just in: @KQforMN won't go to primary. He says he'll "transition back to private life." #mngov}}
• Neil Shah, physician and business owner
• Rich Stanek, former Hennepin County Sheriff{{Cite web|date=2022-02-01|title=Former Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek Running For Governor|url=https://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2022/02/01/rich-stanek-running-for-governor/|access-date=2022-02-01|language=en-US}}{{cite news|title=Stanek, Hepola drop out of race for Minnesota governor|url=https://www.minnpost.com/glean/2022/06/stanek-hepola-drop-out-of-race-for-minnesota-governor/|date=1 Jun 2022|access-date=10 Jun 2022|website=MinnPost}}

• Rob Barrett, businessman, activist and candidate for the U.S. Senate in 2020{{Cite web|url=https://www.robbarrettforsenate.com/|title=Home|website=Rob Barrett, Jr.|access-date=March 11, 2021|archive-date=January 17, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220117142751/https://www.robbarrettforsenate.com/|url-status=dead}}
• Matt Birk, former Minnesota Vikings player{{Cite web|date=2020-12-01|title=Former Viking Matt Birk having early conversations about Minnesota Gubernatorial run|url=https://www.radio.com/wccoradio/news/local/former-viking-matt-birk-thinking-about-run-for-mn-gov|access-date=2020-12-05|website=WCCO|language=en}}{{cite tweet |last=Jensen |first=Scott |user=drscottjensen |number=1386412195320373251 |date=April 25, 2021 |title=We're so honored to have Vikings legend and Super Bowl Champion @BirkMatt and Adrianna Birk join our growing team! They will become our campaign chairs and help us shape education in Minnesota. We couldn't be more thrilled! JOIN our WINNING Team: https://t.co/lgi6f9NIVp #MNGov https://t.co/OdWUvp3ZkM |language=en |access-date=May 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210425201033/https://twitter.com/drscottjensen/status/1386412195320373251 |archive-date=April 25, 2021 |url-status=live}} (endorsed Jensen and became his running mate){{Cite web|url=https://drscottjensen.com/matt-birk-scott-jensen/|title = Join Matt Birk and Dr. Scott Jensen!}}
• Jennifer Carnahan, former chair of the Minnesota Republican Party (2017–2021) and widow of U.S. Representative Jim Hagedorn{{Cite web|last=Desmond|first=Declan|title=Ousted MN GOP chair mulls return to politics, possible run for governor|url=https://bringmethenews.com/minnesota-news/ousted-mn-gop-chair-mulls-return-to-politics-possible-run-for-governor|access-date=2021-09-08|website=Bring Me The News|date=September 5, 2021 |language=en}} (unsuccessfully ran for Congress in a 2022 special election)
• Karin Housley, state senator and nominee for the U.S. Senate in 2018{{Cite web |last=Montemayor |first=Stephen |date=2020-01-23 |title=MyPillow inventor open to speculation about 2022 bid for Minnesota governor |url=http://www.startribune.com/mypillow-inventor-open-to-speculation-about-2022-bid-for-governor/567232052/ |access-date=2020-01-24 |website=Star Tribune}} (ran for reelection){{Cite web |title=I'm excited to run for re-election!|author=@KarinHousley|url=https://twitter.com/karinhousley/status/1493683636096405505 |access-date=2022-03-08 |website=Twitter |language=en}}
• Mike Lindell, inventor of My Pillow, businessman{{cite web|title=GOP field for 2022 Minnesota governor's race already taking shape|date=January 3, 2021|url=https://www.startribune.com/gop-field-for-governor-next-year-already-taking-shape/600006424/|website=StarTribune|author=Stephen Montemayor}}{{Cite web|url=https://bringmethenews.com/minnesota-news/mypillows-mike-lindell-asked-about-governor-run-on-kimmel-i-wouldnt-run-for-dogcatcher-right-now|title=On Kimmel, MyPillow's Lindell says 'I wouldn't run for dogcatcher right now'|first=Joe|last=Nelson|website=Bring Me The News|date=April 29, 2021 }}
• Carla Nelson, state senator{{Cite web|last=Keen|first=Judy|title=Jason Lewis to challenge Tina Smith for U.S. Senate seat|url=https://www.startribune.com/jason-lewis-to-challenge-tina-smith-for-u-s-senate-seat/557874562/|date=August 22, 2019|access-date=2021-04-26|website=Star Tribune|language=en}} (ran for reelection){{cite news |last1=Ferguson |first1=Dana |title=State Sen. Carla Nelson won't seek 1st District seat left vacant after Jim Hagedorn death |url=https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/minnesota/state-sen-carla-nelson-wont-seek-1st-district-seat-left-vacant-after-jim-hagedorn-death |publisher=Duluth News Tribune |date=February 21, 2022 |access-date=February 22, 2022}}
• Pete Stauber, U.S. representative for Minnesota's 8th congressional district (ran for reelection){{Cite web|url=https://www.startribune.com/rep-stauber-isn-t-ruling-out-statewide-run/600025443/|title=Rep. Stauber 'keeping all options open' regarding Minnesota governor bid|first1=Patrick|last1=Condon|date=February 20, 2021|website=Star Tribune}}{{Cite web|date=2021-03-13|title=Republican Rep. Pete Stauber says he won't run for Minnesota governor in 2022|url=https://kstp.com/politics/republican-rep-pete-stauber-not-running-for-minnesota-governor-in-2022/6041669/|access-date=2021-03-14|website=KSTP-TV|language=en|archive-date=2021-03-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210314152028/https://kstp.com/politics/republican-rep-pete-stauber-not-running-for-minnesota-governor-in-2022/6041669/|url-status=dead}}

