An East Bethel state senator wants to be governor.

Sen. Mike Jungbauer, a second-term Republican, feels called by God to seek higher office.

"I feel the prodding,” said Jungbauer, making stops in the Capitol press room today (Wednesday, July 1) to announce a candidacy that he has already told his friends on Facebook about.

Sen. Mike Jungbauer, R-East Bethel, has announced that he is running for governor. Jungbauer is a former East Bethel mayor and was elected to the Senate in 2002. (Photo by T.W. Budig, ECM Capitol Reporter)

by T.W. Budig
ECM Capitol reporter

An East Bethel state senator wants to be governor.

Sen. Mike Jungbauer, a second-term Republican, feels called by God to seek higher office.

"I feel the prodding,” said Jungbauer, making stops in the Capitol press room today (Wednesday, July 1) to announce a candidacy that he has already told his friends on Facebook about.

The Republican gubernatorial field is crowded, said Jungbauer, but added that the full debate of the issues hasn't yet occurred.

Jungbauer, 51, said his experience as East Bethel mayor, in the Senate, in business, has given him a strong grasp of the issues facing government.

The senator speaks of prioritizing state spending, and of the need for a governor who understands the social and environmental impact of renewable energy as the sources come to market.

Jungbauer said he would abide by the Republican Party endorsement, and believes his skills with technology makes him an appealing choice for younger voters — he announced on Facebook because that's how younger people communicate, he said.

Jungbauer, an ordained minister, said although he feels a calling from God to seek higher office, it's certainly no guarantee that he'll achieve it.

"That's fine,” he said. It will surely open new vistas, he explained.

Jungbauer plans to make a more formal announcement for governor by the end of the month.

"Everything has been positive,” he said of the feedback that he's been getting.

Jungbauer works for an engineering firm as a water resources manager, planner and urban designer.

He considers himself a national expert on waste water treatment design.

Although long bothered by back problems, Jungbauer in recent times has bounced back and can be seen at the Capitol coming back from runs through St. Paul.

He has ridden his bicycle to the Capitol from home.

Jungbauer and his wife Vicki have four children.

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