State Sen. Mike Jungbauer is using the popular Game Fair as the backdrop for the official launch of his campaign for Minnesota governor.

The East Bethel Republican planned to lay out his vision for the state Saturday at the Anoka County event. Game Fair attracts thousands of anglers and hunters each year.

Jungbauer is one of at least nine Republicans seeking the nomination in a race to replace Gov. Tim Pawlenty. That list is expected to grow.

The second-term senator is an evangelical pastor with a conservative reputation. He has been seeking support for his campaign for more than a month but Saturday’s event was considered his formal kickoff.