The caucuses took place on February 1, 2022. A caucus is a local meeting where all who intend to vote for the Republican Party are able to select their precinct leadership, participate in a straw poll for governor, write and pass resolutions, and elect delegates to their local Basic Political Organizational Unit (BPOU). Those who were not elected BPOU delegates could become alternates and fill in for delegates who cannot attend the BPOU convention.{{cite web |title=Action Center |url=https://www.mngop.com/action-center/ |website=mngop.com |publisher=Minnesota GOP |access-date=March 22, 2022 |archive-date=March 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220318172443/https://www.mngop.com/action-center/ |url-status=dead }}

A BPOU has boundaries based on the county or state senate district a voter resides in. The majority of these took place in March 2022. Elected delegates of each BPOU attended a convention relating to their district to vote on the resolutions passed at the caucus, complete party business, listen to candidates, and elect delegates to the state convention and their corresponding U.S. House District convention.

The Republican State Convention was held on May 13–14, 2022, in Rochester. 2,200 delegates were elected statewide to decide the Minnesota Republican Party's endorsement in all statewide offices. The endorsed candidate receives the party's backing, including money and resources, ahead of the August 9 primary.{{cite web |title=MN GOP to Host 2022 State Convention in Rochester |url=https://www.mngop.com/2021/08/11/mn-gop-to-host-2022-state-convention-in-rochester/ |website=mngop.com |publisher=Minnesota GOP |access-date=March 22, 2022 |date=August 11, 2021 |archive-date=February 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220216182250/https://www.mngop.com/2021/08/11/mn-gop-to-host-2022-state-convention-in-rochester/ |url-status=dead }} Only one Republican, incumbent governor Arne Carlson in 1994, has won the primary without the party's endorsement. (Two Democrats, Mark Dayton and Tim Walz, won the Democratic primary against endorsed candidates.)

At the convention, Scott Jensen won the endorsement with 65% of the vote on the ninth ballot, defeating Kendall Qualls. Mike Murphy, Paul Gazelka, and Neil Shah were eliminated on earlier ballots. All the candidates who contested the endorsement pledged to forego the primary if not endorsed.{{cite news|title=Scott Jensen wins Republican endorsement for governor at dramatic state convention

|url=https://www.minnpost.com/state-government/2022/05/scott-jensen-wins-republican-endorsement-for-governor-at-dramatic-state-gop-convention/|date=May 14, 2022|website=MinnPost|access-date=10 Jun 2022}}

Qualls soon honored his pledge by announcing his plans to "return to private life."{{cite news|title=Minnesota candidate for governor Scott Jensen wins GOP endorsement|url=https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2022/05/15/scott-jensen-republican-endorsement-minnesota|date=May 15, 2022|access-date=10 Jun 2022|website=Axios|last=Van Oot|first=Torey}} Rich Stanek, the only major candidate who did not compete for the endorsement, did not file for the primary, leaving Jensen without major opposition. He faced two minor candidates in the August primary.

