MINNEAPOLIS — U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar won Minnesota’s Democratic gubernatorial primary on Tuesday, according to media projections, securing her party’s nomination in the race to succeed Democratic Governor Tim Walz.
Klobuchar, a four-term senator who has represented Minnesota since 2007, entered the primary as the leading Democratic candidate after winning the state Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party’s endorsement in May. She faced several challengers in Tuesday’s election, including former pastor Bill Gates Jr. and community organizer Kobey Layne.
The victory puts Klobuchar on course to seek the governorship in November as she leaves the Senate race she had previously been expected to contest. She announced her campaign for governor in January after Walz said he would not seek a third term.
Klobuchar’s campaign has focused on combating fraud in state government, expanding access to housing and health care, and addressing immigration enforcement in Minnesota. Her candidacy has also drawn national attention because of the state’s heightened political profile following clashes over federal immigration policy and investigations into large-scale public benefit fraud.
The Minnesota DFL endorsed Klobuchar on the first ballot at its May convention, selecting former Fergus Falls Mayor Ben Schierer as her running mate. Party officials said at the time that Klobuchar would make fraud prevention and government accountability central parts of her campaign.
Klobuchar, 66, previously sought the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020, when she presented herself as a pragmatic candidate capable of attracting support beyond the party’s progressive base. Her Senate career has included work on antitrust policy, technology, agriculture and election administration.
The Republican gubernatorial primary was also decided Tuesday, with Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth defeating MyPillow founder Mike Lindell and businessman Kendall Qualls, according to media projections. Demuth is therefore expected to face Klobuchar in the November general election.
The gubernatorial contest will determine Walz’s successor after he abandoned plans to seek another term earlier this year. Walz was first elected governor in 2018 and won reelection in 2022.
Klobuchar’s victory gives Minnesota Democrats an experienced statewide candidate as they seek to retain control of the governor’s office. The November election will also determine whether the party continues its hold on the governorship, which Democrats have controlled since 2011.
The general election is scheduled for Nov. 3.
