Polling Average
25%20%15%10%5%0%
12.3%
22.1%
19.5%
12%
Republican
Kendall Qualls
Minnesota Republican Governor nominee?
$208.0K
AUG 12, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleHealthcare industry executive
PartyRepublican
Political ideologyConservative Republican
GenderMale
LocationMinnesota
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BackgroundHealthcare industry executive
EducationUniversity of Michigan — MBA (Executive MBA program)
Notable personal detailsKendall Qualls is a Minnesota Republican candidate and former healthcare-industry executive who has run for U.S. House (MN-03) and for Minnesota governor. He is a U.S. Army veteran and the founder of the nonprofit TakeCharge Minnesota. In 2026, he sought the Republican nomination for governor of Minnesota and received the Minnesota Republican Party endorsement at its state convention.
SourcesShowHide
kendallqualls.commprnews.orgfec.govcbsnews.comlinkedin.commn.electionarchives.lib.umn.eduaxios.commngop.comwnd.comstartribune.comminnesotareformer.comwdayradionow.comtransparencyusa.orgen.wikipedia.orgdfl.orgivoterguide.combloomingtonoptimists.orgkendallcountytx.govportal.newspapercontest.comkqformn.comalbertleatribune.comkttc.comnewsmax.comabetterminnesota.orgalphanews.orggunowners.mnkendallfinancialsolutions.comkendalltaxpreparer.comkendallaccountingandtax.comkendallcountyil.govkendallad.orgtaxesandaplan.commetrobclub.orgnorthernnewsnow.comvalleynewslive.comfox9.comduluthnewstribune.comyoutube.comkstp.comminneapolimedia.town.newssctimes.comyahoo.comfacebook.comjustfacts.votesmart.orgvotesmart.orgvoterguide.ballotpedia.orgdeveloper.ballotpedia.orgcdn.ballotpedia.orgwikidata.orgballotready.orgnga.orgclerk.house.gov
Positions
LiberalConservative
Economy & Taxes
Supports significant tax cuts for individuals and businesses, including reducing the state corporate tax rate to 6% and collapsing personal income tax tiers to two rates (3% and 6%), and promoting lower-tax, pro-business policies to spur economic growth.
Healthcare
Emphasizes growing Minnesota’s healthcare sector and research (including Alzheimer’s and dementia) and highlights his career as a healthcare executive, but does not articulate clear positions on Medicare for All, ACA expansion, Medicaid policy, a public option, or market-based health reforms. Public statements available are general and focused on opportunity and research rather than specific policy prescriptions.
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Immigration & Border
The candidate expresses strong support for federal immigration enforcement and ICE operations in Minnesota and says he would cooperate with the federal administration on enforcement. He frames recent unrest tied to immigration enforcement as a leadership problem in the state and welcomes federal scrutiny of local officials. The positions emphasize tougher enforcement and cooperation with federal agencies rather than expanded legal pathways or asylum protections.
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
The candidate opposes abortion and describes himself as "100% pro-life." He has expressed support for defunding Planned Parenthood and has been endorsed by anti-abortion groups.
Climate & Energy
Supports expanding energy production and innovation with an emphasis on nuclear power, faster permitting, and pro-business, low-regulation policies to encourage development and jobs. Emphasizes cutting regulatory “waste, fraud and abuse” and lowering taxes to spur economic growth rather than pursuing aggressive emissions-focused measures.
Public Safety & Guns
The candidate supports strong Second Amendment protections, aligning with policies such as permitless/constitutional carry and Stand Your Ground, and opposes additional gun-control measures. He emphasizes supporting law enforcement and tougher public-safety measures.
News
AINews Summary
Last updatedJul 4, 2026
Kendall Qualls is in the news as a Republican candidate for Minnesota governor, with the party’s delegates endorsing him and his campaign moving into a crowded primary. He has also picked Brian Nicholson as his running mate, and both are being presented as political newcomers with business backgrounds. Recent coverage has also focused on fundraising in the race, where Qualls is one of the GOP candidates reporting totals ahead of the primary.
kendallqualls.com+51
Articles
SPSt. Paul Pioneer Press3 months ago
Klobuchar easily outpaces Republicans in first-quarter fundraising
Neutral
ADAustin Daily Herald4 months ago
Republican Qualls picks fellow businessman Nicholson to fill out Minne...
Positive
ADAustin Daily Herald1 month ago
House Speaker Lisa Demuth to run in GOP primary for governor
Positive
NNewsweek5 months ago
Republicans’ Chances of Beating Amy Klobuchar to Flip Minnesota-Poll
Neutral
Polls
Minnesota Republican Governor nominee?
Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne
Endorsements
Minnesota Republican Governor nominee?
Endorsers of Kendall Qualls for Minnesota Republican Governor nominee?
Republican Party of Minnesota
Elected official
The Republican Party of Minnesota endorsed Kendall Qualls for governor.
Fundraising
Latest report: Cycle 2026Total raisedCash on hand
$51.8K
$38.9K
$25.9K
$13.0K
$0
2022
2024
2026
LatestYear
Total raised
Cash on hand
Total spent
Burn rate
Cycle 2022
$489.84
$51.8K
$61.4K
$2.6K
Cycle 2024
$1.0K
$11.3K
$41.6K
$1.7K
Cycle 2026
$0.00
$0.00
$11.3K
$5.6K
Source: FEC