Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth picks Ryan Wilson to be her running mate in bid for governor

Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth has selected former state auditor candidate Ryan Wilson to be her running mate in her 2026 campaign for governor.

Demuth, who’s seeking to defeat DFL Gov. Tim Walz, is the first prominent GOP candidate to announce a lieutenant governor pick this cycle. She said in her announcement Monday that Wilson will help her deliver “accountability in the highest level of our government.”

“During [his] state auditor run, Ryan sounded the alarm on fraud that was spiraling out of control in our state — fraud that was actually thriving under Tim Walz and his lack of leadership,” Demuth said at a Capitol news conference Monday. “The common-sense message resonated with the state.”

Wilson came within half a percentage point of defeating DFL State Auditor Julie Blaha in 2022.

Demuth said she picked a running mate early to demonstrate that her campaign is serious. She said it’s a “competitive advantage” to have a fully formed GOP ticket at this point in the race.

“We are building a strong team early on. We are ready to get to work and deliver for Minnesota,” Demuth said.

Wilson is an attorney and former small-business owner. He and his wife, Janelle, live in Maple Grove and have five children.

“There are a lot of things that Governor Walz has done wrong,” Wilson said. “But the people want to hear, what else? What comes next?”

Demuth and Wilson will begin a statewide tour this week where they “will share their vision for a stronger Minnesota,” according to their campaign.

Walz, who is seeking a historic third consecutive four-year term, is also looking for a running mate since Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan is running for the U.S. Senate.