‘This election is too important;’ Ventura endorses Gov. Walz

In a bit of a rare move, former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura released an endorsement Thursday morning.

The state’s 38th governor, who served as an independent from 1999 to 2003, endorsed DFL incumbent Gov. Tim Walz for reelection.

“As an independent statesman, I don’t believe in the major political parties. Since leaving office, I’ve rarely endorsed a candidate for office in Minnesota – of any political persuasion,” Ventura said in a video shared by Walz’s campaign. “But this election is too important. That’s why I’m endorsing Governor Tim Walz for reelection.”

Ventura cited Walz’s actions during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as his support for women’s rights and abortion rights, as reasons he’s voting for Walz. He added that he won’t stand with anyone “who cannot condemn the January 6th insurrection.”