Tad Jude announces bid for Minnesota secretary of state

MINNEAPOLIS — Republican Tad Jude announced his candidacy for Minnesota secretary of state in 2026 on Friday, Sept. 12.

Jude, 73 of Maple Grove, Minnesota, has previously served as a state representative and senator, as well as 11 years as a district court judge for Minnesota’s 10th judicial district. He most recently ran for Minnesota’s third congressional district against Rep. Kelly Morrison in 2024.

"After many years of service to our great state, I'm stepping forward to protect the integrity of our elections," Jude said in a press release. "Minnesotans deserve a Secretary of State who values transparency and accountability. It's time to end the doubts plaguing our election system and rebuild confidence in every vote cast."

Jude also ran for attorney general in 2022 but lost the Republican nomination to Jim Schultz. No other candidates have officially announced their bid for secretary of state.

More from Mary Murphy

Minnesota

Minnesota budget outlook improves: Near-term surplus grows to $3.7 billion, future deficit gone

Budget officials, Walz and lawmakers all express a need for modest budgeting decisions this session despite improvements in the economic outlook.

23h ago

 · 

By  Mary Murphy

Minnesota

Gov. Tim Walz introduces anti-fraud package, calls federal Medicaid pause ‘illegal and unprecedented’

The anti-fraud proposals come a day after the federal government announced a pause on $259 million in Medicaid funds over fraud concerns.

2d ago

 · 

By  Mary Murphy

Minnesota

AG Ellison, House DFL pitch more anti-fraud proposals

Ellison’s office asks to beef up the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit; House DFL looking at deprivatization, county role and updating technology

3d ago

 · 

By  Mary Murphy

Load More