2026 Minnesota gubernatorial election
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November 3, 2026
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The 2026 Minnesota gubernatorial election will be held on November 3, 2026, to elect the governor and lieutenant governor of Minnesota. Incumbent Democratic (DFL) governor Tim Walz initially ran for re-election to a third term but ended his re-election campaign in January 2026. Primary elections will be held on August 11, 2026.[1]
Democratic–Farmer–Labor primary
[edit]After Tim Walz announced he was not seeking re-election, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar launched a campaign for the governor's office on January 29, 2026.[2] Several other Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) candidates filed, none of whom have previously held elected offices in the state. Community organizer Kobey Layne challenged Klobuchar for the DFL's endorsement on May 30, 2026, but Klobuchar was endorsed in the first ballot alongside her running mate Ben Schierer.[3]
Candidates
[edit]Declared
[edit]- Tom Evenstad, public safety specialist[4][5]
- Running mate: Jason Haarsager[6]
- Bill Gates, Jr., former pastor[7][8]
- Running mate: Leah Harris[6]
- Amy Klobuchar, U.S. senator (2007–present)[9]
- Running mate: Ben Schierer, former mayor of Fergus Falls (2017–2025)[10] (initially ran for state auditor)
- Kobey Layne, community organizer[11][12][6]
- Po Vang[14][5]
- Running mate: Mark Frascone[6]
- Ole Savior[6]
- Running mate: Ashley Johnson[6]
- Mohammad Wazwaz[6][15]
Not on ballot
[edit]Withdrawn
[edit]- Tim Walz, incumbent governor (2019–present), Democratic nominee for vice president in 2024, and former U.S. representative from MN-01 (2007–2019)[18][19]
- Rick DeVoe, bookstore owner and candidate for MN-01 in 2022[20][21]
- Paul Ference (running for lieutenant governor with Kobey Layne)[13][5][6]
Declined
[edit]- Angie Craig, U.S. representative from MN-02 (2019–present) (running for U.S. Senate, endorsed Klobuchar)[22]
- Keith Ellison, attorney general of Minnesota (2019–present) (running for re-election)[23]
- Peggy Flanagan, Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota (2019–present) (running for U.S. Senate, endorsed Klobuchar)[24]
- Dean Phillips, former U.S. representative from MN-03 (2019–2025) and candidate for president in 2024[25]
- Steve Simon, secretary of state of Minnesota (2015–present) (running for re-election)[26][27]
- Tina Smith, U.S. senator (2018–present)[28]
Endorsements
[edit]Kobey Layne
- Organizations
Amy Klobuchar
- Executive branch officials
- Pete Buttigieg, former secretary of transportation (2021–2025)[30]
- Labor unions
- Service Employees International Union[31]
- Teamsters Joint Council 32[32]
- Organizations
- Elect Democratic Women[33]
- EMILY's List[34]
- End Citizens United[35]
- Giffords (previously endorsed Walz)[36]
- Political parties
Fundraising
[edit]Italics indicate a withdrawn candidate
| Campaign finance reports as of May 31, 2026 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Raised | Spent | Cash on hand |
| Bill Gates, Jr. (DFL) | $884 | $884 | $0 |
| Amy Klobuchar (DFL) | $7,045,318 | $3,185,636 | $3,859,683 |
| Kobey Layne (DFL) | $4,618 | $3,043 | $1,574 |
| Po Vang (DFL) | $749 | $749 | $0 |
| Source: Minnesota Campaign Finance Board[38] | |||
Caucus vote
[edit]On February 3, 2026, Minnesota DFLers held their party caucus.[39] Amy Klobuchar won the party's straw poll for governor with approximately 72% of the vote.[40]
Results
[edit]
Klobuchar
- 50–60%
- 60–70%
- 70–80%
- 80–90%
- 90–100%
Uncommitted
- 40–50%
- 50–60%
- 60–70%
- 70–80%
Abstained
- No votes
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic (DFL) | Amy Klobuchar | 22,484 | 71.71% | |
| Democratic (DFL) | Christopher Seymore | 397 | 1.27% | |
| Write-in | 1,097 | 3.50% | ||
| None | Uncommitted | 6,722 | 21.44% | |
