Gazelka refutes establishment characterization: ‘To clean up the government you have to know where to look’

Sen. Gazelka told Alpha News that he doesn't view himself as an establishment candidate. "I didn't even get into politics until my mid 40s," he said.

Kyle Hooten and Sen. Paul Gazelka sit down for an interview Monday.

“I don’t know anybody else who has the experience that I have. They call it ‘part of the swamp,’ [but] I say you have to have some experience to govern,” Minnesota Sen. Paul Gazelka told Alpha News Monday.

During a half hour interview, the former Senate majority leader talked about his ongoing run for governor, challenging the idea that he’s the establishment candidate. “I think it’s a characterization of me that’s not accurate,” he said.

“If you’re going to clean up the government, frankly, you have to know where to look,” he continued. “I didn’t even get into politics until my mid 40s.”

“To say I’m an establishment person, I don’t think it’s fair. I just have the experience that you need to actually govern.”

He also touted his accomplishments as the head of the Minnesota Senate, chiefly his ability to prevent all tax hikes during his time in leadership, even with Gov. Tim Walz at the helm of the executive branch.

Finally, Gazelka expressed his strong support for law enforcement, stressing public safety as his number one campaign issue.

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Kyle Hooten

Kyle Hooten is Managing Editor of Alpha News. His coverage of Minneapolis has been featured on television shows like Tucker Carlson Tonight and in print media outlets like the Wall Street Journal.