‘There’s a parallel’: Former governor Arne Carlson reflects on his own eleventh-hour race

Minnesota Now

President Joe Biden’s late-race dropout might feel a little familiar to lifelong Minnesotans.

Thirty-four years ago, Minnesota saw a gubernatorial election that had plenty of controversy and yes, an 11th hour withdrawal that changed the game with a surprise upset victory. It was astounding at the time.

Here’s what happened: DFL incumbent governor Rudy Perpich, was seeking an unprecedented fourth term. Republicans got behind a business executive named Jon Grunseth. Grunseth was leading in the polls until details of a sex scandal were revealed in the Star Tribune just three weeks before the election.

After Grunseth dropped, Arne Carlson jumped in. He won the race and went on to serve two terms as governor. Former governor Arne Carlson joined MPR News Host Cathy Wurzer to reflect on his last-minute race.