FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 22, 2026
Republican Party Of Minnesota
KLOBOCHAR BLAMES TRUMP, DUCKS WALZ ACCOUNTABILITY AS DEMUTH EXPOSES HER FAILED RECORD
After Nearly 20 Years in Washington, Klobochar Offers More Excuses, More Anger, and More of the Same
EDINA, MN — Last nights gubernatorial debate revealed a clear contrast between Lisa Demuth and Amy Klobochar: one candidate is ready to fix Minnesota’s problems, while the other would rather blame Donald Trump than take responsibility for the failures of her own party.
Klobochar invoked President Trump more than 20 times, but failed to explain how her administration would meaningfully break from the failed policies of Tim Walz. After eight years of skyrocketing spending, higher taxes, rampant fraud, and rising costs, Minnesotans deserve more than Washington talking points.
Minnesota Republican Party Chairman Alex Plechash issued the following statement:
“On fraud, the contrast couldn’t be clearer. Lisa Demuth has been fighting to protect taxpayers since she first entered the Legislature and made fraud prevention a priority from the beginning of her speakership. Amy Klobochar suddenly discovered Minnesota’s fraud crisis when it became politically convenient to run for governor.
“Yesterday, Minnesotans saw exactly why Lisa Demuth is the leader our state needs. While Amy Klobochar spent the evening blaming Donald Trump for just about everything, Lisa Demuth focused on the problems facing Minnesota families and the solutions needed to fix them.
“Klobochar also failed to adequately answer questions about her support for controversial federal earmark requests involving organizations scrutinized over taxpayer funding. Minnesotans deserve answers about those decisions, not more deflection.
“Her promise not to raise taxes rings hollow when her own campaign questionnaire leaves the door open to higher taxes and fees. Minnesotans deserve to know whether she would support increasing the tax burden on families, workers, farmers, and small businesses. After watching her Democratic allies impose billions in new taxes and fees, why should anyone believe she would suddenly govern differently?
“Her record also raises serious questions about Minnesota’s mining and agricultural economies. Klobochar has voted against mining interests and against the Farm Bill, positions that could threaten jobs, rural communities, food production, and the economic opportunities Minnesota families depend on. Minnesotans deserve a governor who will stand up for responsible mining, farmers, and rural communities—not follow a Washington agenda that puts them at risk.
“And on health care, Klobochar has had nearly two decades in Washington to deliver on promises of lower costs and better access. Instead, Minnesota families continue to struggle with expensive premiums and medical bills. She wants another chance to fix the very problems she has spent her career promising to solve.
“Perhaps most revealing was Klobochar’s visible frustration. Last night offered a reminder of the angry management style and troubling treatment of staff that have dogged her career in Washington. Minnesota needs a governor who brings people together, not someone whose temper has repeatedly made national headlines.
“The choice couldn’t be clearer. Lisa Demuth has a record of taking action and holding government accountable. Amy Klobochar has nearly 20 years of excuses.
“Last nights debate also underscored the stakes of this election. Minnesota families are facing higher grocery bills, rising housing costs, and growing uncertainty about the future. They need leadership focused on affordability, public safety, education, protecting agriculture and mining jobs, and restoring trust in state government—not another round of partisan blame.
“Lisa Demuth has laid out a clear path forward: protect taxpayers, crack down on fraud, make Minnesota more affordable, defend farmers and responsible mining, and ensure state government works for the people it serves. Amy Klobochar offered more of the same Washington politics that have left Minnesotans frustrated and looking for change.
“Minnesota doesn’t need four more years of Tim Walz policies with a different name on the door. We need new leadership, real accountability, and a governor who puts Minnesota first. That’s Lisa Demuth.”