GOP Sen. Michelle Benson jumps into Minnesota governor's race

State Sen. Michelle Benson officially jumped into the race for Minnesota governor on Wednesday, joining a crowded field of Republican candidates angling to challenge Gov. Tim Walz next fall.

Benson, a four-term senator from suburban Ham Lake, served as deputy majority leader and currently chairs a powerful health and human services finance committee, which determines billions of dollars in state health care spending every two years. She's the first woman to jump into the race in either party, aiming to become the first woman to be elected governor in Minnesota.

"I've chaired the toughest budget committee in the Senate and I've also balanced that with being at the grocery store and watching prices rise and the obligations of a mom," Benson said Wednesday in Blaine, launching her campaign alongside her family. "I understand the story of Minnesotans and what they've been through in the last year and that will set me apart and make me a good governor."

She joins the Republican field for governor where former state Sen. Scott Jensen has been running for months and gained traction from the conservative base over his messaging against mask-mandates and concerns about the vaccine. Neil Shah, a doctor with his own medical practice, is also running largely on a message opposing COVID-19 restrictions.

GOP Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka sent a letter to his caucus hours before Benson's gubernatorial announcement Wednesday saying he is stepping down from his leadership post as he contemplates a run for governor.

Raised on a farm in rural Murdock, Minn., Benson got her bachelor's degree in chemistry from St. Catherine University in St. Paul and later earned her MBA from the University of St. Thomas. She did auditing and consulting work before running for her suburban Senate seat in 2010.

Benson touched on a broader message in her campaign launch, touting pocketbook issues like tax cuts, pushing back on the "defund the police" message and criticizing Walz for COVID-19 restrictions, including closing classrooms.

"This isn't going to be an easy path, but I've never taken anything for granted," Benson said. "I'm going to beat those guys, and I'm going to be the nominee."

Democrats were quick to attack Benson's campaign for governor on Wednesday, criticizing her for previous opposition to a program to provide insulin to low-income Minnesotans and a comment that people in need of insulin in an emergency should "please go to an emergency room." Benson supported a final deal and later said someone should go into an emergency room if they are having a seizure or going into insulin shock.

"Benson's agenda is reckless and dangerous for Minnesotans," DFL Party Chairman Ken Martin said in a statement.

Benson said she plans to seek the Republican Party's endorsement for governor. Benson will abide by activists' decision, meaning she will drop out of the race if she doesn't get their backing, a spokeswoman said.

Walz has not announced whether he plans to seek a second term in 2022 but is widely expected to run again.