Minnesota Republican gubernatorial nominee Lisa Demuth officially broke ranks with President Donald Trump on Thursday, joining a widening circle of GOP candidates calling for an immediate conclusion to the ongoing war in Iran. The shift comes as the President’s approval ratings face significant headwinds, putting pressure on down-ballot Republicans to distance themselves from his foreign policy agenda.
Addressing the economic fallout of the conflict, Demuth cited the heavy burden placed on Minnesota families as the primary driver for her change in stance. Specifically, she pointed to skyrocketing costs for gasoline, diesel, and essential agricultural fertilizers as unsustainable pressures on the state’s economy.
“When it comes to the war and the increased prices that are a result of that, it is hurting Minnesotans, and I absolutely acknowledge that,” Demuth said. “President Trump and I are different people. I was not his pick to endorse for governor here in the state of Minnesota, but I think as we’ve watched things go forward, it is time to put an end to that war.”
Demuth, who previously avoided criticizing the President during her August primary campaign, emphasized that her priority remains the financial well-being of the state’s agricultural sector. “I really believe that we know that it is causing more expenses, as I’ve mentioned, groceries and fertilizer in our ag community,” she added.
The announcement was met with immediate hostility from the campaign of her opponent, DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar. A spokesperson for Klobuchar characterized the pivot as a desperate, “half-hearted” attempt to manage political optics as the midterm elections loom.
“For seven months, Lisa Demuth has refused to oppose Donald Trump’s war in Iran, staying silent as Minnesotans face crushing gas prices,” the spokesperson said. “Today, while Lisa Demuth for the first time uttered any concern about this war, Amy Klobuchar was in the Senate taking another vote to actually end this war.”
Demuth’s Thursday comments mark the latest in a series of subtle shifts away from the White House. Throughout the primary, she largely avoided policy disagreements with the President, even when questioned on controversial remarks regarding immigrant communities. However, as the general election approaches, she has increasingly asserted her independence, including a recent critique of Trump’s tariffs on Canadian goods, which she deemed “damaging” during an appearance at the Minnesota State Fair.
Demuth is far from alone in this strategy. Across the country, Republican candidates are navigating a delicate balance between remaining loyal to the party’s base and responding to voter fatigue over the war. From Michigan to Florida and Colorado, GOP nominees are increasingly highlighting their policy differences with the administration, betting that voters are prioritizing regional economic relief over national party alignment.
For Demuth, the message moving forward is clear: “Where I agree, you will hear that. Where I see it different, you’re going to hear that too.”
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