Minnesota voters will decide on Tuesday whether the state’s next governor will be its first woman, as Democrat Amy Klobuchar and Republican Lisa Demuth vie for the office.
Key points
- Minnesota could elect its first female governor, a milestone for the state.
- The race pits senior U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar against House Speaker Lisa Demuth, each emphasizing anti‑fraud measures.
- Republican primary drama, including a convention glitch, led to Demuth’s eventual nomination.
Minnesota is set to make history on Election Day, with Democratic nominee Amy Klobuchar and Republican nominee Lisa Demuth competing to become the state’s 42nd governor and its first female chief executive.
Republican House Speaker Lisa Demuth entered the race last year, positioning herself as a reformer who would address alleged fraud in state programs and trim a budget she says ballooned under Democratic control in 2023‑24.
Historic candidacies
Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar stepped into the race after incumbent Gov. Tim Walz withdrew his bid for a third term, pledging an audit of state government and promising to prosecute misuse of taxpayer money while emphasizing bipartisan cooperation.
The Republican contest was marked by a contentious convention in Duluth, where businessman Kendall Qualls initially won the party endorsement but a voting‑machine glitch led to a primary that included Qualls, Demuth and MyPillow founder Mike Lindell; Demuth emerged victorious and secured the GOP ticket against Klobuchar.
Campaign backdrop of fraud concerns
Early voting has already begun across the state, and MPR News will continue to update results as ballots are counted, underscoring the election’s significance for both Minnesota’s political landscape and the broader push for gender representation in U.S. governance.
Reader questions
When is Minnesota’s 2026 gubernatorial election?
The election is scheduled for Tuesday, November 3, 2026, with early voting already underway.
Who are the major candidates for governor?
The Democratic candidate is U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, and the Republican candidate is Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth.
Source: mprnews.org
