“I have solid, conservative values that really do cross party lines,” she told reporters at a press conference Monday morning at the Minnesota State Capitol. “It’s not just Republican values. They’re conservative values that are supported by many Minnesotans. If President Trump would choose to give me his endorsement, I would definitely welcome that.”

When asked what she admired about Trump, Demuth said the president has delivered on his campaign promise of “safer borders” and stronger immigration laws.

The state representative also took shots at Walz, who is seeking a third term following his failed run for vice president last year.

“We are not in a better place because” of what Walz has done in Minnesota since he assumed office in 2019, “so it’s important that we do the best things that we can for Minnesota and focus on where we align with President Trump,” she said. “We are looking forward to working together in partnership, which is better for Minnesota and better for our country.”

Demuth succeeded the late Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman, who was fatally shot alongside her husband and dog by Vance Boelter in June. Under the Republican speaker’s leadership, the Minnesota House is tied between Republicans and Democrats. She touted her ability to work in a “divided government,” which could broaden her appeal to more voters in 2026.

The Democratic Governors Association swiftly tied Demuth and the rest of the GOP gubernatorial field to Trump.

“Lisa Demuth’s entrance into Minnesota’s packed Republican gubernatorial primary means more chaos and infighting from a field already full of extremists and losers. As Governor Walz continues to deliver for Minnesotans where it matters most — like cutting taxes, strengthening public schools, and protecting fundamental freedoms — Minnesota Republicans are set to spend the next ten months attacking each other and bending over backwards to curry favor with Donald Trump,” DGA spokeswoman Izzi Levy said in an emailed statement.

“Demuth and the GOP field totally own Trump’s catastrophic record of devastating Minnesota’s farm economy, sending health care costs soaring, shuttering rural hospitals, and denying food to working families,” she added, “and Minnesotans are ready to support four more years of Gov. Walz’s bold leadership that puts Minnesota first at every turn.”

Republican candidates in the race also include Minnesota state Rep. Kristin Robbins, 2022 gubernatorial candidate Kendall Qualls, and 2022 GOP gubernatorial nominee Scott Jensen. Mike Lindell, the founder of MyPillow and a Trump ally, previously indicated he’s actively considering a run for governor.

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If elected, Demuth said she would be the “best person to serve as governor” in Minnesota.

In the meantime, Demuth said she would pay particularly close attention to the outcome of the Minneapolis mayoral election on Tuesday. The two main candidates in that race are Mayor Jacob Frey, the Democratic incumbent, and Omar Fateh, a socialist who has drawn comparisons to New York City’s Democratic mayoral front-runner, Zohran Mamdani.