Republicans quick to pounce on Ventura endorsement in Minnesota governor’s race

October 28, 2022

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KVRR KFGO) – Former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura, who rarely endorses political candidates, is endorsing Gov. Tim Walz’s reelection bid.

“As an independent statesman, I don’t believe in the major political parties. Since leaving office, I’ve rarely endorsed a candidate for office in Minnesota, of any political persuasion,” Ventura said. “But this election is too important. That’s why I’m endorsing Governor Tim Walz for reelection.”

Walz was elected as Minnesota’s 41st governor is 2018.

He’s being challenged by Republican Scott Jensen, who was endorsed by former President Donald Trump earlier this week. Ventura referenced Jensen and Trump’s political alignment in his endorsement of Walz.

“I took an oath 50 years as a Navy Seal to defend this country. I can’t stand with anyone or any party who cannot condemn the January 6 insurrection,” Ventura said.

Ventura served as the 38th governor of Minnesota from 1999 to 2003. He also served as Mayor of Brooklyn Park from 1991 to 1995.

Minnesota Republican leaders are blasting Ventura’s endorsement of  Walz for re-election.  Republican Party of Minnesota Chairman David Hann. a Vietnam veteran, says he’s “appalled” Walz would “tout the endorsement of such a discredited conspiracy theorist” who claimed 9-11 was caused by the government, and all the country’s wars were started under false pretense.

Hann said on social media, “things like this, which I think frankly as a veteran are embarrassing.  I think Governor Walz owes an apology to the veteran community and certainly to anybody who has had family or anybody related to the people lost in 9-1-1.”

Walz tweeted earlier he’s “thrilled” by the endorsement and thanked Ventura for “taking the unprecedented step to cast your independent vote for me!”