Margaret Anderson Kelliher Picks John Gunyou for Lieutenant Governor
ST. PAUL, MN – Margaret Anderson Kelliher, DFL-endorsed candidate for Governor, announced today she chose John Gunyou to serve as the state’s next Lieutenant Governor. Facing historic fiscal and economic challenges, Kelliher says she wants one of the state’s most trusted budget experts at her side as she works to balance the budget and renew the promise of Minnesota.
“Minnesotans deserve an experienced team with the courage to lead, and the wisdom to make good decisions,” said Kelliher. “Driven by the courage of his convictions, and armed with an unmatched knowledge of the state budget, John Gunyou is the right choice for this ticket, and the right choice for Minnesota.”
Gunyou currently serves as city manager of Minnetonka – a large suburban community recognized as one of the best-run cities in the nation. John also served as the first finance director for the City of Minneapolis under Mayor Don Fraser.
But his breadth of experience doesn’t end at city hall. As Minnesota’s longest-serving Finance Commissioner under Governor Arne Carlson, John Gunyou successfully worked with Democrats and Republicans to steer the state through one of Minnesota’s worst financial crises.
“I am honored to stand with Margaret as we turn a new page of responsibility and prosperity in Minnesota,” Gunyou said. “This state deserves a balanced budget rooted in Minnesota values – strong schools, good jobs, and sound infrastructure. That’s the Minnesota Margaret and I believe in; that’s what this administration will deliver.”
Gunyou is a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, where he earned a degree in economics. John went on to earn master’s degrees in economics and public administration from UCLA and the University of Colorado. John lives in Minnetonka with his wife Kim, a research clinician. Together they have five adult children.