A businessman and former Marine joined the race for Minnesota governor Thursday, expanding the Republican field of hopefuls seeking the job.

Patrick Knight launched his 2026 campaign with a video that says Minnesota has lost its way. He joins a crowded field of Republican candidates that is now above a half dozen. The nominee is headed for a fall race against two-term DFL Gov. Tim Walz.

“In recent years, our state leadership has lost its way,” Knight says in his video. They’ve taken their eyes off our North Star.”

Knight, of Plymouth, is the chief executive officer of Good Sense Foods, which makes salad and vegetable toppings and produce snacks.

He served in the Marines, both active duty and reserves, for nearly 22 years. He said that included a deployment to the Middle East and work a

See Full Page