Amy Klobuchar, senior U.S. senator from Minnesota and former Democratic presidential candidate, won the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party primary on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, positioning her to run for governor of Minnesota. She seeks to replace outgoing Gov. Tim Walz, who announced earlier this year that he would not seek re-election amid intense criticism over his administration's handling of a fraud case involving Minnesota government programs. Federal prosecutors estimate the fraud could cost taxpayers over $9 billion.

Klobuchar defeated a field of long-shot challengers in the primary and will face the winner of the crowded Republican primary in the November general election. She has represented Minnesota in the Senate since 2007 and previously served as Hennepin County attorney. Klobuchar also ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020 before ending her campaign and endorsing former President Joe Biden.

Addressing the fraud controversy, Klobuchar stated, "You are right to be angry about the fraud. It is unacceptable and it must end." Her campaign emphasizes government reform, with a policy plank focused on "fixing the government is the foundation of everything we need to do."

The fraud scandal has cast a shadow over the Minnesota governor's race, leading to Walz's decision to step down and reshaping the political landscape in the state.

Sources