Nick Shirley calls out Minnesota GOP gubernatorial candidate over her investigation lie

By Easton Martin | January 3, 2026

Controversy surrounding Minnesota gubernatorial candidate Lisa Demuth erupted this week after conflicting public statements emerged over her claimed involvement in journalist Nick Shirley’s viral daycare investigation.

The dispute began after a report circulated quoting Demuth as acknowledging that Republicans had “worked with Nick Shirley” on the investigation that exposed widespread problems within Minnesota’s taxpayer funded childcare system. That statement suggested coordination between Shirley and GOP leadership and framed the investigation as something more akin to a party driven political effort rather than independent reporting.

Shirley quickly and unequivocally denied the claim. In a public response on X, he stated that he had no relationship with Demuth, did not know her personally, and had never worked with her or her campaign in any capacity. He accused Demuth of falsely claiming credit for his work in order to elevate her political profile and called the statement a lie.

Shirley, not mincing words, stated on X, “she is lying to make herself look good for her campaign. Shame on her!”