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2026 Minnesota gubernatorial election

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2026 Minnesota gubernatorial election
← 2022
November 3, 2026
2030 →
 
Nominee Amy Klobuchar Lisa Demuth
Party Democratic (DFL) Republican
Running mate Ben Schierer Ryan Wilson
Incumbent Governor

Tim Walz
Democratic (DFL)


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 were held on August 11, 2026.[1]

U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar is the Democratic-Farmer-Labor nominee, facing Republican Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth.

Either major party candidate would be the first female governor of Minnesota.[2]

Democratic–Farmer–Labor primary

After Tim Walz announced he was withdrawing from the race, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar launched a campaign for the governor's office on January 29, 2026.[3] Six 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.[4]

Candidates

Nominee

Eliminated in primary

Not on ballot

Withdrawn

Declined

Endorsements

Kobey Layne
Organizations
Tim Walz (withdrawn)
Labor unions
Organizations

Fundraising

Italics indicate a withdrawn candidate

Campaign finance reports as of May 31, 2026
Candidate Raised Spent Cash on hand
Paul Ference (DFL)[a] $6,530 $3,543 $2,986
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
Christopher Seymore (DFL) $50 $0 $50
Tim Walz (DFL) $169,091 $922,312 $3,138,504
Source: Minnesota Campaign Finance Board[46]

Caucus vote

On February 3, 2026, Minnesota DFLers held their party caucus.[47] Amy Klobuchar won the party's straw poll for governor with approximately 72% of the vote.[48]

Results

Results by reporting unit:
  Klobuchar
  •   50–60%
  •   60–70%
  •   70–80%
  •   80–90%
  •   90–100%
  Uncommitted
  •   40–50%
  •   50–60%
  •   60–70%
  •   70–80%
  Abstained
  •   No votes
DFL caucus straw poll results
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%

Results

Primary results by county:
  Klobuchar
  •   80–90%
  •   >90%
Democratic primary results
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic (DFL) Amy Klobuchar 615,041 89.7
Democratic (DFL) Kobey Layne 39,528 5.8
Democratic (DFL) Mohammad Wazwaz 9,633 1.4
Democratic (DFL) Po Vang 8,834 1.3
Democratic (DFL) Ole "Viking" Savior 5,491 0.8
Democratic (DFL) Tom Evenstad 3,843 0.6
Democratic (DFL) Bill Gates Jr. 3,380 0.5
Total votes 685,750 100.0

Republican primary

Candidates

Nominee

Eliminated in primary

  • Loner Blue, perennial candidate[9][51]
  • Raul Estrada, construction worker and organizer with the American Indian Coalition[52]
    • Running mate: Joe Kincaid[9]
  • John Krhin, pastor[53]
    • Running mate: Dennis Conn[9]
  • Mike Lindell, founder and former CEO of My Pillow and candidate for RNC chair in 2023[54]
    • Running mate: Phillip Parrish, retired Naval intelligence officer, teacher, and school administrator[9][55]
  • Ross Nova[56][9]
  • Kendall Qualls, healthcare technology executive, nominee for Minnesota's 3rd congressional district in 2020, and candidate for governor in 2022[57]
    • Running mate: Brian Nicholson, construction firm chief executive[58][59]

Not on ballot

  • Patrick Knight, food company CEO[60]

Withdrawn

Declined

Endorsements

Lisa Demuth
State legislators
Organizations
Mike Lindell
Executive branch officials
Organizations
Kendall Qualls
Political parties
Declined to endorse
State legislators

Fundraising

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[46]

Polling

Poll source Date(s)
administered		 Sample
size[c]		 Margin
of error		 Lisa
Demuth		 Scott
Jensen		 Mike
Lindell		 Kendall
Qualls		 Kristin
Robbins		 Other Undecided
KTSP/SurveyUSA[77] July 29–August 4, 2026 458 (LV) ± 5.6% 28% – 34% 17% – 6% 16%
SurveyUSA[78][A] July 15–20, 2026 478 (LV) ± 5.4% 26% – 35% 11% – 5% 22%
Big Data Poll (R)[79][B] June 26–29, 2026 1,214 (LV) ± 2.8% 20% – 25% 10% – 11%[d] 34%
Minnesota Private Business Council (R)[80] June 23–25, 2026 1,601 (LV) ± 2.5% 29% – 20% 24% – 1%[e] 26%
34%[f] – 24% 28% – – 14%
SurveyUSA[81][A] June 11–16, 2026 450 (LV) ± 5.4% 22% – 27% 17% – 10%[g] 24%
Big Data Poll (R)[82][B] May 18–20, 2026 512 (LV) – 19% – 21% 9% – 12%[h] 39%
May 1, 2026 Robbins withdraws from the race
February 9, 2026 Jensen withdraws from the race
Peak Insights (R)[83][C] January 31 – February 1, 2026 500 (LV) ± 4.0% 17% 12% 18% 11% 3% 7%[i] 32%

