Lisa Demuth is the Republican nominee for governor of Minnesota following her victory in the August 2026 primary election. Born in Paynesville, Minnesota, Demuth graduated from Bloomington Kennedy High School before beginning a career in business and community leadership. She co-owned and managed commercial properties and was elected to the ROCORI School Board in 2007, serving for eleven years. In 2018, Demuth was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives, representing District 13A. She became House Minority Leader in 2023 and was elected Speaker of the House in February 2025, becoming the first Black person and first Republican woman to hold the position. In her gubernatorial campaign, Demuth has emphasized reducing taxes and government spending, addressing fraud in state programs, strengthening public safety, and improving educational outcomes. She is running alongside lieutenant governor candidate Ryan Wilson. The general election will take place on Tuesday, November 3.
