U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar announced Thursday that she is running for governor of Minnesota, launching a high-profile campaign at a moment of political upheaval and heightened tension in the state. Her decision follows Gov. Tim Walz’s unexpected move earlier this month to abandon his bid for a third term, opening the door to a wide-open contest.
Klobuchar posted on social media: “Minnesotans, we’ve been through a lot. And I believe this moment calls for grit, resilience, and faith in each other. I believe we must stand up for what’s right. And fix what’s wrong. Today, I’m announcing my candidacy for Governor.” She went on to say in a video message: “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.” Framing her bid as a call for steady leadership, Klobuchar said Minnesota needs someone who can restore confidence, protect public safety, and confront federal overreach without deepening political divisions. “I like my job in the Senate,” she said, “but I love our state more than any job.”
Klobuchar’s announcement comes during a period of intense strain in Minnesota, fueled by an aggressive federal immigration enforcement effort and a series of violent incidents that have shaken communities statewide. In recent weeks, two Minnesotans — Renee Good and Alex Pretti — were fatally shot by federal agents in Minneapolis, triggering protests and renewed scrutiny of immigration tactics. Klobuchar has repeatedly criticized the surge of federal officers, saying ICE is “making us less safe” and calling its operations deeply troubling.
Klobuchar – a four-term senator (first elected to the Senate in 2006) and former Hennepin County attorney – enters the race as the dominant Democratic contender. No major rivals from her party have stepped forward, and her long record of statewide victories is expected to discourage challengers. If elected, Klobuchar would become Minnesota’s first female governor. Her departure from the Senate would allow the sitting governor to appoint a temporary replacement until a special election is held. She is not up for Senate reelection until 2030.
In her launch video, Klobuchar referenced the state’s recent hardships, including a mass shooting at a Minneapolis-area church last summer, and the assassination of former state House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband. Klobuchar also pledged to confront alleged fraud in state programs, an issue that contributed to Walz’s withdrawal from the race. Investigations into a massive child care and nonprofit fraud scheme — centered on Feeding Our Future — have drawn national attention and fueled political attacks from the Trump administration. Klobuchar said she would aggressively pursue accountability, vowing to ensure “the people who steal taxpayer money go to jail” and promising to overhaul state systems to prevent future abuse.
The governor’s race is shaping up to be competitive. Republicans already face a crowded primary field that includes former state senator Scott Jensen, MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell, House Speaker Lisa Demuth, Rep. Kristin Robbins, and businessman Kendall Qualls. Minnesota has not elected a Republican governor in nearly 20 years, but GOP leaders see an opening amid the state’s recent turmoil.
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