Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Politics and Government News
Tim Pugmire
St. Paul

North metro mayor announces bid for governor

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

A suburban mayor announced Thursday that he will be a Republican candidate for governor next year.

Mike Murphy has served as mayor of Lexington, Minn., a small north metro suburb located between Blaine and Circle Pines, since 2019. He previously served on the City Council.

Murphy is the first Republican to enter the race, although several big names have circulated as potential candidates.

DFL Gov. Tim Walz is expected to seek a second term.

In announcing his campaign, Murphy said he has grown frustrated by the direction of politics in the state. He wants lawmakers to do more to work together.

“I’m not necessarily mad at Gov. Walz and about what he’s doing,” Murphy said. “I’m just mad at the whole entire political system in Minnesota right now.”

Murphy highlighted several priorities including lowering income taxes, reducing government spending, legalizing sports betting and providing better pay for teachers.

Murphy said he plans to seek the Republican party endorsement next year.

Murphy concedes that is a relative unknown. But he says he believes that Minnesotans want an underdog.

“We don’t always need to be electing celebrities and millionaires and the elite to these positions,” he said. “Politics should be about common people serving their constituents, and that is my main goal, is to serve the people of Minnesota.”