Food executive Patrick Knight announces run for governor

Patrick Knight, a snack company CEO and retired Marine, launched his campaign for Minnesota governor on Wednesday.

He’s the latest to join a crowded field of candidates seeking the Republican nomination.

A graduate of Wayzata High School, Knight earned his undergraduate degree from College of the Holy Cross before attending law school at Georgetown University. He served in the Marine Corps for more than two decades, both active duty and reserve, and retired as a lieutenant colonel. After leaving the military, Knight earned his MBA from Harvard University.

Knight, 59, is the current CEO of Waymouth Foods, and his past experience in the food and agribusiness industry includes stops at Cargill and as president of the startup Kateri Foods.

According to his campaign website, Knight’s platform is focused on increasing affordability, creating job opportunities, strengthening Minnesota’s public schools and supporting public safety.

“We can’t fix what’s broken by doing more of the same,” Knight said in a news release. “We need a new kind of leadership — one that focuses on delivering results, not just passing laws and spending more taxpayer money. My goal is simple: to make Minnesota a place where families can build a better life and stay here to raise their children and grandchildren.”

Other Republican candidates seeking to unseat DFL Gov. Tim Walz next year include House Speaker Lisa Demuth, State Rep. Kristin Robbins, 2022 GOP gubernatorial nominee Scott Jensen, and four candidates who have never held public office: Jeff Johnson, Brad Kohler, Kendall Qualls and Phillip Parrish.

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