ST. PAUL, Minn. — U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar is seriously considering a run for Minnesota governor, according to multiple sources familiar with her thinking, following Gov. Tim Walz’s decision not to seek a third term in 2026.
The four-term senator, one of Minnesota’s most prominent and electorally successful Democrats, would instantly become a leading contender in an open gubernatorial race. Speculation intensified after reports that Klobuchar and Walz met privately over the weekend and several domain names tied to a potential campaign were registered.
Sources told Axios that Klobuchar has not made a final decision but is actively weighing a bid. Multiple Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party insiders said they expect her to enter the race, describing her interest as serious and ongoing.
Klobuchar has represented Minnesota in the U.S. Senate since 2007 and previously served as Hennepin County attorney. She gained national recognition during her 2020 presidential campaign and has built a broad statewide coalition, winning all four Senate elections by double-digit margins. In 2024, she outperformed the Democratic presidential ticket in Minnesota by roughly five percentage points.
Her potential candidacy could significantly reshape the field. Former Rep. Dean Phillips, who ran for president in 2024, has already said he will not run for governor. If elected, Klobuchar would become Minnesota’s first female governor and her departure from the Senate would create a rare mid-term vacancy to be filled by the governor.
Minnesota’s primary election is scheduled for Aug. 11, 2026.
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