Tim Walz Projected To Win Reelection In Minnesota

ST. PAUL, MN — Gov. Tim Walz is projected to win his reelection bid in Minnesota, according to the Associated Press. Walz appears to have beaten his Republican challenger Scott Jensen by a wide margin, unofficial vote results show.

With 1,694 of 4,103 precincts reporting, Walz has 730,519 votes to Jensen's 529,613 votes, according to the Minnesota Secretary of State website.

The Democratic governor ran for reelection on a campaign of protecting abortion access and building on Minnesota's economy.

"Gov. Walz is proud that Minnesota has the lowest unemployment rate in the country and that Minnesota has been named one of the country's top states for business," a spokesperson for the governor told Patch.

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"He wants to build on that success to create an economy for all. In response to rising prices, he has pushed to send $2000 checks to Minnesota families to help them afford necessities like groceries, food, and child care. He has also signed middle-class tax cuts, and he will oppose regressive tax plans like Scott Jensen’s, which would raise sales taxes, including on food and clothing."

Meanwhile, Jensen ran on a platform of voters wanting a change due to rising crime, inflation, and Walz's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Are you better off than you were four years ago?" Jensen said.

"With expensive gas, groceries and energy, I want Minnesotans to know that there is a distinct and clear difference between Tim Walz and me. Walz has proposed taking more money from your pockets by proposing increased gas taxes, license tabs and other fees and I will let you keep more of your own money."

Jensen's campaign for governor was marred by controversial statements, including his comment comparing COVID-19 lockdown measures to the Holocaust.

Jensen took criticism from both progressives and conservatives after he flip-flopped on the abortion issue. His running mate, former Minnesota Vikings center Matt Birk, also contributed to the drama. Birk's boisterous Twitter presence raised many eyebrows during the campaign.

And Birk's anti-abortion "rape card" comment drew national attention and criticism.

Meanwhile, Walz's leadership took heavy criticism in late September when the U.S. Justice Department filed charges against 50 people in connection with the $250 million Feeding Our Future scheme.