Caucus vote

On February 3, 2026, Minnesota Republicans held their party caucus.[84] Lisa Demuth won the party's straw poll for governor with approximately 32% of the vote.[48]

Results

Results by reporting unit:
  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%
Hashes indicate a tie
Republican caucus straw poll results
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

2026 Minnesota gubernatorial election Republican primary debates
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

Results

Primary results by county:
  Demuth
  •   30–40%
  •   40–50%
  •   50–60%
  •   60–70%
  Lindell
  •   30–40%
  •   40–50%
  Qualls
  •   30–40%
  Tie
  •   30–40%
  •   40–50%
Republican primary results
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Lisa Demuth 179,683 43.4
Republican Mike Lindell 134,282 32.5
Republican Kendall Qualls 88,416 21.4
Republican John Krhin 4,663 1.1
Republican Ross Nova 2,760 0.7
Republican Raul Estrada 2,408 0.6
Republican Loner Blue 1,393 0.3
Total votes 413,605 100.0

Independents and others

Candidates

Declared

  • Steve Young, member of the Minneapolis Food Council, attorney, and veteran (Green)[85][86][9]
    • Running mate: Jane Kirby, retired midwife and animal rights activist

Not on ballot

Withdrawn

  • Mike Newcome, entrepreneur and business consultant[94]
  • Calvin Larson Jr., labor union leader (running for State Senate District 2)[95][96]

Endorsements

Mike Newcome (I) (withdrawn)
Political parties

Fundraising

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[46]

General election

Predictions

Source Ranking As of
The Cook Political Report[98] Solid D August 20, 2026
Fox News[99] Likely D August 18, 2026
Race to the WH[100] Safe D June 19, 2026
RealClearPolitics[101] Solid D June 5, 2026
Inside Elections[102] Likely D August 28, 2025
Sabato's Crystal Ball[103] Safe D August 26, 2026
Silver Bulletin[104] Solid D August 25, 2026

Polling

Poll source Date(s)
administered		 Sample
size[c]		 Margin
of error		 Amy
Klobuchar (DFL)		 Lisa
Demuth (R)		 Other Undecided
KTSP/SurveyUSA[105] August 13–17, 2026 661 (LV) ± 4.3% 51% 36% 1%[j] 12%
August 11, 2026 Primary elections are held
Mason-Dixon Polling & Strategy[106][D] June 8–10, 2026 800 (LV) ± 3.5% 48% 40% – 12%
Emerson College[107] February 6–8, 2026 1,000 (LV) ± 3.0% 51% 38% 5%[k] 6%
SurveyUSA[108][A] January 27–30, 2026 575 (RV) ± 4.8% 49% 34% – 17%
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[108][A] 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[108][A] 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[108][A] 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[108][A] 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[108][A] January 27–30, 2026 575 (RV) ± 4.8% 49% 32% 19%

Amy Klobuchar vs. Mike Lindell

Poll source Date(s)
administered		 Sample
size[c]		 Margin
of error		 Amy
Klobuchar (DFL)		 Mike
Lindell (R)		 Undecided
Mason-Dixon Polling & Strategy[106][D] June 8–10, 2026 800 (LV) ± 3.5% 53% 36% 11%
Emerson College[107] February 6–8, 2026 1,000 (LV) ± 3.0% 53% 31% 16%
SurveyUSA[108][A] January 27–30, 2026 575 (RV) ± 4.8% 52% 32% 16%

Amy Klobuchar vs. Phil Parrish

Poll source Date(s)
administered		 Sample
size[c]		 Margin
of error		 Amy
Klobuchar (DFL)		 Phil
Parrish (R)		 Undecided
SurveyUSA[108][A] January 27–30, 2026 575 (RV) ± 4.8% 49% 32% 19%


Amy Klobuchar vs. Kendall Qualls

Poll source Date(s)
administered		 Sample
size[c]		 Margin
of error		 Amy
Klobuchar (DFL)		 Kendall
Qualls (R)		 Undecided
Mason-Dixon Polling & Strategy[106][D] June 8–10, 2026 800 (LV) ± 3.5% 48% 37% 14%
SurveyUSA[108][A] January 27–30, 2026 575 (RV) ± 4.8% 49% 33% 18%