{{Endorsements box

| title = Scott Jensen

| list =

Newspapers

• Dassel-Cokato Enterprise Dispatch
• Delano Herald-Journal
• Winsted Herald-Journal{{Cite web|date=2022-02-11|title=Choosing our next governor - There's hope for better days - An Endorsement of Scott Jensen for Governor -- Herald-Journal|url=http://herald-journal.com/archives/2022/columns/Gov_Jensen.pdf|access-date=2022-02-11|language=en}}

Organizations

• Stand for Health Freedom{{Cite web|url=https://standforhealthfreedom.com/vhf/jensen/|title=Dr. Scott Jensen for Minnesota Governor | Stand For Health Freedom|date=November 17, 2021}}

}}

[[File:2022 Minnesota gubernatorial Republican primary election results map by county.svg|thumb|250px|Results by county:

{{collapsible list

| title = {{legend|#E27F7F|Jensen}}

| {{legend|#D72F30|70–80%}}

| {{legend|#C21B18|80–90%}}

| {{legend|#A80000|90–100%}}

}}]]

{{Election box begin no change

| title = Republican primary results}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

| party = Republican Party of Minnesota

| candidate = Scott Jensen

| votes = 288,499

| percentage = 89.31%}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

| party = Republican Party of Minnesota

| candidate = Joyce Lynne Lacey

| votes = 21,308

| percentage = 6.60%}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

| party = Republican Party of Minnesota

| candidate = Bob "Again" Carney Jr.

| votes = 13,213

| percentage = 4.09%}}

{{Election box total no change

| votes = 323,020

| percentage = 100.0%}}

{{Election box end}}

• Steve Patterson, anti-lockdown activist
• Matt Huff

• Darrell Paulsen, business consultant, nominee for lieutenant governor in 1998
• Edwin Engelmann, nominee for lieutenant governor in 2010

[[File:2022 Minnesota gubernatorial Grassroots-Legalize Cannabis primary election results map by county.svg|thumb|250x250px|Results by county:{{collapsible list

| title = {{legend|#73BC84|Patterson}}|{{legend|#73BC84|50–60%}}|{{legend|#3FA457|60–70%}}|{{legend|#008C21|70–80%}}|{{legend|#006E1A|80–90%}}|{{legend|#005113|90–100%}}}}{{collapsible list

| title = {{legend|#C0A32F|Paulsen}}|{{legend|#C0A32F|50–60%}}|{{legend|#A88600|60–70%}}|{{legend|#907300|70–80%}}|{{legend|#735C00|80–90%}}|{{legend|#564500|90–100%}}

}}{{legend|#808080|No votes}}]]

{{Election box begin no change

| title = Grassroots–Legalize Cannabis primary results}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

| party = Grassroots–Legalize Cannabis Party

| candidate = Steve Patterson

| votes = 1,003

| percentage = 59.14%}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

| party = Grassroots–Legalize Cannabis Party

| candidate = Darrell Paulsen

| votes = 693

| percentage = 40.86%}}

{{Election box total no change

| votes = 1,696

| percentage = 100.00%}}

{{Election box end}}

• James McCaskel, community organizer and BLM activist{{Cite news|last=Dryden|first=Dené|date=September 8, 2021|title=Sen. Gazelka Stops in St. Cloud Hours After Announcing Gubernatorial Campaign|work=KNSI|url=https://knsiradio.com/2021/09/08/sen-gazelka-stops-in-st-cloud-hours-after-announcing-gubernatorial-campaign/|url-status=live|access-date=October 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210909073809/https://knsiradio.com/2021/09/08/sen-gazelka-stops-in-st-cloud-hours-after-announcing-gubernatorial-campaign/|archive-date=September 9, 2021}}
• David Sandbeck, activist and candidate for Minnesota's 4th congressional district in 2020

• Chris Wright, perennial candidate
• L.C. Lawrence Converse

[[File:2022 Minnesota gubernatorial Legal Marijuana Now primary election results map by county.svg|thumb|250x250px|Results by county:{{collapsible list

| title = {{legend|#d79346|McCaskel}}|{{legend|#d79346|50–60%}}|{{legend|#c56900|60–70%}}|{{legend|#b25f00|70–80%}}|{{legend|#904d00|80–90%}}|{{legend|#6e3b00|90–100%}}}}{{collapsible list

| title = {{legend|#c88fe4|Wright}}|{{legend|#c88fe4|50–60%}}|{{legend|#b368d9|60–70%}}|{{legend|#9d40cc|70–80%}}|{{legend|#7c31a2|80–90%}}|{{legend|#5c2378|90–100%}}

}}{{legend|#808080|No votes}}]]

