Sen. Amy Klobuchar Officially Enters 2026 Minnesota Governor’s Race

Hannah Price

January 29, 2026

Amy Klobuchar announces her Minnesota governor campaign, standing outside the Minnesota State Capitol during a 2026 race event.

St. Paul, Minnesota, United States- Minnesota U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar announced on Thursday that she is launching her campaign for governor, seeking to succeed two-term Democratic Governor Tim Walz, who opted not to seek a third term and said he will not run for public office again. Klobuchar made the announcement in a campaign video and social posts, positioning her bid amid ongoing political tensions in the state, including a high-profile federal immigration enforcement operation that has drawn widespread attention.

Klobuchar, a four-term senator and former county attorney, said in the announcement that Minnesotans need leadership that will “stand up” and address pressing issues facing the state. “I believe we must stand up for what’s right and fix what’s wrong,” according to her campaign launch remarks.

The campaign launch comes after Walz’s decision earlier in January to withdraw from the gubernatorial contest and announce he would not pursue future elective office, citing the toll of political battles and ongoing scrutiny related to state issues. Walz, the Democratic nominee for vice president in 2024, is completing his second term in early 2027.

Klobuchar’s bid immediately positions her as a leading contender in the Democratic primary for the November 3 general election. She has emphasized opposition to federal immigration enforcement tactics in Minnesota, including Operation Metro Surge, and criticized what she calls federal overreach in local affairs.

Her campaign platform also touches on expanding affordable healthcare and addressing government fraud, key themes as the state navigates political debates and legal investigations. The Republican field is already shaping up to be competitive, with multiple GOP candidates entering their own primary contest.

Klobuchar’s four-decade political career includes service as Hennepin County attorney, multiple Senate victories, and a 2020 presidential campaign, giving her deep name recognition and statewide experience heading into the governor’s race.

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