| None | Abstained | 655 | 2.09% | |
| Total votes | 31,355 | 100.00% | ||
Republican primary
[edit]Candidates
[edit]Declared
[edit]- Loner Blue, perennial candidate[6][41]
- Lisa Demuth, speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives (2025–present) from district 13A (2019–present)[43]
- Running mate: Ryan Wilson, attorney and nominee for Minnesota State Auditor in 2022[44]
- Raul Estrada, construction worker and organizer with the American Indian Coalition[45]
- Running mate: Joe Kincaid[6]
- John Krhin, pastor[46]
- Running mate: Dennis Conn[6]
- Mike Lindell, founder and CEO of My Pillow and candidate for RNC chair in 2023[47]
- Ross Nova[49][6]
- Kendall Qualls, healthcare technology executive, nominee for Minnesota's 3rd congressional district in 2020, and candidate for governor in 2022[50]
- Running mate: Brian Nicholson, construction firm chief executive[51]
Not on ballot
[edit]- Patrick Knight, food company CEO[52]
Withdrawn
[edit]- Peggy Bennett, state representative from district 23A (2015–present) (withdrew after her running mate dropped out)[53]
- Elliott Engen, state representative from District 36A (2023–present) (withdrawn)
- Scott Jensen, former state senator from the 47th district (2017–2021) and nominee for governor in 2022 (running for state auditor)[54]
- Jeff Johnson, former St. Cloud city councilor (2010–2018)[a][55]
- Chris Madel, attorney[56]
- Phillip Parrish, retired Naval intelligence officer, teacher, and school administrator (running for lieutenant governor as Mike Lindell's running mate)[6][57]
- Kristin Robbins, state representative from district 37A (2019–present)[58]
- Lee Albert Wickboldt[59]
Declined
[edit]- Zach Duckworth, state senator from the 57th district (2021–present) (running for re-election)[60]
- Tom Emmer, U.S. representative from Minnesota's 6th congressional district (2015–present) and nominee for governor in 2010[61]
- Pete Stauber, U.S. representative from Minnesota's 8th congressional district (2019–present)[61]
- Tim Pawlenty, former governor of Minnesota (2003–2011)[62]
Endorsements
[edit]Mike Lindell
- Executive branch officials
- Donald Trump, president of the United States (2017–2021, 2025–present)[b]
- Organizations
Kendall Qualls
Political parties
Declined to endorse
- State legislators
- Kristin Robbins, Minnesota legislator and former candidate for this race[71]
Fundraising
[edit]Italics indicate a withdrawn candidate
| Campaign finance reports as of May 31, 2026 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Raised | Spent | Cash on hand |
| Lisa Demuth (R) | $360,892 | $286,293 | $517,679 |
| Raul Estrada (R) | $4,765 | $4,854 | $20 |
| John Krhin (R) | $58,266 | $52,722 | $2,044 |
| Mike Lindell (R) | $648,960 | $717,491 | $11,704 |
| Ross Nova (R) | $6,000 | $3,048 | $2,952 |
| Kendall Qualls (R) | $211,305 | $294,731 | $34,189 |
| Source: Minnesota Campaign Finance Board[38] | |||
Polling
[edit]| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[c] |
Margin of error |
Lisa Demuth |
Scott Jensen |
Mike Lindell |
Kendall Qualls |
Kristin Robbins |
Other | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KSTP/Survey USA[72] | June 11-16, 2026 | 450 (LV) | ± 5.4% | 22% | – | 27% | 17% | – | 10% | 24% |
| Big Data Poll (R)[73][A] | May 18–20, 2026 | 512 (LV) | – | 19% | – | 21% | 9% | – | 12%[d] | 39% |
| Robbins withdraws from the race | ||||||||||
| Jensen withdraws from the race | ||||||||||
| Peak Insights (R)[74][B] | January 31 – February 1, 2026 | 500 (LV) | ± 4.0% | 17% | 12% | 18% | 11% | 3% | 7%[e] | 32% |
Caucus vote
[edit]On February 3, 2026, Minnesota Republicans held their party caucus.[75] Lisa Demuth won the party's straw poll for governor with approximately 32% of the vote.[40]
Results
[edit]
Demuth
- 20–30%
- 30–40%
- 40–50%
- 50–60%
- 60–70%
- 70–80%
- 80–90%
Qualls
- 20–30%
- 30–40%
- 40–50%
- 50–60%
Lindell
