U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar has officially entered the 2026 Minnesota gubernatorial race, launching her bid to succeed Gov. Tim Walz who has dropped out of the race and become the state’s first female governor.

She emphasized her record of bipartisan as a moderate Democrat who can win statewide in a purple state that has trended competitive in recent cycles.

The senator’s high staff turnover has already become a central line of attack. Senate data have consistently ranked Klobuchar’s office as having the highest staff turnover rate among current U.S. senators, often exceeding 50% annually in recent years.

While Minnesota remains a strong Democratic-leaning state at the gubernatorial level (Democrats have held the office since 2011), the 2026 race is expected to be competitive given Trump’s strong 2024 performance in rural Minnesota and growing GOP strength in the suburbs. Klobuchar enters as the early DFL frontrunner due to name recognition, fundraising ability, and statewide infrastructure.

On the Republican side, the primary field is taking shape with several high-profile candidates already active or considering runs:

  • Scott Jensen – Former state senator and 2022 gubernatorial nominee who came within 2 points of beating Walz; strong name ID and conservative base support.
  • Kendall Qualls – Businessman and 2022 primary runner-up; appeals to moderates and suburban voters with a focus on education and economic issues.
  • Jim Schultz – Hennepin County Attorney; runs on tough-on-crime messaging and has prosecutorial credibility.
  • Mike Lindell – MyPillow CEO and vocal election integrity advocate; has teased interest in statewide office and brings a large national conservative following.
  • Others – Potential entrants include state legislators, business leaders, or figures like former Rep. Erik Paulsen or rising conservative stars.

The GOP race will likely be wide open, with candidates vying for Trump’s endorsement. Republicans see the open governor’s mansion as a rare opportunity to flip the state’s top executive office red for the first time since 2010.