Demuth jumps into August GOP governor primary, bucking endorsement pledge

Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth announced she will run in the August GOP primary for governor, reversing an earlier pledge to honor the party endorsement won by Kendall Qualls. Her candidacy adds uncertainty to an open race that also includes Qualls and MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell, as party officials say endorsed candidates will receive full backing while unendorsed contenders may press on. Demuth cited donor encouragement and permission from party leadership as factors in her decision.