Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth won the state’s Republican primary for governor on August 11 with 46% of the vote, defeating MyPillow founder Mike Lindell and businessman Kendall Qualls in a closely watched race that tested former President Donald Trump’s political influence in the state.
Demuth secured 46.4% of the vote, according to official results from the Washington Post. Lindell finished second with 30.9%, while Qualls, who had received the state Republican Party’s endorsement at a contentious convention, came in third with 20.2%.
Demuth made history in February 2025 when she became the first Black person and first female Republican to serve as Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives. Her victory in the primary positions her as the establishment Republican candidate for the November general election against Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar, who won her party’s primary unopposed.
The Republican primary was marked by significant spending and competing visions for the party. Trump had endorsed Lindell, amplifying the former president’s influence in Minnesota politics. However, Demuth’s legislative experience and establishment backing proved decisive with voters who cast ballots across the state.
The result contrasts sharply with the 2022 Minnesota Republican primary, when Scott Jensen won with 89.31% of the vote in an uncontested race, according to the Minnesota Secretary of State. That primary lacked the crowded field and competing endorsements that defined this year’s contest, reflecting broader national dynamics in Republican politics as the party navigates competing factions.
Demuth has emphasized economic priorities and tax cuts for families in her campaign messaging. Her win in the primary sets up a general election matchup with Klobuchar, who won the Democratic nomination with 91.3% of the vote in a field that included three other candidates.
Sources
- Washington Post — Live election results showing Demuth at 46.4%, Lindell at 30.9%, Qualls at 20.2% in the Minnesota Republican primary for governor on August 11, 2026
- Ballotpedia — Demuth’s role as first Black person and first female Republican Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives
- Minnesota Secretary of State — 2022 Republican primary results showing Scott Jensen won with 89.31% of the vote
- MPR News — Background on Demuth’s legislative record and her role as House Speaker