Amy Klobuchar vs. Kristin Robbins

Poll source Date(s)
administered		 Sample
size[c]		 Margin
of error		 Amy
Klobuchar (DFL)		 Kristin
Robbins (R)		 Undecided
SurveyUSA[108][A] 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[109][A] 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[109][A] 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[109][A] 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[109][A] 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[110][E] December 10–16, 2025 800 (RV) ± 3.5% 40% 46% 14%

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ filed for Lieutenant governor with Kobey Layne
  2. ↑ No relation to previous gubernatorial nominee Jeff Johnson.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Key:
    A – all adults
    RV – registered voters
    LV – likely voters
    V – unclear
  4. ↑ John Krhin with 4%; Raul Estrada with 3%; Loner Blue and Ross Nova with 2%
  5. ↑ Loner Blue, Raul Estrada, John Krhin, and Ross Nova with a combined 1%
  6. ↑ With voters who lean towards a given candidate
  7. ↑ "Another Republican" with 10%
  8. ↑ Patrick Knight with 4%; Peggy Bennett with 3%; Phil Parrish and John Krhin with 2%; Raul Estrada with 1%
  9. ↑ "Someone else" with 2%; Peggy Bennett, Thomas Evanstad, Jeff Johnson, Brad Kohler, and Phil Parrish with 1%; Patrick Knight with 0%
  10. ↑ Steve Young (G) with 1%
  11. ↑ "Someone else" with 5%

Partisan clients

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Poll sponsored by KSTP-TV
  2. 1 2 Poll sponsored by Lindell's campaign
  3. ↑ Poll sponsored by Michele Tafoya's campaign for U.S. Senate
  4. 1 2 3 Poll sponsored by the Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication, KARE 11, and The Minneapolis Star Tribune
  5. ↑ Poll sponsored by Alpha News