{{Election box begin no change|title=Legal Marijuana Now primary results}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change|party=Legal Marijuana Now Party|candidate=James McCaskel|votes=1,461|percentage=51.86%}}{{Election box candidate with party link no change|party=Legal Marijuana Now Party|candidate=Chris Wright|votes=1,356|percentage=48.14%}}{{Election box total no change|votes=2,817|percentage=100.0%}}{{Election box end}}

• Gabrielle M. Prosser, restaurant worker (Socialist Workers)
• Kevin A. Dwire, perennial candidate
• Hugh McTavish, scientist, entrepreneur and author{{Cite web |title=Minnesota scientist cites COVID shutdowns in governor bid |url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2022/04/07/minnesota-scientist-cites-covid-shutdowns-in-governor-bid |access-date=2022-04-08 |website=MPR News |date=April 7, 2022 |language=en}} (Independence-Alliance Party)
• Mike Winter, commercial driver, podcast host, Teamster Union steward and candidate for mayor of Minneapolis in 2021

• Cory Hepola, former WCCO Radio host{{Cite web |last=Uren |first=Adam |title=Andrew Yang-backed Cory Hepola abandons gubernatorial bid |url=https://bringmethenews.com/minnesota-news/cory-hepola-abandons-bid-to-become-minnesota-governor |access-date=2022-05-31 |website=Bring Me The News |date=May 31, 2022 |language=en}} (Forward Party)
• Tamara Uselman, school administrator{{cite web|url=https://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2022/05/17/cory-hepola-names-school-administrator-uselman-as-running-mate/|title=Cory Hepola Names School Administrator Uselman As Running Mate|date=2022-05-17|website=WCCO-TV}}
• Brandon Millholland-Corcoran{{cite web |title=Brandon Millholland-Corcoran renounces candidacy for First Congressional District |url=https://www.keyc.com/2022/03/07/brandon-millholland-corcoran-renounces-candidacy-first-congressional-district/ |website=KEYC |date=March 7, 2022}}

• Tom Bakk, state senator and DFL candidate for governor in 2010{{Cite web|url=https://minnesotareformer.com/2021/02/11/after-decamping-from-senate-dfl-bakk-finds-himself-back-in-the-middle-of-state-politics/|title=After decamping from Senate DFL, Bakk finds himself back in the middle of state politics|date=February 11, 2021}}
• Christopher Chamberlin, candidate for governor, Senate, and House in 2018{{Cite web|url=https://ballotpedia.org/Christopher_Chamberlin|title=Christopher Chamberlin|website=Ballotpedia}}
• Richard Painter, University of Minnesota Law School professor, former chief White House ethics lawyer, and DFL candidate for U.S. Senate in 2018 (ran for Congress){{cite tweet |last=Painter |first=Richard |author-link=Richard Painter |user=RWPUSA |number=1371467335597490176 |date=March 15, 2021 |title=Minnesota's government has been corrupted by money. Sulfide mining companies want to destroy the Lake Superior watershed and Boundary Waters. @Tim_Walz won't stop them. That's why I'm exploring an independent reform ticket run for governor. We're fed up! https://t.co/GJ5bEtPiNJ |language=en |access-date=May 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210315142520/https://twitter.com/RWPUSA/status/1371467335597490176 |archive-date=March 15, 2021 |url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.kttc.com/2022/02/24/richard-painter-dfl-announces-mn-01-candidacy/|title=Richard Painter announces MN-01 candidacy|first=Sean|last=Morawczynski|website=www.kttc.com|date=February 24, 2022 }}

{{Endorsements box

|title= Cory Hepola (withdrew)

|colwidth =

|list=

Organizations

• Forward Party{{Cite web |url=https://www.mic.com/impact/cory-hepola-minnesota-governor-forward-party-andrew-yang|title=Minnesota's third-party governor hopeful is the most "vibes-only" candidate ever|date=March 15, 2022}}

}}

The election's central issues were the economy, rising crime, Walz's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, education, and abortion access following the Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade.