- 20–30%
- 30–40%
- 40–50%
- 50–60%
Robbins
- 30–40%
Parrish
- 20–30%
Bennett
- 40–50%
Undecided
- 30–40%
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Lisa Demuth | 5,827 | 31.86% | |
| Republican | Kendall Qualls | 4,624 | 25.28% | |
| Republican | Mike Lindell | 3,235 | 17.69% | |
| Republican | Scott Jensen | 1,185 | 6.48% | |
| Republican | Kristin Robbins | 776 | 4.24% | |
| Republican | Phil Parrish | 728 | 3.98% | |
| Republican | Patrick Knight | 362 | 1.98% | |
| Republican | Jeff Johnson | 139 | 0.76% | |
| Republican | Peggy Bennett | 112 | 0.61% | |
| Republican | Brad Kohler | 78 | 0.43% | |
| Republican | Raul Estrada | 62 | 0.34% | |
| Republican | John Krhin | 59 | 0.32% | |
| Write-in | 56 | 0.31% | ||
| None | Undecided | 1,046 | 5.72% | |
| Total votes | 18,289 | 100.00% | ||
Debates
[edit]| No. | Date | Host | Moderator | Link | Republican | Republican | Republican | Republican | Republican | Republican | Republican | Republican | Republican | Republican | Republican |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Key: P Participant A Absent N Not invited I Invited W Withdrawn |
|||||||||||||||
| Peggy Bennett | Lisa Demuth | Raul Estrada | Scott Jensen | Jeff Johnson | Patrick Knight | Brad Kohler | Mike Lindell | Chris Madell | Phil Parrish | Kendall Qualls | |||||
| 1 | Jan. 15, 2026 | Scott County Republican Party | Bill Lieske | YouTube | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P |
| 2 | Mar. 11, 2026 | Second Congressional District Republicans | Tayler Rahm | YouTube | N | P | N | W | W | P | N | N | W | N | P |
| 3 | May 21, 2026 | KTTC Republican Party of Olmsted County |
YouTube | N | P | N | W | W | P | N | N | W | N | P | |
Independents and others
[edit]Candidates
[edit]Declared
[edit]- Steve Young, member of the Minneapolis Food Council, attorney, and veteran (Green)[76][77][6]
- Running mate: Jane Kirby, retired midwife and animal rights activist
Not on ballot
[edit]- Tom Berhane[78][6]
- Zac Harding[79][6]
- Adam Kedrowski[80][6]
- Brad Kohler, retired mixed martial arts fighter (previously registered as a Republican)[81][82][6]
- Steve Patterson, Grassroots-LC nominee for governor in 2022[83][84][6]
Withdrawn
[edit]- Mike Newcome, entrepreneur and business consultant[85]
- Calvin Larson Jr., labor union leader (running for State Senate District 2)[86][87]
Endorsements
[edit]Mike Newcome (I) (withdrawn)
- Political parties
Fundraising
[edit]| Campaign finance reports as of March 31, 2026 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Raised | Spent | Cash on Hand |
| Steve Young (G) | $1,586 | $369 | $1,218 |
| Source: Minnesota Campaign Finance Board[38] | |||
General election
[edit]Predictions
[edit]| Source | Ranking | As of |
|---|---|---|
| Inside Elections[89] | Likely D | August 28, 2025 |
| Race to the WH[90] | Safe D | June 19, 2026 |
| RealClearPolitics[91] | Solid D | June 5, 2026 |
| Sabato's Crystal Ball[92] | Safe D | September 4, 2025 |
| The Cook Political Report[93] | Solid D | September 11, 2025 |
Polling
[edit]Amy Klobuchar vs. Lisa Demuth
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[c] |
Margin of error |
Amy Klobuchar (DFL) |
Lisa Demuth (R) |
Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Star Tribune[94] | June 8–10, 2026 | 800 (LV) | ± 3.5% | 48% | 40% | 12% |
| Emerson College[95] | February 6–8, 2026 | 1,000 (LV) | ± 3.0% | 51% | 38% | 11% |
| SurveyUSA[96][C] | January 27–30, 2026 | 575 (RV) | ± 4.8% | 49% | 34% | 17% |
Amy Klobuchar vs. Mike Lindell
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[c] |
Margin of error |
Amy Klobuchar (DFL) |
Mike Lindell (R) |
Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Star Tribune[94] | June 8–10, 2026 | 800 (LV) | ± 3.5% | 53% | 36% | 11% |
| Emerson College[95] | February 6–8, 2026 | 1,000 (LV) | ± 3.0% | 53% | 31% | 16% |
| SurveyUSA[96][C] | January 27–30, 2026 | 575 (RV) | ± 4.8% | 52% | 32% | 16% |