References

  1. ↑ "Elections Calendar". Minnesota Secretary of State. Retrieved February 14, 2025.
  2. ↑ Editor, Tom Akaolisa (August 17, 2026). "MINNEAPOLIMEDIA EDITORIAL | Minnesota Will Elect Its First Woman Governor. The Harder Task Is Governing a Fractured State | MinneapoliMedia". minneapolimedia.town.news. Retrieved August 28, 2026. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  3. ↑ Griffith, Michelle (January 29, 2026). "Sen. Klobuchar launches campaign for Minnesota governor". Minnesota Reformer. Retrieved June 4, 2026.
  4. ↑ 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.
  5. ↑ Siegel, Benjamin; Oppenheim, Oren (January 29, 2026). "Sen. Amy Klobuchar announces run for Minnesota governor amid immigration turmoil". ABC News. Retrieved January 29, 2026.
  6. ↑ "Klobuchar names Ben Schierer as running mate for Lt. Gov". kare11.com. May 29, 2026. Retrieved May 29, 2026.
  7. ↑ "Evenstad, Thomas Gov Committee - 19243". Minnesota Campaign Finance Board. State of Minnesota. Retrieved May 28, 2026.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 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.
  9. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 "Candidate Filings". candidates.sos.mn.gov. May 19, 2026.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  10. ↑ "Candidates". cfb.mn.gov. November 5, 2025. Retrieved November 7, 2025.
  11. ↑ Min, Eric (May 27, 2026). "ONE-ON-ONE with Minnesota gubernatorial candidate Bill Gates Jr". kttc.com. Retrieved June 1, 2026.
  12. ↑ "Candidates". cfb.mn.gov. January 28, 2026. Retrieved January 31, 2026.
  13. ↑ 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)
  14. 1 2 "Candidates". cfb.mn.gov. February 26, 2026. Retrieved March 7, 2026.
  15. ↑ "Candidates". cfb.mn.gov. Retrieved April 28, 2026.
  16. 1 2 "Candidates". cfb.mn.gov. Retrieved June 2, 2026.
  17. ↑ "Candidates". cfb.mn.gov. Retrieved May 7, 2026.
  18. ↑ "Candidates". cfb.mn.gov. Retrieved February 15, 2026.
  19. ↑ Turtinen, Melissa (January 5, 2026). "Gov. Tim Walz will not seek reelection in Minnesota". FOX 9. Retrieved January 5, 2026.
  20. 1 2 Van Oot, Torey (January 5, 2026). "Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz drops reelection bid". Axios. Retrieved January 5, 2026.
  21. ↑ "Candidates". cfb.mn.gov. Retrieved February 5, 2026.
  22. ↑ 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.
  23. ↑ 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.
  24. ↑ "Ellison gives statement on re-election run". KAAL. January 20, 2026. Retrieved January 20, 2026.
  25. ↑ Wernus, Katie (January 5, 2026). "Minnesota governor's race: Potential Democratic contenders after Walz's exit". Fox 9. Retrieved January 5, 2026.
  26. ↑ 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
  27. ↑ Kite, Allison; Faircloth, Ryan; Minor, Nathaniel (January 5, 2026). "Sen. Amy Klobuchar may run for governor". Minnesota Star Tribune. Retrieved January 20, 2026.
  28. ↑ Nir, David (January 6, 2026). "Morning Digest: After Walz calls it quits, a heavyweight replacement looms". The Downballot. Retrieved January 6, 2026.
  29. ↑ Sprinkel, Luke (June 8, 2026). "Klobuchar faces transgender primary challenger endorsed by major LGBT group". Alpha News. Retrieved June 18, 2026.
  30. ↑ "Buttigieg endorses Klobuchar's Minnesota governor bid after they clashed in 2020 Dem primary". The Hill. Retrieved January 29, 2026.
  31. ↑ "AFL-CIO 2026 Endorsements". AFL-CIO. AFL-CIO. Retrieved July 20, 2026.
  32. ↑ "Education Minnesota endorses Klobuchar for governor". Education Minnesota. May 20, 2026. Retrieved August 10, 2026.
  33. ↑ "SEIU 2026 Endorsements". SEIU MN. SEIU MN State Council. Retrieved June 21, 2026.
  34. ↑ "MINNESOTA TEAMSTERS ENDORSE AMY KLOBUCHAR FOR GOVERNOR". Cision via Yahoo Finance. Retrieved May 14, 2026.
  35. ↑ "Minnesota Steelworkers endorse Klobuchar for governor". Mesabi Tribune. July 2, 2026. Retrieved August 10, 2026.
  36. ↑ "Candidates". Elect Democratic Women. Retrieved April 26, 2026.
  37. ↑ "EMILYs List Endorses Amy Klobuchar in Minnesota Governor's Race". EMILYs List. Retrieved January 29, 2026.
  38. ↑ "End Citizens United Endorses Senator Amy Klobuchar for Minnesota Governor". endcitizensunited.org. March 17, 2026. Retrieved March 17, 2026.
  39. 1 2 "Endorsements". GIFFORDS. Retrieved January 2, 2026.
  40. ↑ "NRDC Action Fund Endorsements". NRDC Action Fund. Retrieved August 10, 2026.
  41. ↑ Cox, Peter (May 30, 2026). "Klobuchar wins DFL endorsement for governor". Minnesota Public Radio. Retrieved May 30, 2026.
