2026 Minnesota gubernatorial election

Last updated

2026 Minnesota gubernatorial election
Flag of Minnesota.svg
←  2022
November 3, 2026
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  Artemis II Klobuchar (3x4 cropped).jpg Lisa Demuth, 2026 (3x4).jpg
Nominee Amy Klobuchar Lisa Demuth
Party Democratic (DFL) Republican
Running mateBen SchiererRyan 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. Democratic senator Amy Klobuchar and Republican state House speaker Lisa Demuth are the nominees for their respective parties.

Contents

Democratic incumbent Tim Walz ran for a third term, but withdrew in January following a scandal over fraud in state funded-social services. Following Walz's withdrawal, Klobuchar entered the Democratic primary and won the nomination with 89.7% of the vote against minimal opposition. In the Republican primary, Demuth defeated businessman Mike Lindell, who was endorsed by President Donald Trump, and healthcare technology executive Kendall Qualls, who was endorsed by the state party, with 43.4% of the vote.

The winner of this election will be the first female governor of Minnesota. [1] Should Demuth win, she will be the first Black governor of Minnesota. Republicans have not won a gubernatorial election in Minnesota since 2006.

Democratic–Farmer–Labor primary

After Walz announced his withdrawal from the race, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar launched a campaign for the governor's office on January 29, 2026. [2] Six other Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) candidates filed, none of whom have previously held elected office. Community organizer Kobey Layne challenged Klobuchar for the DFL's endorsement on May 30, 2026, but Klobuchar was endorsed on the first ballot alongside her running mate, Ben Schierer. [3]

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Withdrawn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Tim Walz (withdrawn)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Italics indicate a withdrawn candidate.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
CandidateRaisedSpentCash 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 [45]

Caucus vote

On February 3, 2026, Minnesota DFLers held their party caucus. [46] Klobuchar won the party's straw poll for governor with approximately 72% of the vote. [47]

Results

Results by reporting unit: .mw-parser-output .legend{page-break-inside:avoid;break-inside:avoid-column}.mw-parser-output .legend-color{display:inline-block;min-width:1.25em;height:1.25em;line-height:1.25;margin:1px 0;text-align:center;border:1px solid black;background-color:transparent;color:black}.mw-parser-output .legend-text{} Klobuchar 50-60% 60-70% 70-80% 80-90% 90-100% Uncommitted 40-50% 50-60% 60-70% 70-80% Abstained No votes 2026 Minnesota gubernatorial DFL caucus straw poll results by reporting unit.svg
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
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic (DFL) Amy Klobuchar 22,484 71.71%
Democratic (DFL) Christopher Seymore3971.27%
Write-in 1,0973.50%
NoneUncommitted6,72221.44%
NoneAbstained6552.09%
Total votes31,355 100.00%

Results

Primary results by county: Klobuchar 80-90% >90% 2026 Minnesota Democratic gubernatorial primary election results map by county.svg
Primary results by county:
  Klobuchar
  •   80–90%
  •   >90%
Primary results by congressional district: Klobuchar 80-90% >90% MN Dem Gov CD 2026.svg
Primary results by congressional district:
  Klobuchar
  •   80–90%
  •   >90%
Primary results by state senate district: Klobuchar 70-80% 80-90% >90% MN Dem Gov SD 2026.svg
Primary results by state senate district:
  Klobuchar
  •   70–80%
  •   80–90%
  •   >90%
Primary results by state house district: Klobuchar 70-80% 80-90% >90% MN Dem Gov HD 2026.svg
Primary results by state house district:
  Klobuchar
  •   70–80%
  •   80–90%
  •   >90%
Primary results by precinct: Klobuchar 40-50% 50-60% 60-70% 70-80% 80-90% >90% Layne 60-70% >90% Savior 60-70% Evenstad >90% Gates >90% Tie 30-40% 40-50% 50% No Votes 2026 Minnesota Democratic gubernatorial primary election results map by precinct.svg
Primary results by precinct:
  Klobuchar
  •   40–50%
  •   50–60%
  •   60–70%
  •   70–80%
  •   80–90%
  •   >90%
  Layne
  •   60–70%
  •   >90%
  Savior
  •   60–70%
  Evenstad
  •   >90%
  Gates
  •   >90%
  Tie
  •   30–40%
  •   40–50%
  •   50%
  No Votes
Democratic primary results
PartyCandidateVotes%
Democratic (DFL) Amy Klobuchar 615,041 89.7
Democratic (DFL) