ST. PAUL, Minn. — The number of Republicans seeking to succeed Governor Mark Dayton has risen to four, adding to the five democrats who have announced for a total of nine candidates for the 2018 race..
Minnesota State Rep. Matt Dean (R-Dellwood) has announced his decision to run for governor in 2018.
Dean who grew up in Roseville, has lived in the state his entire life. He attended St. Thomas University for two years, before transferring to the University of Minnesota where he graduated from the School of Architecture.
The owner of his own architectural firm, Dean first ran for office in the 2003 special election in 38B. He lost the seat by nine points to Democratic candidate, Rebecca Otto. One year later, Dean would more than makeup the difference as he defeated Otto by three points.
Dean has held onto the seat since 2004, serving as House Majority Leader from 2011 to 2013.
Dean has stood among his fellow lawmakers in his vocal opposition to the Affordable Care Act and MNsure.
“Minnesota had the most to lose of any state in the disastrous medical experiment called Obamacare,” Dean said. “Let’s kill and bury MNsure and go back to doing healthcare the Minnesota way.”
The announcement of his candidacy comes as politics in Minnesota and around the country has grown more divisive. However, Dean isn’t fazed by the growing divide in politics and is confident in his ability to be the leader Minnesota needs.
“Minnesota needs strong leadership,” Dean told Alpha News. “We need a governor who will reconnect Minnesotans with the best healthcare in the world. We need leadership to allow our farmers to feed the world and reopen Minnesota’s North to bring back jobs. Conservative leadership begins and ends with results.”
Dean is also involving his family in the campaign. His campaign website includes a profile on his wife, Laura, “Matt’s not-so-secret weapon.” Before the announcement, Laura Dean traveled and spoke on her husband’s behalf when he was unable to make it to certain events like the Fifth Congressional District Convention for the Republican Party.
Dean joins a growing crowd of gubernatorial candidates including his former opponent State Auditor Rebecca Otto, St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman, State Rep. Tina Liebling (D-Rochester), State Rep. Erin Murphy (D-St. Paul), U.S. Rep. Tim Walz, St. Cloud Native Christopher Chamberlin, Phillip C. Parrish, and Ramsey County Commissioner Blake Huffman.
Preya Samsundar
Preya Samsundar was born and raised in Minneapolis, MN. She graduated from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities this Spring with a B.A. in Political Science and Sociology, with a minor in Strategic Communications. Preya has previously worked on several State Campaign Races.
