Ex-KARE 11 Anchor Announces Bid For Minnesota Governor

MINNEAPOLIS — Cory Hepola, who made his name in the Twin Cities as a KARE 11 anchor and then a WCCO radio host, announced Tuesday that he will run for governor as an independent.

"I’m exhausted by the toxic two-party divisiveness that’s failing us, instead of honestly representing us," Hepola, who grew up in the small Minnesota town of Perham, states on his website.

"I’ve built a successful media career in TV and Radio by staying constantly curious, earning trust and collaborating with all communities. I’m running for everyone who is disillusioned with politics, especially our youth, who feel political divisions are the biggest threat to their generation and that our US Democracy is in trouble or failing. They deserve to know it wasn’t always that way, and doesn’t need to be now or in the future."

From 2015 to 2018, Hepola anchored KARE 11's weekend program, "Sunrise." In 2019, he became WCCO Radio's midday host until he left last month.

Watch Hepola's first campaign video here.

Hepola joins a crowded field of people trying to unseat Gov. Tim Walz. Among the Republicans running are Sen. Michelle Benson, former Sen. Paul Gazelka, and former Hennepin County Sheriff Richard Stanek.