Scott Jensen, Former GOP Lawmaker And COVID-19 Skeptic, Announcing Run For Governor

By Ricardo Lopez, Minnesota Reformer

March 9, 2021

Former state Sen. Scott Jensen, R-Chaska, is announcing he is running for governor, according to press release obtained by the Reformer.

A family physician whose profile has risen as a COVID-19 skeptic, Jensen, 66, served one term in the Minnesota Senate.

Reached by phone, Jensen confirmed that an “embargoed” press release had been drafted, referring to a news release that media organizations agree not to publish until a certain date.

(The Reformer did not obtain the release from the Jensen campaign and did not agree to the embargo.)

“We haven’t sent it officially,” he said.

The press release headline reads “Jensen Announces Run for Minnesota Governor” and is dated March 16.

“He will elevate thoughtful discourse, engage in difficult conversations, and will not allow pandering groupthink to impede the vital contributions science can provide,” the press release said. “Scott is excited to embark on this journey and looks forward to meeting with his fellow Minnesotans across the state and restoring their hope and freedom.”

Jensen’s announcement makes him the first major candidate to run for the GOP nomination against DFL Gov. Tim Walz.

Other potential GOP hopefuls include Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka, R-East Gull Lake, who has said he is considering entering the race but would not decide until after the legislative session ends.

Jensen’s profile has grown nationally through a series of appearances on Fox News, as well as through his own social media channels. Jensen is on TikTok with videos captioned: “Family doctor EXPOSES double masking craziness” and “You are being played (by the CDC and WHO).”

Since early last year, Jensen has staked his medical credibility — and his political future — on a contrarian take on Minnesota’s response to COVID-19.

In addition to his skepticism about the Department of Health guidelines regarding how to classify COVID-19 deaths — which came from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — he’s gone against the broad consensus of the medical community, minimized the risks of COVID-19 and criticized Gov. Tim Walz for prohibiting certain activities in an attempt to slow the spread of the disease.

The Minnesota Reformer is an independent, nonprofit news organization dedicated to keeping Minnesotans informed and unearthing stories other outlets can’t or won’t tell..