With Election Day closing in, Republican Jeff Johnson is enlisting Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) to hit the campaign trail for him in his bid for Minnesota governor.
Rubio enjoys relative popularity among Minnesota voters and won the state Republican caucus in his 2016 presidential campaign, making him a safe choice for Johnson. Even before Johnson upset establishment-favorite Tim Pawlenty in the primaries, Rubio endorsed Johnson as the “right person to represent the Republican Party.”
“Jeff is part of a group of next-generation conservatives around our country who are successfully offering new, bold policies that are making people’s lives better,” Rubio said.
On Friday, Johnson’s campaign announced that Rubio will visit Minnesota on Oct. 22 to “support Jeff Johnson during the critical final weeks of the campaign.”
“I look forward to welcoming Senator Rubio to Minnesota as we make our final push. Minnesotans love Marco and I know his positive message and energy will resonate with voters,” Johnson said in a press release.
Rubio praised Johnson as a “man of strong character who is in this race for the right reasons,” saying his “background has prepared him to lead on Day One.”
“Republicans in Minnesota are extremely close to breaking through statewide, and with Jeff Johnson as the nominee, I believe they will,” Rubio added.
Johnson has also received the endorsement of President Donald Trump, who recently campaigned for Republican candidates in Rochester.
“Jeff Johnson of Minnesota had a big night in winning the Republican nomination for governor against a very strong and well known opponent,” Trump tweeted after Johnson’s primary victory. “Thanks for all of the support you showed me. You have my complete and total endorsement. You will win in November.”
Johnson warmed up the crowd before Trump’s Rochester rally where he criticized Democrat Tim Walz for representing “a third Dayton term.”
“We could not have more different views [on] where Minnesota should go” Johnson said. “Walz wants to make Minnesota a sanctuary state. Over my dead body.”
– – –
Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of The Minnesota Sun. Follow Anthony on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
