Ventura Endorses Walz, GOP Labels Him 'Dangerous Conspiracy Theorist'

MINNEAPOLIS — The Republican Party of Minnesota attacked Gov. Tim Walz on Thursday for touting the endorsement of former Gov. Jesse Ventura, calling him "a well-known extremist and conspiracy theorist."

In a rare move, Ventura — an Independent who shows disdain for both Democrats and Republicans — endorsed Walz on Thursday.

Ventura, a former Navy SEAL, said he took an oath fifty years ago to defend the country. "I can't stand with anyone or any party who cannot condemn the Jan. 6 insurrection," he said.

"What an honor! Thrilled to be endorsed by @GovJVentura," Walz tweeted. "I'm committed to being a governor for all Minnesotans, and I’ll work with anyone who’s willing to work with me to get things done. Thank you, Jesse, for taking the unprecedented step to cast your independent vote for me!"

Commenting on the endorsement, state Republicans assailed Ventura for his history of spreading baseless conspiracy theories, including that 9/11 was an "inside job."

"As a Vietnam veteran, I am appalled that Gov. Tim Walz would seek and tout the endorsement of such a discredited conspiracy theorist," said Republican Party of Minnesota Chairman David Hann in a statement.

"Jesse Ventura claimed 9/11 was caused by the government and that all of our country’s wars were started under false pretenses. This endorsement is an embarrassment and shows that Walz is losing and desperate for support. Tim Walz owes every military family and those of 9/11 victims an apology."

Republicans in Minnesota have mostly ignored two recent endorsements from former President Donald Trump, who spread evidence-free claims that the 2020 presidential election was "stolen."