Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar (Democratic Party) has filed fundraising documents in preparation for her upcoming gubernatorial campaign in Minnesota, aiming to succeed current Governor Tim Walz.
Klobuchar, a four-term senator and former presidential candidate, is expected to be a strong contender in the gubernatorial race, as reported by multiple media outlets. Sources close to Klobuchar revealed that she established the “Minnesotans for Klobuchar” committee in collaboration with the state campaign finance regulator, which is considered the first crucial step any potential candidate must take.
It is indicated by insiders that Klobuchar will announce her plans in the coming days. Walz’s popularity has been steadily declining in recent months, exacerbated by federal and media scrutiny over a state government project fraud case, intensifying tensions within the Democratic Party. Walz announced the termination of his re-election campaign for a third term at the beginning of the month.
Minnesota is known as a deep blue state, with Democrats winning all statewide elections since 2006. Most political forecasts still predict Democratic dominance in the upcoming elections. Walz’s exit has cleared the path for Klobuchar’s candidacy.
Reports suggest that Klobuchar met privately with Walz before his decision was announced. However, Walz’s vulnerabilities in the fraud case and other issues have also attracted several Republican challengers, including State House Speaker Lisa Demuth and MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell.
Many Republican candidates have expressed their intention to continue campaigning, highlighting the Democrats’ perceived inadequacies in combating fraud to the voters.
Of interest will be whether Klobuchar faces strong opposition in the Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) party nominations. Other Democratic contenders once seen as potential successors for Walz, such as State Auditor Keith Ellison and Secretary of State Steve Simon, have explicitly stated they will not run for governor.
CNN reports that with over four years remaining in her fourth Senate term, Klobuchar is not expected to resign from her Senate seat immediately upon running for governor.
Republican Senators Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee and Tommy Tuberville of Alabama are also running for governor in their respective states while retaining their Senate positions.
Congressional aides have indicated that if Klobuchar wins the gubernatorial election in November, she could either resign, allowing Governor Walz to appoint her successor to the Senate seat, or choose her own replacement after being sworn in as governor in early January 2027. If she loses the election, she has the option to return to the Senate.