Amy Klobuchar Enters Minnesota Gubernatorial Race with a Focus on Unity and Reform
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar has declared her candidacy for the governorship of Minnesota. In her announcement on Thursday, Klobuchar emphasized her intent to oppose President Donald Trump while aiming to unify a state that has faced numerous challenges, exacerbated by federal immigration policies.
With Klobuchar’s entry, the Democratic Party gains a prominent contender as it seeks to retain the governor’s office, currently held by Governor Tim Walz. Walz, the Democratic vice-presidential nominee in 2024, recently withdrew from seeking a third term, amid scrutiny over alleged mismanagement of taxpayer funds for child care.
In a video message, Klobuchar stated, “Minnesota, we’ve been through a lot. These times call for leaders who can stand up and not be rubber stamps of this administration — but who are also willing to find common ground and fix things in our state.”
Challenges and Opportunities
Klobuchar highlighted issues such as Trump’s immigration enforcement in Minnesota, the deaths of two Minnesotans at the hands of federal officers, the assassination of a state legislator, and a tragic school shooting.
“I believe we must stand up for what’s right and fix what’s wrong,” she declared. Entering the gubernatorial race makes Klobuchar the fourth U.S. senator to announce a run for governor in 2026, alongside candidates from Alabama, Colorado, and Tennessee.
Republican Contenders and Election Dynamics
The Minnesota gubernatorial race is poised to be a high-profile contest with several Republican candidates, including MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell, state House Speaker Lisa Demuth, former state senator Dr. Scott Jensen, and state Rep. Kristin Robbins.
Klobuchar’s gubernatorial bid is relatively low-risk as she retains her Senate seat, with her term not expiring until 2030. A victory would necessitate her resignation from the Senate, prompting an appointment by her or Walz, and a subsequent special election.
Immigration and Fraud Issues
The Minnesota race may spotlight Trump’s stringent law-and-order stance and aggressive deportation efforts, pitting them against Democratic critiques of federal tactics. Federal agents have detained citizens, entered homes without warrants, and clashed with protesters in violent incidents.
Democrats have contested funding for Trump’s Department of Homeland Security, risking a partial government shutdown over funding disputes. Klobuchar, or any other Democratic nominee, may face scrutiny over the child care fraud investigation involving Minnesota’s Somali community. Walz has asserted his administration’s efforts to address and prosecute fraud.
Demuth, a Republican contender, swiftly debuted a video and web page criticizing Klobuchar’s record, arguing that she would continue Walz’s policies and fail to curb public program fraud.
Klobuchar’s Political Background
Klobuchar, now in her fourth Senate term, has a history as a local prosecutor and former presidential candidate. Known for her moderate stance, she has demonstrated electoral success across Minnesota, winning her 2024 Senate race by nearly 16 percentage points and securing more votes than Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris.
She rose to prominence during Trump’s presidency for her incisive questioning of judicial nominees, including during the contentious hearings for now-Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. Her efforts in the aftermath of the January 6 Capitol riot included co-authoring a report focused on security improvements.
During her 2020 presidential bid, Klobuchar presented herself as a moderate, emphasizing her “grit” and Midwestern identity. Although she outperformed Biden in early primary races, she eventually endorsed him, withdrawing before the South Carolina primary.
Klobuchar was considered for potential Cabinet roles in Biden’s administration but remained in the Senate due to the delicate balance of power. She has publicly shared her diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer, announcing her recovery in 2024.
