Amy Klobuchar Enters Minnesota Governor’s Race

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Minneapolis, Minnesota — Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar announced Thursday that she will run for governor of Minnesota, setting up a high-profile race to succeed two-term Gov. Tim Walz, who recently said he will not seek a third term. Klobuchar, a four-term U.S. senator first elected statewide in 2006, enters the contest as the most prominent Democrat to declare.

Walz stepped aside earlier this month following heightened criticism from the Trump administration over allegations that Minnesota failed to identify COVID-19 relief fraud tied to child care facilities. His decision reshaped the Democratic field, with several potential contenders — including Sen. Tina Smith and Attorney General Keith Ellison — opting not to run.

Klobuchar was reelected to the Senate in 2024 with 56% of the vote and has built a national profile around bipartisan legislation and Senate leadership roles. In her campaign announcement, she referenced a series of recent tragedies that have drawn national attention to Minnesota, including the fatal shootings of U.S. citizens Renee Good and Alex Pretti by immigration enforcement officers, a Minneapolis school shooting in August 2025, and the assassination of the Minnesota House Democratic leader last year.

Klobuchar said Minnesota needs leadership that can both stand up to the Trump administration and work across party lines to address public safety, affordability, and trust in government.

On the Republican side, the race remains unsettled. Chris Madel withdrew earlier this week in protest of federal immigration enforcement policies. Other GOP contenders include House Speaker Lisa Demuth, former nominee Scott Jensen, and businessman Mike Lindell, who has already secured President Donald Trump’s endorsement.