Demuth Declines to Rule Out Chauvin Pardon
The Minnesota House Speaker did not commit to her position on a potential pardon for convicted murderer Derek Chauvin.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Criminal Justice
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Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth declined to state whether she would support a pardon for Derek Chauvin if elected governor. Chauvin was convicted of murdering George Floyd in 2021.
Why it matters
The governor holds a critical seat on the Minnesota pardon board, which requires the governor's vote as one of two necessary approvals for any pardon. Public interest in the board's decision-making has grown following recent controversies surrounding board actions.
The Minnesota pardon board consists of three members: the governor, attorney general, and the chief justice of the Supreme Court. A successful pardon requires at least two affirmative votes, one of which must come from the governor.
The players
Lisa Demuth
She serves as the Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives and is a candidate for governor.
Derek Chauvin
He is a former police officer who was convicted in 2021 of murdering George Floyd.
Tim Walz
He is the current Governor of Minnesota who serves on the state board of pardons.
Tou Lue Vang
He was convicted in 2006 for the sexual assault of a minor and received a pardon in 2026.
George Floyd
He was an African American man whose 2020 death while in police custody sparked national protests.
The details
The Minnesota pardon board meets twice a year to review applications. Earlier in 2026, Governor Tim Walz voted in favor of a pardon for Tou Lue Vang, who was convicted of sexually assaulting a 10-year-old girl in 2006, despite opposition from the county attorney; Vang has since been deported.
Timeline
Tou Lue Vang was convicted of sexually assaulting a 10-year-old in 2006.
Derek Chauvin was convicted of murdering George Floyd in 2021.
Minnesota Republican Party delegates held a moment of silence for Derek Chauvin in May 2026.
Governor Tim Walz voted to pardon Tou Lue Vang earlier in 2026.
Lisa Demuth declined to state her position on a potential Chauvin pardon on October 26, 2026.
Legal Context
The Minnesota pardon process is governed by strict requirements that grant the governor significant influence over the final outcome. This case underscores the broader political scrutiny surrounding gubernatorial pardons and the role of the pardon board in state legal systems.
The governor's influence on the pardon board directly determines how the state handles controversial criminal cases and clemency applications. Residents should be aware that the board's composition and the governor's platform significantly shape the state's approach to post-conviction relief.
The takeaway
Voters in gubernatorial elections often weigh a candidate's stance on clemency as a reflection of their broader judicial philosophy. Understanding the specific mechanics of a state's pardon board helps voters assess how much unilateral power a candidate may exercise if elected.
Further reading
Learn more about the state's legal proceedings in the Criminal Justice section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Minnesota Reformer.
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