MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar announced on Thursday her candidacy for governor of Minnesota. In her campaign launch, she emphasized her intention to confront President Donald Trump while striving to unify a state that has faced numerous challenges, particularly following the federal government's immigration crackdown.
Klobuchar's entry into the race presents Democrats with a prominent candidate who has a track record of winning statewide elections. This is particularly crucial as the party seeks to retain the governor's office currently held by Gov. Tim Walz, who recently abandoned his campaign for a third term amid scrutiny over the management of taxpayer funding for child care programs.
Klobuchar addressed Minnesotans in a video announcement, stating, “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.” In her remarks, she referenced significant issues facing Minnesota, including Trump's immigration policy repercussions in the state, violent incidents involving federal officers, and tragic events such as school shootings.
As the fourth current senator to declare a run for governor in 2026, Klobuchar joins a competitive field that is expected to include notable Republican candidates like MyPillow founder Mike Lindell, who is closely aligned with Trump, along with other prominent figures such as House Speaker Lisa Demuth, Dr. Scott Jensen, and state Rep. Kristin Robbins.
For Klobuchar, the gubernatorial race offers a relatively low-risk opportunity. If unsuccessful, she retains her Senate seat until 2030, while a victory allows her to appoint a successor, potentially enhancing her political influence and positioning. A future special election would also be conducted to elect a replacement for Klobuchar's Senate term.
Immigration policies and fraud in state programs are set to be pivotal issues in the gubernatorial election. As Democrats face the task of countering Trump’s hardline stances and accusations of widespread fraud in Minnesota's child care initiatives, Klobuchar's campaign is particularly significant. Trump has continuously criticized the handling of state programs, and Republican candidates like Demuth are already leveraging these narratives to question Klobuchar's integrity in managing state affairs.
Klobuchar, whose political background includes serving as a local prosecutor and achieving success in statewide elections, holds a proven ability to appeal across party lines. Her recent reelection victory in 2024 was marked by a 16-point lead over her opponent, highlighting her popularity and moderate appeal. She gained national attention during her participation in high-profile congressional hearings, notably questioning judicial nominees during Trump's presidency.
In her 2020 presidential candidacy, Klobuchar positioned herself as a moderate voice within the Democratic Party, ultimately stepping back to support Biden's campaign following his success in earlier primaries. Despite expectations for a potential Cabinet appointment following Biden's election, her continued presence in the Senate remains significant due to the evenly divided chamber.
Klobuchar has openly discussed personal health challenges, including her successful battle against breast cancer, which adds another layer to her narrative as she embarks on her gubernatorial campaign.
