In Minneapolis, Senator Amy Klobuchar formally declared her intent to seek the governorship of Minnesota on Thursday, positioning herself as a leader ready to challenge President Donald Trump's administration and address numerous statewide issues. She emphasized the state's need for unifying leadership amid difficulties that predate recent federal immigration enforcement efforts.
Klobuchar's entry into the governor's race offers the Democratic Party a prominent and successful statewide candidate as they attempt to retain control over the office currently held by Governor Tim Walz. Walz, who was chosen as the 2024 Democratic vice presidential nominee, recently ended his campaign for a third gubernatorial term following scrutiny over his handling of child care program funding.
In a video announcement, Klobuchar stated, "Minnesota, we’ve been through a lot. These times call for leaders who can stand up and not act as rubber stamps for this administration but also find common ground to resolve issues in our state." She highlighted recent events including the federal government's stringent immigration actions in Minnesota, which have sparked protests and the federal shooting deaths of two individuals involved. Additionally, Klobuchar referenced other state tragedies such as the assassination of a legislative leader and a fatal school shooting. While she did not directly address ongoing federal investigations into child care programs linked to President Trump, she underlined the need for rectifying wrongs and defending what is right.
Over recent months, Klobuchar has emerged as a vocal critic of Trump, particularly in response to immigration enforcement that prompted large-scale demonstrations. Minnesota's gubernatorial race features several Republican contenders, including Mike Lindell, CEO of MyPillow and a supporter of Trump’s disputed 2020 election claims; Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth; Dr. Scott Jensen, a former state senator and the GOP’s 2022 gubernatorial nominee; and state representative Kristin Robbins.
The campaign discourse is expected to revolve significantly around immigration policies and allegations of fraud. Republicans aim to leverage Klobuchar’s affiliation with Democrats amid ongoing investigations into Minnesota's child care system and will focus on former Governor Walz's administration's handling of these matters. Democrats, meanwhile, critique Trump's immigration enforcement for aggressive tactics, which included detaining citizens, conducting warrantless home entries, and violent confrontations with protestors. The deaths of Minnesota residents Renee Good and nurse Alex Pretti at the hands of federal agents have further intensified these debates. Congressional Democrats have taken steps to oppose funding for the Department of Homeland Security over these concerns, resulting in a potential government shutdown if agreements are not reached.
Klobuchar has a solid record of electoral success across Minnesota, currently serving her fourth term in the Senate. She has a background as a local prosecutor and previously ran for president in 2020, presenting herself as a pragmatic moderate. In the 2024 Senate race, she secured a decisive victory by nearly 16 percentage points and outperformed the Democratic presidential nominee in votes within Minnesota, demonstrating her broad appeal.
Throughout her time in the Senate, Klobuchar has been a vigorous opponent of Trump’s judicial appointments and policies. She notably challenged now Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh during his confirmation hearings, questioning him about accusations of sexual assault and alcohol use during his youth, an exchange which drew national attention. After Kavanaugh's narrow confirmation, he later apologized to her. Klobuchar also played a prominent role investigating the January 6 Capitol attack, emphasizing the need for immediate improvements in security and accountability.
Her 2020 presidential campaign underscored her Midwestern roots and resilience, distinguishing her in a crowded field. While she ultimately supported Joe Biden after withdrawing, her showing in early primaries marked her as a formidable contender within the Democratic Party. Personal challenges have included her public disclosure of a breast cancer diagnosis, with updates in 2024 confirming her cancer-free status while undergoing further treatment.
Klobuchar’s announcement places her among four sitting senators pursuing gubernatorial positions in 2024, alongside Democrats Michael Bennet in Colorado, Republicans Marsha Blackburn in Tennessee, and Tommy Tuberville in Alabama. Unlike Tuberville, who will leave the Senate in early 2027 due to term expiration, Klobuchar, Bennet, and Blackburn are not up for reelection in 2026 and could retain Senate seats if unsuccessful in their gubernatorial bids.