Walz campaigned on his first-term accomplishments, such as middle-class tax cuts, while making abortion rights a prominent focus of the campaign and attacking Jensen on abortion and his COVID-19 skepticism. Jensen attacked Walz over his COVID-19 policies, crime in the Twin Cities, inflation and gas prices, and education performance.{{Cite web|url= https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/minnesota/where-minnesota-gubernatorial-candidates-stand-on-core-issues | title= Where Minnesota gubernatorial candidates stand on core issues| date= October 13, 2022}}

Jensen was criticized for promoting the hoax that schools provided litter boxes to students who identify as furries.{{Cite web |first=Andrew |last=Mullin |date=2022-01-25 |title=Andrew Mullin: Recent Midland 'furry' scare is transphobia in disguise |url=https://www.ourmidland.com/opinion/voices/article/OPINION-Recent-Midland-furry-scare-is-16800801.php |access-date=2023-01-01 |website=Midland Daily News |language=en-US}}{{Cite web|url= https://www.fox9.com/news/scott-jensen-faces-criticism-for-repeating-hoax-that-schools-are-installing-litter-boxes | title= Scott Jensen faces criticism for repeating hoax that schools are installing litter boxes| date= October 3, 2022}}

{{Endorsements box

| title = Tim Walz (DFL)

| columns = 3

| list =

Executive branch officials

• Kamala Harris, 49th vice president of the United States{{Cite web|url=https://www.fox9.com/news/vp-kamala-harris-talks-reproductive-rights-meets-gov-walz-in-twin-cities|title=VP Kamala Harris talks reproductive rights, meets Gov. Walz in Twin Cities|first=Mary|last=McGuire|date=October 22, 2022|website=FOX 9}}
• Barack Obama, 44th president of the United States{{cite web | url=https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/barack-obama-endorses-tim-walz-minnesota-governors-race/89-41f96bae-8214-4b3f-a113-893750e98e2b | title=Obama endorses Walz in Minnesota governor's race | date=November 2, 2022 }}

U.S. senators

• Amy Klobuchar, U.S. senator from Minnesota{{cite web | url=https://minnesotareformer.com/2022/11/05/walz-jensen-mobilize-voters-in-final-campaign-sprint-before-tuesday-election/ | title=Walz, Jensen mobilize voters in final campaign sprint before Tuesday election | date=November 5, 2022 }}
• Tina Smith, U.S. senator from Minnesota{{cite web | url=https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/minnesota/sen-smith-medical-professionals-say-governors-race-will-determine-future-of-health-care-for-women | title=Sen. Smith, medical professionals say governor's race will determine future of health care for women | date=November 3, 2022 }}

Statewide officials

• J. B. Pritzker, Governor of Illinois{{Cite web |last=Kapos |first=Shia |date=October 3, 2022 |title=Pritzker, Bailey, liars and debates|url=https://www.politico.com/newsletters/illinois-playbook/2022/10/03/pritzker-bailey-liars-and-debates-00059979|access-date=October 3, 2022|website=Politico}}
• Jesse Ventura, former governor of Minnesota (Independent){{cite web | url=https://www.startribune.com/former-minnesota-gov-jesse-ventura-endorses-gov-walz-citing-strong-leadership-covid-protections/600219558/ | title=Former Minnesota Gov. Ventura endorses Gov. Walz, citing strong leadership, COVID protections | website=Star Tribune }}

State legislators

• 31 state senators{{cite web|url=https://www.redlakenationnews.com/story/2022/09/26/politics/governor-walz-and-lt-governor-flanagan-release-2022-legislative-endorsements/109003.html|title=Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan Release 2022 Legislative Endorsements|website=www.redlakenationnews.com|date=September 26, 2022|access-date=October 26, 2022}}
• 69 state representatives

Newspapers

• Star Tribune{{cite web | url=https://www.startribune.com/star-tribune-editorial-board-endorsement-re-elect-tim-walz-for-steady-leadership/600220285/ | title=EDITORIAL | Star Tribune Editorial Board endorsement: Re-elect Tim Walz for steady leadership | website=Star Tribune }}