Amy Klobuchar vs. Kendall Qualls
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[c] |
Margin of error |
Amy Klobuchar (DFL) |
Kendall Qualls (R) |
Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Star Tribune[94] | June 8–10, 2026 | 800 (LV) | ± 3.5% | 48% | 37% | 14% |
| SurveyUSA[96][C] | January 27–30, 2026 | 575 (RV) | ± 4.8% | 49% | 33% | 18% |
Hypothetical polling
Amy Klobuchar vs. Peggy Bennett
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[c] |
Margin of error |
Amy Klobuchar (DFL) |
Peggy Bennett (R) |
Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SurveyUSA[96][C] | January 27–30, 2026 | 575 (RV) | ± 4.8% | 50% | 30% | 20% |
Amy Klobuchar vs. Scott Jensen
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[c] |
Margin of error |
Amy Klobuchar (DFL) |
Scott Jensen (R) |
Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SurveyUSA[96][C] | January 27–30, 2026 | 575 (RV) | ± 4.8% | 49% | 35% | 16% |
Amy Klobuchar vs. Jeff Johnson
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[c] |
Margin of error |
Amy Klobuchar (DFL) |
Jeff Johnson (R) |
Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SurveyUSA[96][C] | January 27–30, 2026 | 575 (RV) | ± 4.8% | 50% | 33% | 17% |
Amy Klobuchar vs. Patrick Knight
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[c] |
Margin of error |
Amy Klobuchar (DFL) |
Patrick Knight (R) |
Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SurveyUSA[96][C] | January 27–30, 2026 | 575 (RV) | ± 4.8% | 49% | 33% | 18% |
Amy Klobuchar vs. Brad Kohler as a Republican
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[c] |
Margin of error |
Amy Klobuchar (DFL) |
Brad Kohler (R) |
Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SurveyUSA[96][C] | January 27–30, 2026 | 575 (RV) | ± 4.8% | 49% | 32% | 19% |
Amy Klobuchar vs. Phil Parrish
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[c] |
Margin of error |
Amy Klobuchar (DFL) |
Phil Parrish (R) |
Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SurveyUSA[96][C] | January 27–30, 2026 | 575 (RV) | ± 4.8% | 49% | 32% | 19% |
Amy Klobuchar vs. Kristin Robbins
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[c] |
Margin of error |
Amy Klobuchar (DFL) |
Kristin Robbins (R) |
Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SurveyUSA[96][C] | January 27–30, 2026 | 575 (RV) | ± 4.8% | 48% | 33% | 19% |
Tim Walz vs. Scott Jensen
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[c] |
Margin of error |
Tim Walz (DFL) |
Scott Jensen (R) |
Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SurveyUSA[97][C] | September 15–18, 2025 | 568 (LV) | ± 4.8% | 46% | 41% | 13% |
Tim Walz vs. Phil Parrish
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[c] |
Margin of error |
Tim Walz (DFL) |
Phil Parrish (R) |
Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SurveyUSA[97][C] | September 15–18, 2025 | 568 (LV) | ± 4.8% | 49% | 38% | 13% |
Tim Walz vs. Kendall Qualls
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[c] |
Margin of error |
Tim Walz (DFL) |
Kendall Qualls (R) |
Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SurveyUSA[97][C] | September 15–18, 2025 | 568 (LV) | ± 4.8% | 50% | 37% | 13% |
Tim Walz vs. Kristin Robbins
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[c] |
Margin of error |
Tim Walz (DFL) |
Kristin Robbins (R) |
Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SurveyUSA[97][C] | September 15–18, 2025 | 568 (LV) | ± 4.8% | 47% | 40% | 13% |
Tim Walz vs. Generic Republican
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[c] |
Margin of error |
Tim Walz (DFL) |
Generic Republican |
Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RMG Research[98][D] | December 10–16, 2025 | 800 (RV) | ± 3.5% | 40% | 46% | 14% |
See also
[edit]Notes
[edit]- ^ No relation to previous gubernatorial nominee Jeff Johnson.