  42. ↑ "Endorsement: Tim Walz". SEIU MN on Facebook. Retrieved November 18, 2025.
  43. ↑ Democratic Governors Association. "DGA Chair Laura Kelly Statement on Governor Tim Walz Running for Reelection". Democratic Governor Association. Democratic Governors Association. Retrieved September 16, 2025.
  44. ↑ "Endorsement alert!". Planned Parenthood Action. Retrieved November 18, 2025.
  45. ↑ "Endorsed Candidates". VoteVets. Retrieved November 25, 2025.
  46. 1 2 3 "Districts constitutional offices viewer". cfb.mn.gov. Retrieved April 18, 2026.
  47. ↑ TRIBUNE, MARIE TOLONEN MESABI (February 5, 2026). "Amy Klobuchar tops DFL caucus straw poll". Mesabi Tribune. Retrieved February 13, 2026.
  48. 1 2 "Office of the State Of Minnesota Secretary of State". sos.mn.gov. Archived from the original on February 4, 2026. Retrieved February 10, 2026.
  49. ↑ 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.
  50. ↑ Griffith, Michelle. "House Speaker Lisa Demuth picks Ryan Wilson as running mate in campaign for governor". Minnesota Reformer. Retrieved February 10, 2026.
  51. 1 2 "Candidates". cfb.mn.gov. Retrieved June 2, 2026.
  52. ↑ Alexander, Caitlin (May 18, 2026). "ONE-ON-ONE with Minnesota gubernatorial candidate Raul Estrada". KTTC.
  53. ↑ 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.
  54. ↑ "MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell announces a campaign for Minnesota governor". NBC News. December 11, 2025. Retrieved December 11, 2025.
  55. 1 2 Jr, Ahmad Austin (June 2, 2026). "Mike Lindell Announces Running Mate for Minnesota Governor's Race". Mediaite. Retrieved June 2, 2026.
  56. 1 2 "Candidates". cfb.mn.gov. Retrieved June 1, 2026.
  57. ↑ 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.
  58. ↑ Nace, Aki (June 27, 2026). "Minnesota GOP-endorsed lieutenant governor candidate attended Jan. 6 riot at U.S. Capitol". CBS Minnesota.
  59. ↑ Fischer, Samantha (March 3, 2026). "Kendall Qualls picks businessman Brian Nicholson as gubernatorial running mate". kare11.com. Retrieved March 3, 2026.
  60. ↑ Brown, Kyle (November 6, 2025). "Food executive Patrick Knight announces run for governor". KSTP.com 5 Eyewitness News. Retrieved November 6, 2025.
  61. ↑ 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.
  62. ↑ Morrell, Lydia (February 9, 2026). "Scott Jensen ends bid for Minnesota governor, announces run for state auditor instead". KARE 11. Retrieved February 9, 2026.
  63. ↑ Morrell, Lydia (February 9, 2026). "Minnesota gubernatorial candidate suspends campaign after daughter dies from stabbing". KARE 11. Retrieved February 9, 2026.
  64. ↑ 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.
  65. ↑ "Republican Rep. Kristin Robbins drops out of race for governor". MPR News. May 1, 2026. Retrieved May 1, 2026.
  66. ↑ "Candidates". cfb.mn.gov. Retrieved February 19, 2026.
  67. ↑ Nir, David; Singer, Jeff (July 8, 2025). "Morning Digest: A senior House Democrat lands a primary challenger after health scares". The Downballot. Retrieved July 8, 2025.
  68. 1 2 Faircloth, Ryan (February 12, 2025). "A look at who might run for Minnesota governor in 2026 — and who's ruled it out". Minnesota Star Tribune. Retrieved February 12, 2025. 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.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  69. ↑ Reporter, The; Reported, Or; this?, verified from knowledgeable sources The Trust Project What is (February 14, 2025). "Flanagan, White enter US Senate race in Minnesota; Ellison says he is 'not in or out'". InForum. Retrieved January 6, 2026.
  70. ↑ Igo, Spencer (August 1, 2026). "Demuth is the common-sense conservative to lead Minnesota". Mesabi Tribune. Retrieved August 6, 2026.
  71. ↑ Stolle, Matthew (August 3, 2026). "Sen. Carla Nelson reflects on long legislative career". Post Bulletin. Retrieved August 5, 2026.
  72. ↑ Carmenaty, Alex (July 22, 2026). "Minnesota House Speaker and GOP Gubernational Candidate Lisa Demuth Receives Two Endorsements". Knox News Radio. Retrieved August 10, 2026.
  73. ↑ Barrow, Bill (July 15, 2026). "Donald Trump endorses 'Pillow Man' Mike Lindell for Minnesota governor". Associated Press. Retrieved July 15, 2026.
  74. ↑ @CPAC (April 15, 2026). "ENDORSED: Mike Lindell for Governor of Minnesota" (Tweet) – via X (formerly Twitter).
  75. ↑ https://www.fox9.com/news/kendall-qualls-endorsed-minnesota-gop-governor-may-31
  76. ↑ Van Oot, Torey (May 4, 2026). "Trail mix: Another candidate drops from Minnesota governor's race". Axios Twin Cities. Retrieved May 8, 2026.