Organizations

• AFSCME Council 5
• Communications Workers of America
• Education Minnesota
• Everytown for Gun Safety
• Feminist Majority PAC
• Giffords
• Human Rights Campaign{{Cite web|url=https://www.hrc.org/press-releases/human-rights-campaign-endorses-governor-tim-walz-and-lieutenant-governor-peggy-flanagan-of-minnesota-for-reelection|title=Human Rights Campaign Endorses Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan of Minnesota for Reelection|website=Human Rights Campaign|date=July 14, 2022 }}
• Inter Faculty Organization{{cite web|url=https://www.ifo.org/political-endorsements|title=Political Endorsements — Inter Faculty Organization|website=www.ifo.org|access-date=October 26, 2022}}
• IUOE Local 49{{cite web|url=https://local49.org/iuoe-local-49-endorses-walz-for-reelection/|title=IUOE Local 49 Endorses Walz for Reelection|website=local49.org|date=September 1, 2022|access-date=October 26, 2022}}
• LIUNA Minnesota
• Minnesota AFL–CIO{{cite web|url=https://justfacts.votesmart.org/candidate/evaluations/65443/tim-walz|title=Tim Walz's Ratings and Endorsements|website=justfacts.votesmart.org|access-date=October 26, 2022}}
• Minnesota Association of Professional Employees
• Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party{{cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/minnesota/news/dfl-party-endorses-incumbents-walz-flanagan-blaha/|title=DFL Party Endorses Incumbents Walz, Flanagan, Blaha, Ellison|website=CBS News|date=May 20, 2022|access-date=October 26, 2022}}
• Minnesota Medical Association{{Cite web|url=https://www.mnmed.org/news-and-publications/News/MEDPAC-Endorses-Walz-for-Governor|title=Minnesota Medical Association - MEDPAC Endorses Walz for Governor|website=www.mnmed.org|access-date=October 24, 2022|archive-date=October 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221024130534/https://www.mnmed.org/news-and-publications/News/MEDPAC-Endorses-Walz-for-Governor|url-status=dead}}
• Minnesota Nurses Association{{cite web|url=https://mnnurses.org/nurses-endorse-candidates-who-will-put-patients-before-profits-in-statewide-executive-races/|title=Nurses endorse candidates who will put Patients Before Profits in statewide executive races|website=mnnurses.org|date=July 21, 2022|access-date=October 26, 2022}}
• National Education Association
• Planned Parenthood Action Fund
• SEIU Minnesota
• VoteVets.org

}}

{{Endorsements box

| title = Scott Jensen (R)

|columns=3

| list =

Executive branch officials

• Donald J. Trump, 45th President of the United States{{cite web|url=https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/minnesota/donald-trump-endorses-scott-jensen-for-minnesota-governor|title=Donald Trump endorses Scott Jensen for Minnesota governor|website=www.duluthnewstribune.com|date=October 26, 2022 |access-date=October 26, 2022}}

U.S. senators

• Kevin Cramer, U.S. senator from North Dakota{{cite web | url=https://kroxam.com/2022/11/01/lt-governor-candidate-matt-birk-visits-crookston-municipal-airport-on-heal-minnesota-plane-tour/ | title=Lt. Governor Candidate Matt Birk Visits Crookston Municipal Airport on "Heal Minnesota" Plane Tour - Krox | date=November 2022 | access-date=November 4, 2022 | archive-date=November 4, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221104042407/https://kroxam.com/2022/11/01/lt-governor-candidate-matt-birk-visits-crookston-municipal-airport-on-heal-minnesota-plane-tour/ | url-status=dead }}

Statewide officials

• Kim Reynolds, Governor of Iowa{{cite web |last1=Hanley |first1=Ashley |title=National political group bringing Iowa Governor Reynolds to MN to campaign for Jensen |url=http://ktoe.com/2022/10/27/national-political-group-bringing-iowa-governor-reynolds-to-mn-to-campaign-for-jensen/ |website=KTOE AM 1420 - 102.7 FM |date=October 27, 2022 |access-date=October 27, 2022}}

Newspapers

• Post-Bulletin{{Cite web|url=https://www.postbulletin.com/opinion/editorials/endorsement-minnesota-should-hire-dr-scott-jensen-for-next-governor|title=Endorsement: Minnesota should hire Dr. Scott Jensen for next governor|date=October 22, 2022|website=Rochester Post Bulletin}}

Organizations

• Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association{{cite web|url=https://kstp.com/kstp-news/top-news/walz-to-discuss-higher-education-jensen-to-announce-major-endorsement-thursday/|title=Walz discusses higher education Thursday, Jensen endorsed by Minn. Police & Peace Officers Association|website=kstp.com|date=October 6, 2022|access-date=October 26, 2022}}
• National Federation of Independent Business - Minnesota{{cite web|url=https://www.nfib.com/content/news/minnesota/nfib-mn-pac-endorses-dr-scott-jensen-for-minnesota-governor/|title=NFIB MN PAC Endorses Dr. Scott Jensen for Minnesota Governor|website=National Federation of Independent Business|date=September 13, 2022|access-date=October 26, 2022}}
• NRA Political Victory Fund{{cite web |title=Minnesota Grades & Endorsements |url=https://www.nrapvf.org/grades/minnesota/ |website=nrapvf.org |publisher=NRA-PVF |access-date=February 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221108112355/https://www.nrapvf.org/grades/Minnesota |archive-date=November 8, 2022 |url-status=usurped}}{{cite web|url=https://justfacts.votesmart.org/candidate/evaluations/171407/scott-jensen|title=Scott Jensen's Ratings and Endorsements|website=justfacts.votesmart.org|access-date=October 26, 2022}}
• Republican Party of Minnesota{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-death-of-george-floyd-voting-minnesota-d883ab5db2a90974f3305a7490c6bb81|title=Dr. Scott Jensen wins GOP endorsement for Minnesota governor|website=Associated Press|date=May 14, 2022|access-date=October 26, 2022}}

}}

Aggregate polls

Graphical summary

{{Graph:Chart

| width=700

| height=400

| xAxisTitle=

| yAxisTitle=%support

| xAxisAngle = -40

| legend=Candidate

| interpolate = bundle

| size = 77

| xType = date

| y1Title=Walz/Flanagan

| y2Title=Jensen/Birk

| y3Title=Other/Undecided

| y4Title=McTavish/Winter

| y5Title=McCaskel/Sandbeck

| y6Title=Patterson/Huff

| y7Title=Prosser/Dwire

| type=line

|xGrid=

| x= 2021/12/06, 2022/01/30, 2022/05/10, 2022/06/08, 2022/07/19, 2022/08/19, 2022/09/04, 2022/09/14, 2022/09/14, 2022/09/26, 2022/10/03, 2022/10/14, 2022/10/19, 2022/10/30, 2022/10/30

| y1= 48, 43, 44, 41.8, 49.8, 53, 51, 48, 47.7, 47.6, 50, 47, 45.8, 56, 51

| y2= 36, 40, 39, 39.8, 45.6, 36, 33, 41, 45, 44.2, 40, 42.4, 46.3, 40, 43

| y3= 16, 17, 17, 15.4, 4.7, 5, 16, 11.1, 4.9, 4.8, 11, 6, 3.9, 4, , 6

| y4= , , , 2.7, , 6, , , 0.8, 0.4, , 1.3, , 1.4

| y5= , , , , , , , , 1.4, 1.2, , 1.4, , 1.2

| y6= , , , , , , , , 0.2, 0.6, , 0.9, , 0.9

| y7= , , , , , , , , 0.1, 1.2, , 1, , 0.4

| colors = #0055A5, #E81B23, #DDDDDD, #FFC14E, #50C878, #50C878, #AA0000

| showSymbols = 1

| yGrid = true

| linewidth = 2.0

}}

{{hidden begin|titlestyle=background:#cff|title=Hypothetical polling|contentstyle=border:solid 1px silver; padding:8px; background:white;}}

Tim Walz vs. Michelle Benson

Tim Walz vs. Paul Gazelka

Tim Walz vs. Mike Marti

Tim Walz vs. Mike Murphy

Tim Walz vs. Kendall Qualls

Tim Walz vs. Neil Shah

Tim Walz vs. Rich Stanek

Tim Walz vs. generic Republican

{{hidden end}}

{{align|right|{{Switcher| 300px|Swing by county
{{collapsible list| title = Legend|{{legend|#4BDBFF|Democratic — +7.5–10%}}|{{legend|#77E3FF|Democratic — +5–7.5%}}|{{legend|#AAEEFF|Democratic — +2.5–5%}}|{{legend|#D5F6FF|Democratic — +0–2.5%}}|{{legend|#FFD5D5|Republican — +0–2.5%}}|{{legend|#FFAAAA|Republican — +2.5–5%}}|{{legend|#FF8080|Republican — +5–7.5%}}|{{legend|#FF5555|Republican — +7.5–10%}}|{{legend|#FF2A2A|Republican — +10–12.5%}}|{{legend|#FF0000|Republican — +12.5–15%}}|{{legend|#D40000|Republican — +>15%}}