- ^ Attributed to multiple sources:
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p Key:
A – all adults
RV – registered voters
LV – likely voters
V – unclear - ^ Patrick Knight with 4%; Peggy Bennett with 3%; Phil Parrish and John Krhin with 2%; Raul Estrad with 1%
- ^ "Someone else" with 2%; Peggy Bennett, Thomas Evanstad, Jeff Johnson, Brad Kohler, and Phil Parrish with 1%; Patrick Knight with 0%
Partisan clients
References
[edit]- ^ "Elections Calendar". Minnesota Secretary of State. Retrieved February 14, 2025.
- ^ Griffith, Michelle (January 29, 2026). "Sen. Klobuchar launches campaign for Minnesota governor". Minnesota Reformer. Retrieved June 4, 2026.
- ^ Griffith, Michelle (May 30, 2026). "Klobuchar fights off challenge from left, wins DFL convention nod in bid for governor". Minnesota Reformer. Retrieved June 3, 2026.
- ^ "Evenstad, Thomas Gov Committee - 19243". Minnesota Campaign Finance Board. State of Minnesota. Retrieved May 28, 2026.
- ^ a b c d e Apel, Elyse (May 4, 2026). "Klobuchar unveils plan to tackle fraud if elected governor". The Center Square. Retrieved June 1, 2026.
Klobuchar is one of several Democrats in the race, alongside candidates including Rick DeVoe, Thomas Evenstad, Paul Ference, Kobey Layne, Christopher Seymore and Po Vang.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z "Candidate Filings". candidates.sos.mn.gov. May 19, 2026.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Candidates". cfb.mn.gov. November 5, 2025. Retrieved November 7, 2025.
- ^ Min, Eric (May 27, 2026). "ONE-ON-ONE with Minnesota gubernatorial candidate Bill Gates Jr". kttc.com. Retrieved June 1, 2026.
- ^ Siegel, Benjamin; Oppenheim, Oren (January 29, 2026). "Sen. Amy Klobuchar announces run for Minnesota governor amid immigration turmoil". ABC News. Retrieved January 29, 2026.
- ^ "Klobuchar names Ben Schierer as running mate for Lt. Gov". kare11.com. May 29, 2026. Retrieved May 29, 2026.
- ^ "Candidates". cfb.mn.gov. January 28, 2026. Retrieved January 31, 2026.
- ^ Faircloth, Ryan (May 30, 2026). "Klobuchar wins DFL endorsement for governor after challenge from the left". Star Tribune.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ a b "Candidates". cfb.mn.gov. February 26, 2026. Retrieved March 7, 2026.
- ^ "Candidates". cfb.mn.gov. Retrieved April 28, 2026.
- ^ a b "Candidates". cfb.mn.gov. Retrieved June 2, 2026.
- ^ "Candidates". cfb.mn.gov. Retrieved May 7, 2026.
- ^ "Candidates". cfb.mn.gov. Retrieved February 15, 2026.
- ^ Turtinen, Melissa (January 5, 2026). "Gov. Tim Walz will not seek reelection in Minnesota". FOX 9. Retrieved January 5, 2026.
