Scott Jensen exits governor race, will run for auditor
Scott Jensen, the former Republican gubernatorial nominee, is dropping his 2026 bid for Minnesota governor and will instead run for state auditor, according to a new report from the Minnesota Reformer. His switch removes one more prominent name from an already crowded GOP governor field and moves him into a race that directly oversees audits of state agencies and local governments, including Twin Cities cities, counties, and school districts. The move also reshuffles the DFL–GOP matchup for an office that has become more politically salient amid massive fraud scandals and looming budget shortfalls. Reaction online from DFL‑leaning circles is that Jensen is seeking a lower‑profile statewide office after two losses and years of COVID‑era controversy, while some Republicans see his name recognition as an asset in an office most voters usually ignore. How metro voters respond will help determine who sits over the books of Minneapolis, St. Paul, Hennepin and Ramsey County for the next four years.
📌 Key Facts
- Scott Jensen is ending his 2026 Minnesota governor campaign.
- Jensen will now run for state auditor in the 2026 election.
- The state auditor’s office audits state and local governments, including Twin Cities cities, counties and school districts.
📊 Relevant Data
Minnesota's Somali population is approximately 64,354, representing 1.12% of the state's total population of about 5.7 million.
Somali Population by State 2026 — World Population Review
In recent Minnesota fraud scandals involving programs like Medicaid and child nutrition, a majority of the nearly 100 charged individuals are Somali immigrants, indicating overrepresentation given Somalis comprise only 1.12% of the population.
Somali Welfare Fraud in Minnesota Has Cost American Taxpayers Billions — The Heritage Foundation
The poverty rate among Somali Minnesotans is 36.4%, compared to the statewide poverty rate of about 9%.
Somali population - Cultural communities — Minnesota Compass
Fraud in Minnesota-run Medicaid services likely exceeds $9 billion, with many cases linked to programs serving vulnerable immigrant communities.
U.S. Attorney: Fraud likely exceeds $9 billion in Minnesota-run Medicaid services — Minnesota Reformer
Somali Minnesotans contribute over half a billion dollars in spending power and have high rates of business ownership, despite challenges like poverty.
FAQ: Economic Contributions of Somalis in Minnesota — Empowering Strategies
📰 Source Timeline (1)
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