The GOP primary field for the 2026 election already includes Scott Jensen​ — who lost to Gov. Tim Walz by 8 percentage points in 2022 — and Kendall Qualls. Walz has yet to announce whether he'll run for a third term.

State Rep. Kristin Robbins announced Wednesday she will run for governor next year, bringing a fresh face to the race as Republicans seek to win the office for the first time since 2006. Robbins, a Maple Grove Republican and rising voice in the Legislature,

Robbins is the third Republican to announce a gubernatorial campaign. Walz has yet to say if he'll seek another term.