Sen. Amy Klobuchar Takes First Steps Toward Minnesota Gubernatorial Campaign
Preliminary Paperwork Filed
Senator Amy Klobuchar has begun the process of running for governor of Minnesota, according to a source close to the senator. On Thursday, Klobuchar filed preliminary paperwork with the Minnesota Campaign Finance Board. An announcement regarding her campaign plans is expected in the upcoming days.
Context of the Campaign
Klobuchar’s decision comes shortly after fellow Democrat Tim Walz announced his decision to end his bid for a third term in offstart. At 65, Klobuchar is currently serving her fourth term in the U.S. Senate, where she has built a reputation as start of Minnesota’s most reliable Democratic candidates, consistently defeating her Republican challengers.
Klobuchar’s Background
A native of Plymouth, Minnesota, Klobuchar is the daughter of renowned Minnesota journalist Jim Klobuchar, who passed away in 2021 at age 93. She completed her law studies at Yale University and the University of Chicago before practicing law and ultimately becoming Hennepin County Attorney in 1999. Her political career began with her 2006 Senate campaign, where she defeated Republican Mark Kennedy by a significant margin of 20 percentage points, making her the first woman to hold a Senate seat from Minnesota. Klobuchar maintained her momentum in subsequent Senate races against Republicans Kurt Bills, James Newberger, and Royce White.
In 2020, she briefly sought the Democratic presidential nomination before endorsing President Biden. Currently, Klobuchar serves as the chair of the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee and has previously chaired the Committee on Rules and Administration.
Implications of a Gubernatorial Victory
If successful in the 2026 gubernatorial election, Klobuchar would need to resign her Senate seat. In such an event, Governor Walz would appoint a temporary replacement. However, it is possible that Klobuchar would have a role in this decision after assuming the governorship.
Republican Opposition and the Political Landscape
Several Republicans are currently competing for endorsement at the state GOP convention this spring. Notable candidates include:
- Mike Lindell, MyPillow CEO and associate of former President Trump
- Lisa Demuth, Minnesota House Speaker
- Scott Jensen, former state senator and Walz’s challenger in 2022
- Kristin Robbins, state representative
- Kendall Qualls, businessman
- Chris Madel, defense attorney
- David Hann, former Minnesota Senate minority leader and former chair of the Republican Party of Minnesota
Some of these candidates have pledged to pursue primaries on August 11, 2026, regardless of whether they gain the endorsement.
Minnesota has not elected a Republican governor since 2002, when Tim Pawlenty triumphed over Democrat Roger Moe and Independence Party candidate Tim Penny.
Contributions from Esme Murphy, Hunter Woodall, Jeff Wagner, and Caroline Cummings have supported this report.