Lisa Demuth Names Attorney Ryan Wilson as Running Mate, Forming First GOP Ticket in 2026 Minnesota Governor’s Race

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth (R–Cold Spring) has officially named attorney Ryan Wilson as her running mate for lieutenant governor, establishing the first fully-formed Republican ticket in the 2026 Minnesota gubernatorial election.

The announcement, made Monday, November 10, 2025, comes just one week after Demuth formally launched her campaign for governor, seeking the Republican nomination to challenge Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) Governor Tim Walz, who is expected to pursue a third term.

Demuth, a four-term legislator and the current Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives, unveiled her choice at a press conference inside the Minnesota State Capitol. She emphasized that Wilson’s experience as a small-business owner, attorney, and former statewide candidate makes him a strong ally in her campaign’s push for accountability, transparency, and fiscal responsibility in state government.

“It’s time for some accountability in the highest level of our government,” Demuth said in a campaign statement. “Ryan Wilson is the one who will help me deliver that accountability.”

Wilson, a lifelong Minnesotan and Republican nominee for state auditor in 2022, narrowly lost that race to DFL incumbent Julie Blaha. During his campaign, he focused on issues of government oversight and financial integrity, earning a reputation among GOP activists for his detail-oriented approach and reform message.

“I’m honored to join Speaker Demuth in this race,” Wilson said during the announcement. “She’s the only candidate who has stood up to Governor Walz, stared him down, and won. Together, we’ll bring leadership that listens, restores accountability, and strengthens Minnesota’s future.”

Demuth’s campaign officials confirmed that the Demuth–Wilson ticket will begin a statewide “Minnesota Forward” tour later this week, with scheduled stops across the Twin Cities metro and Greater Minnesota. The tour aims to introduce their shared platform of public safety, education excellence, economic growth, and responsible governance.

The early rollout of a running mate, political analysts note, signals Demuth’s intent to unify the Republican base and build early momentum heading into a potentially competitive GOP primary. Her leadership role as Speaker and Wilson’s previous statewide recognition could make the duo a formidable force as the 2026 race for Minnesota governor gains steam.

MinneapoliMedia