Sept. 8, 2021

Good evening,

Sen. Paul Gazelka entered the Minnesota governor’s race Wednesday, framing himself as conservative with a track record of results.

The Republican from East Gull Lake stepped down as majority leader last week ahead of the campaign announcement. He’s the seventh Republican to declare a challenge to incumbent DFL Gov. Tim Walz, who is expected to seek another term.

Gazelka says he’d guide the state differently on everything from abortion laws to pandemic response to school choice.

“In the end I do believe that people will see that I can govern and also that I can hold the line on the things that are important to Republicans.”

Gazelka says he’ll follow the will of GOP convention delegates and respect the party’s endorsement. Another state lawmaker, two doctors and businessmen are among the other candidates vying for the Republican nomination.

It'll be partly cloudy tonight with scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms northeast and east central. Lows in the mid-40s to lower 50s.

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