Filing frenzy for Republicans, Democrats in governor's race

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KMSP) - Some late entries into the governor’s race are shaking up the August primaries for both major parties. 

The filing deadline to run for state office is Tuesday at 5 p.m. 

For the Democrats, DFL endorsed state Rep. Erin Murphy and Rep. Erin Maye Quade filed to run for governor. On Tuesday. Murphy represents portions of St. Paul, while Maye Quade represents parts of Apple Valley and Lakeville. 

U.S. Rep. Tim Walz and state Rep. Peggy Flanagan, who represents St. Louis Park, Golden Valley, Plymouth and Medicine Lake, also filed to run. 

Current Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson was a late entry into the governor’s race. After failing to secure the DFL endorsement for attorney general at the state convention over the weekend, Swanson, along with U.S. Rep. Rick Nolan, launched a bid for governor. The pair filed to run on Tuesday. 

Republicans are also facing a crowded primary. 

Hennepin County Commissioner Jeff Johnson and his running mate Lt. Colonel Donna Bergstrom received the GOP endorsement at the Republican state convention last weekend. They filed to run on Tuesday. 

Former governor Tim Pawlenty and his running mate, current Lt. Gov. Michelle Fischbach, did not seek the GOP endorsement and skipped the state convention. On Tuesday, Pawlenty filed to run for the Republican nomination for his old office, despite Johnson calling for him to drop out of the race. 

“We don’t live in Russia,” Pawlenty said. “We have elections in America and that’s what the primary is for, we let the people vote. I’m for letting more people vote, more grassroots activists vote and I think that’s helpful for the process. Other people to stay they want to control the election, other candidates can’t run then we’re no more than Russia.” 

The primary election is on Tuesday, Aug. 14.