Is this one a winner? You decide. Homepage = https://www.votejeffjohnson.us/home
Do I say anything, or let the record stand? First, no Strib or PiPress report, apparently, with the two statewide dailies turning a blind eye. Coverage:
https://knsiradio.com/2025/03/19/former-st-cloud-city-councilman-announces-run-for-governor/
https://knsiradio.com/2025/03/26/733273/
Of interest, I like seeing a guy who's got a few photos up and NONE in a suit.
My understanding is Johnson was a St. Cloud council member who objected to a bloc of Somali immigrants being directed into his community without funding and expansion considerations being adequately planned, and that reminds me of JD and his Haitians in the limited-resource Ohio town.
JD did that pet eating hoax wearing a suit. Also, this Jeff Johnson did no pet eating stuff, but did point out community costs in integrating a bloc of legal immigrants - with that in common to JD.
Walz is the incumbent, and for now seeming to be keeping options open. He's the man to defeat, if he chooses to run for a third term.
There has not been a statewide Republican elected since Pawlenty if memory serves me correctly.
And, last cycle's GOP loser might declare another candidacy, with his unambiguous name recognition. That name recognition is NFL veteran and stout Catholic anti-abortion guy, Matt Birk, who was Lt. Gov. candidate with Dr. What's-his-name.
I looked it up. Scott Jensen, MD. Walz took 52.3 percent of the vote, with Dr. Jensen closer than many expected.
In any event, this candidate, Jeff Johnson of St. Cloud, MN, is now with us, as a declared and filed GOP candidate, with a candidacy web site. Without any strong contender, he has his shot.
(MPR notes Kendall Qualls as a declared GOP Gov candidate, but he's a suit, and has too many l's in his name.) Anyway, expect the DFL to win, and move on.