ROCHESTER— Republican activists endorsed Hennepin County Commissioner Jeff Johnson for a second run at governor Saturday and Democrats backed longtime state Rep. Erin Murphy for the same race, but both still face certain primary challenges that could mean neither is on the ballot in November.

Johnson easily beat two rivals to clinch his party’s endorsement in Duluth. But former Gov. Tim Pawlenty, a late entry in the race seeking a return to politics, skipped the convention altogether and will compete with Johnson in an Aug. 14 primary.

A Democratic primary could be even more crowded for Murphy, who outlasted U.S. Rep. Tim Walz over six rounds of voting to secure the blessing from Democratic activists gathered in Rochester. Moments after withdrawing from the endorsement, Walz told supporters he would continue to a primary. And three-term Attorney General Lori Swanson is considering a late entry in the race after losing her party’s endorsement for another run at her current job, a spokesman said.

Together, the parties’ 0endorsements were a rebuke of the more mainstream candidates on each side in favor of those more in-step with fervent party activists. But it’s not the final word — both parties have a history of bucking the endorsing conventions.

Outgoing Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton didn’t compete for the party nod in 2010 yet went on to win two terms. Former two-term GOP Gov. Arne Carlson never won his party’s endorsement.

An endorsement can be a help in the drive toward the November election. Murphy and Johnson will get the backing of their respective political parties in expected August primaries, including some much-needed financial help.

Murphy overcame heavy favorite Walz by piling up critical endorsements from unions such as AFSCME Council 5 and the Service Employees International Union while positioning herself as the more liberal and energizing choice. State Auditor Rebecca Otto was also running but dropped out early.

Walz had positioned himself as the best candidate to take on Pawlenty in November.