  77. ↑ "KSTP/SurveyUSA poll: Demuth in striking distance of Lindell, Craig up in key demographic". KTSP. Retrieved August 6, 2026.
  78. ↑ Skluzacek, Josh; Hauser, Tom (July 21, 2026). "Lindell, Tafoya increase their leads; Craig, Ellison margins shrink". KSTP Eyewitness News. Retrieved July 22, 2026.
  79. ↑ "Breaking News! In June, Mike Lindell Expands his Lead in the Republican Primary for Governor in Minnesota, a New Internal Poll Finds" (PDF). Mike Lindell for Governor. July 8, 2026. Retrieved July 8, 2026.
  80. ↑ Sprinkel, Luke (July 9, 2026). "Internal poll from conservative nonprofit says Demuth has slim lead over Qualls in GOP primary". Alpha News. Retrieved July 9, 2026.
  81. ↑ Skluzacek, Josh; Hauser, Tom (June 17, 2026). "KSTP/SurveyUSA poll: Lindell leads GOP governor race; Tafoya, Craig up in Senate primaries". KSTP-TV. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
  82. ↑ "Breaking News! Mike Lindell leads all Republicans in the race for Minnesota governor just days before the MN GOP convention" (PDF). Mike Lindell for Governor. May 22, 2026. Retrieved May 25, 2026.
  83. ↑ "MN GOP Primary Voters" (PDF). Peak Insights. February 4, 2026. Retrieved February 4, 2026.
  84. ↑ Faircloth, Ryan (February 4, 2026). "House Speaker Lisa Demuth poised to win GOP straw poll for governor, Qualls and Lindell trail behind". Archived from the original on February 5, 2026. Retrieved February 10, 2026.
  85. ↑ "Our Candidates & Electeds". Green Party of Minnesota. Retrieved April 28, 2026.
  86. ↑ Willow Evans, Jordan (April 24, 2026). "Green Party of Minnesota Endorses Four Candidates Ahead of Petition Drive". Independent Political Report. Retrieved April 28, 2026.
  87. ↑ "Candidates". cfb.mn.gov. Retrieved April 24, 2026.
  88. ↑ "Candidates". cfb.mn.gov. Retrieved March 30, 2026.
  89. ↑ "Candidates". cfb.mn.gov. Retrieved April 18, 2026.
  90. ↑ Pioneer Staff Report (May 13, 2025). "Minnesota Governor candidate Brad Kohler presents at Beltrami County GOP meeting". The Bemidji Pioneer. Retrieved June 1, 2025.
  91. ↑ "Candidates". cfb.mn.gov. Retrieved April 20, 2026.
  92. ↑ Stolle, Matthew (November 18, 2025). "Austin's Steve Patterson is running for governor again. His running mate? JT Thompson of JT & Gunslingers fame". Rochester Post Bulletin. Retrieved December 23, 2025.
  93. ↑ Reporter, The; Reported, Or; this?, verified from knowledgeable sources The Trust Project What is (June 8, 2026). "Southeast Minnesota man has bitter reflections on a failed gubernatorial candidacy". Rochester Post Bulletin. Retrieved June 23, 2026.
  94. ↑ Cox, Peter (March 30, 2026). "Third party candidate Mike Newcome leaves race for Minnesota governor". MPR News. Retrieved April 1, 2026.
  95. ↑ "Districts constitutional offices viewer". cfb.mn.gov. Retrieved January 5, 2026.
  96. ↑ "Unusual Activity Blocked". minnesotaitservices.mn.gov. Retrieved June 5, 2026.
  97. ↑ Minor, Nathaniel (November 18, 2025). "Third-party candidate Mike Newcome enters Minnesota governor's race". The Minnesota Star Tribune. Retrieved November 18, 2025.
  98. ↑ "2026 CPR Governor Race ratings". The Cook Political Report. Retrieved January 23, 2025.
  99. ↑ "Fox News Power Rankings: As Democrats turn left, Black voters tap the brakes". Fox News. Rémy Numa. Retrieved August 18, 2026.
  100. ↑ "Governor Forecast – 2026-2026". Race to the WH. Retrieved June 30, 2025.
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  102. ↑ "Gubernatorial Ratings". Inside Elections. Retrieved February 7, 2025.
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  105. ↑ Skluzacek, Josh. "KSTP/SurveyUSA poll: Early frontrunners in governor and Senate races, AG a toss-up". Retrieved August 19, 2026.
  106. 1 2 3 Orenstein, Walker; Kashiwagi, Sydney; Kite, Allison (June 15, 2026). "Minnesota Poll: Klobuchar leads all GOP candidates for governor". Minnesota Star Tribune. Retrieved June 15, 2026.
  107. 1 2 "Minnesota 2026 Poll: Democrats Lead GOP as Voters Cite Threats to Democracy". Emerson College Polling. February 11, 2026. Retrieved February 11, 2026.
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  109. 1 2 3 4 Hauser, Tom; Brown, Kyle (September 19, 2025). "KSTP/SurveyUSA poll: Walz has net approval of zero as he begins campaign for 3rd term". KSTP-TV. Retrieved September 20, 2025.
  110. ↑ Sprinkel, Luke (December 18, 2025). "Alpha News/RMG Research poll finds 57% disapprove of Walz as fraud concerns mount". Alpha News. Retrieved January 3, 2026.
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