}}|300px|Trend by county
{{collapsible list| title = Legend|{{legend|#4BDBFF|Democratic — +7.5–10%}}|{{legend|#77E3FF|Democratic — +5–7.5%}}|{{legend|#AAEEFF|Democratic — +2.5–5%}}|{{legend|#D5F6FF|Democratic — +0–2.5%}}|{{legend|#FFD5D5|Republican — +0–2.5%}}|{{legend|#FFAAAA|Republican — +2.5–5%}}|{{legend|#FF8080|Republican — +5–7.5%}}|{{legend|#FF5555|Republican — +7.5–10%}}|{{legend|#FF2A2A|Republican — +10–12.5%}}|{{legend|#FF0000|Republican — +12.5–15%}}|{{legend|#D40000|Republican — +>15%}}}}}}}}{{Election box begin

| title = 2022 Minnesota gubernatorial election{{Cite news|url=https://officialdocuments.sos.mn.gov/Files/GetDocument/133584 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250422214813/https://officialdocuments.sos.mn.gov/Files/GetDocument/133584 |archive-date=April 22, 2025 |url-status=live|title=2022 State Canvassing Board Certificate|last=Simon|first=Steve|author-link=Steve Simon|date=November 29, 2022|work=Minnesota Secretary of State|access-date=May 13, 2025}}

}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link

| party = Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party

| candidate = {{ubl|Tim Walz (incumbent)|Peggy Flanagan (incumbent)}}

| votes = 1,312,349

| percentage = 52.27%

| change = −1.57%}}

{{Election box candidate with party link

| party = Republican Party of Minnesota

| candidate = {{ubl|Scott Jensen|Matt Birk}}

| votes = 1,119,941

| percentage = 44.61%

| change = +2.18%}}

{{Election box candidate with party link

| party = Legal Marijuana Now Party

| candidate = {{ubl|James McCaskel|David Sandbeck}}

| votes = 29,346

| percentage = 1.17%

| change = N/A}}

{{Election box candidate with party link

| party = Grassroots–Legalize Cannabis Party

| candidate = {{ubl|Steve Patterson|Matt Huff}}

| votes = 22,599

| percentage = 0.90%

| change = −1.75%}}

{{Election box candidate with party link

| party = Independence Party of Minnesota

| candidate = {{ubl|Hugh McTavish|Mike Winter}}

| votes = 18,156

| percentage = 0.72%

| change = N/A}}

{{Election box candidate with party link

| party = Socialist Workers Party (United States)

| candidate = {{ubl|Gabrielle Prosser|Kevin Dwire}}

| votes = 7,241

| percentage = 0.29%

| change = N/A}}

{{Election box write-in with party link

| votes =1,029

| percentage =0.04%

| change =±0.0%

}}

{{Election box total

| votes =2,510,661

| percentage = 100.0%

}}{{Election box turnout

| votes = 2,525,873

| percentage = 61.01%

| change =

}}{{Election box registered electors

| reg. electors = 4,140,218

}}

{{Election box hold with party link no swing

| winner = Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{collapse top|1=By county|left=yes|bg=#B0CEFF;line-height:135%;|border=none}}

Counties that flipped from Democratic to Republican

• Anoka (Largest city: Blaine)
• Beltrami (Largest city: Bemidji)
• Freeborn (Largest city: Albert Lea)
• Houston (Largest city: La Crescent)
• Koochiching (Largest city: International Falls)
• Mahnomen (Largest city: Mahnomen)
• Mower (Largest city: Austin)
• Norman (Largest city: Ada) (tied in 2018)

{{collapse bottom}}

Walz and Jensen each won 4 of 8 congressional districts, all of which voted for the same party in the simultaneous House Elections.{{cite web | url=https://electionresults.sos.state.mn.us/20221108 | title=Home - Election Results }}

• 2022 United States gubernatorial elections
• 2022 Minnesota elections
• 2022 Minnesota Senate election
• 2022 Minnesota House of Representatives election
• Litter boxes in schools hoax

{{notelist}}

Partisan clients

{{notelist-ua}}

{{reflist}}

• [http://www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/ Elections & Voting - Minnesota Secretary of State]

Official campaign websites

• [https://www.hepolaminnesota.com/ Cory Hepola (F) for Governor]
• [https://drscottjensen.com/ Scott Jensen (R) for Governor]
• [https://www.james4mn.com/ James McCaskel (LMN) for Governor]
• [https://www.mctavish4mn.org/ Hugh McTavish (I) for Governor]
• [https://corcoranformngover.wixsite.com/corcoranforgovernor Brandon Millholland-Corcoran (I) for Governor]
• [https://grassrootspaulsenandengelmannformn.org/ Darrell Paulsen (GLC) for Governor]
• [https://walzflanagan.org/ Tim Walz (D) for Governor]
• [https://votewright.org/ Chris Wright (LMN) for Governor]

{{Minnesota elections}}

{{Tim Walz}}

{{2022 United States elections}}

Minnesota

Category:Minnesota gubernatorial elections

Gubernatorial

Category:Tim Walz