David Hann, the former head of the Minnesota Republican Party, launched a bid for the U.S. Senate Thursday pledging to focus his campaign on “restoring affordability, accountability, and public safety.”
His announcement comes as many possible Republican contenders have ultimately passed on running for the Senate, which has a rare open seat following Sen. Tina Smith’s retirement announcement in February.
Hann said Democrats in the state have moved “further into their ideological cul-de-sac,” leaving Minnesotans behind.
“This is not the DFL of our parents and grandparents,” Hann said in a statement. “Today’s Democratic Party is dominated by radical Socialist activists who are more interested in ideology than results. While families struggle to afford groceries, gas, and housing, Democrats defend bureaucracies and fraudsters — and Minnesotans are left paying the price.”
Hann emphasized that he plans to prioritize public safety and border security and tackle fraud as Minnesota is in the spotlight over the issue.
“When hundreds of millions of dollars meant to feed hungry children are stolen, and politicians look the other way, that’s not just corruption — that’s money coming straight out of the pockets of Minnesota families,” Hann said.
Hann joins a GOP field that includes controversial former NBA player Royce White, who lost to Sen. Amy Klobuchar last year; retired Navy SEAL Adam Schwarze, a newcomer candidate who has lagged in fundraising; and an even lesser-known candidate, Tom Weiler.
White won the party’s endorsement and primary last year, but Republicans worry about their prospects if he’s the nominee again. They have also been skeptical of Schwarze due to his lack of fundraising in the race.