- ^ Oot, Torey Van (January 5, 2026). "Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz ends campaign for reelection". Axios. Retrieved January 5, 2026.
- ^ "Candidates". cfb.mn.gov. Retrieved February 5, 2026.
- ^ article, John Molseed Share Share this (May 2, 2022). "1st Congressional District race gets less crowded on DFL side". Rochester Post Bulletin. Retrieved February 5, 2026.
- ^ Schoch, Al; Peterson, Lindsey (August 22, 2025). "Who won't be in the mix if Gov. Tim Walz doesn't run for re-election? Rep. Angie Craig says she's staying in Senate race". WCCO-TV.
- ^ "Ellison gives statement on re-election run". KAAL. January 20, 2026. Retrieved January 20, 2026.
- ^ Wernus, Katie (January 5, 2026). "Minnesota governor's race: Potential Democratic contenders after Walz's exit". Fox 9. Retrieved January 5, 2026.
- ^ Cummings, Caroline (November 29, 2024). "Rep. Dean Phillips: Dem primary would've 'elevated a candidate better positioned to win' presidency". CBS News. Retrieved December 10, 2024.
He ruled out a bid for the U.S. Senate or for the governor's office in 2026
- ^ Van Oot, Torey (January 5, 2026). "Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz drops reelection bid". Axios. Retrieved January 5, 2026.
- ^ Kite, Allison; Faircloth, Ryan; Minor, Nathaniel (January 5, 2026). "Sen. Amy Klobuchar may run for governor". Minnesota Star Tribune. Retrieved January 20, 2026.
- ^ Nir, David (January 6, 2026). "Morning Digest: After Walz calls it quits, a heavyweight replacement looms". The Downballot. Retrieved January 6, 2026.
- ^ Sprinkel, Luke (June 8, 2026). "Klobuchar faces transgender primary challenger endorsed by major LGBT group". Alpha News. Retrieved June 18, 2026.
- ^ "Buttigieg endorses Klobuchar's Minnesota governor bid after they clashed in 2020 Dem primary". The Hill. Retrieved January 29, 2026.
- ^ "SEIU 2026 Endorsements". SEIU MN. SEIU MN State Council. Retrieved June 21, 2026.
- ^ "MINNESOTA TEAMSTERS ENDORSE AMY KLOBUCHAR FOR GOVERNOR". Cision via Yahoo Finance. Retrieved May 14, 2026.
- ^ "Candidates". Elect Democratic Women. Retrieved April 26, 2026.
- ^ "EMILYs List Endorses Amy Klobuchar in Minnesota Governor's Race". EMILYs List. Retrieved January 29, 2026.
- ^ "End Citizens United Endorses Senator Amy Klobuchar for Minnesota Governor". endcitizensunited.org. March 17, 2026. Retrieved March 17, 2026.
- ^ "Endorsements". GIFFORDS. Retrieved January 2, 2026.
- ^ Cox, Peter (May 30, 2026). "Klobuchar wins DFL endorsement for governor". Minnesota Public Radio. Retrieved May 30, 2026.
- ^ a b c "Districts constitutional offices viewer". cfb.mn.gov. Retrieved April 18, 2026.
- ^ TRIBUNE, MARIE TOLONEN MESABI (February 5, 2026). "Amy Klobuchar tops DFL caucus straw poll". Mesabi Tribune. Retrieved February 13, 2026.
- ^ a b "Office of the State Of Minnesota Secretary of State". sos.mn.gov. Archived from the original on February 4, 2026. Retrieved February 10, 2026.
- ^ "Candidates". cfb.mn.gov. Retrieved June 2, 2026.
- ^ "Candidates". cfb.mn.gov. Retrieved June 2, 2026.
- ^ Cummings, Caroline (November 2, 2025). "Republican Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth jumps in the governor's race to challenge DFL Gov. Tim Walz". CBS News. Retrieved November 2, 2025.
- ^ Griffith, Michelle. "House Speaker Lisa Demuth picks Ryan Wilson as running mate in campaign for governor". Minnesota Reformer. Retrieved February 10, 2026.
- ^ Alexander, Caitlin (May 18, 2026). "ONE-ON-ONE with Minnesota gubernatorial candidate Raul Estrada". KTTC.
- ^ lauren.viska@apgsomn.com, LAUREN VISKA (December 15, 2025). "Governor forum hones in on fraud, test scores". Southernminn.com. Retrieved December 17, 2025.
Sitting from left to right at the Steele County Republican Governor forum, businessman and Divine Mercy Catholic Church Executive Administrator Phillip Parrish, former Hennepin County commissioner Jeff Johnson, House Speaker Lisa Demuth, businessman and former UFC fighter Brad Kohler, Minnesota Rep. Kristin Robbins, physician and entrepreneur Kendall Qualls, former state lawmaker Patrick Knight, former state senator Scott Jensen and former ordained minister John Krhin.
- ^ "MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell announces a campaign for Minnesota governor". NBC News. December 11, 2025. Retrieved December 11, 2025.
- ^ Jr, Ahmad Austin (June 2, 2026). "Mike Lindell Announces Running Mate for Minnesota Governor's Race". Mediaite. Retrieved June 2, 2026.
- ^ a b "Candidates". cfb.mn.gov. Retrieved June 1, 2026.
- ^ Cox, Peter (May 8, 2025). "Kendall Qualls enters 2026 Minnesota governor's race as a GOP nomination contender". Minnesota Public Radio. Retrieved May 8, 2025.
- ^ Fischer, Samantha (March 3, 2026). "Kendall Qualls picks businessman Brian Nicholson as gubernatorial running mate". kare11.com. Retrieved March 3, 2026.
- ^ Brown, Kyle (November 6, 2025). "Food executive Patrick Knight announces run for governor". KSTP.com 5 Eyewitness News. Retrieved November 6, 2025.
- ^ Paris, Ryan (June 4, 2026). ""This is not by my choice": Rep. Peggy Bennett announces end to campaign for MN governor". KTTC. Retrieved June 9, 2026.
- ^ Morrell, Lydia (February 9, 2026). "Scott Jensen ends bid for Minnesota governor, announces run for state auditor instead". KARE 11. Retrieved February 9, 2026.
- ^ Morrell, Lydia (February 9, 2026). "Minnesota gubernatorial candidate suspends campaign after daughter dies from stabbing". KARE 11. Retrieved February 9, 2026.
- ^ Faircloth, Ryan (January 26, 2026). "Chris Madel ends GOP bid for governor, says he can't support federal 'retribution' against Minnesota". Minnesota Star Tribune. Retrieved January 26, 2026.
- ^ Jr, Ahmad Austin (June 2, 2026). "Mike Lindell Announces Running Mate for Minnesota Governor's Race". Mediaite. Retrieved June 2, 2026.
- ^ "Republican Rep. Kristin Robbins drops out of race for governor". MPR News. May 1, 2026. Retrieved May 1, 2026.
- ^ "Candidates". cfb.mn.gov. Retrieved February 19, 2026.
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Two of Minnesota's most prominent Republicans, U.S. Reps. Tom Emmer and Pete Stauber, both said they will not run for governor next year.
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External links
[edit]- Official campaign websites
- Peggy Bennett (R)
- Tom Berhane (I)
- Sam Opal Boman (D)
- Lisa Demuth (R)
- Raul Estrada (R)
- Thomas Evenstad (R)
- Paul Ference (D)
- Bill Gates, Jr. (D)
- Zac Harding (I)
- Jeff Johnson (R)
- Amy Klobuchar (D)
- Patrick Knight (R)
- Brad Kohler (I)
- John Krhin (R)
- Calvin Larson Jr (I)
- Kobey Layne (D)
- Mike Lindell (R)
- Chris Madel (R)
- Mike Newcome (I)
- Ross Nova (R)
- Phil Parrish (R)
- Steve Patterson (I)
- Kendall Qualls (R)
- Kristin Robbins (R)
- Christopher Seymore (D)
- Po Vang (D)
- Steve Young (G)
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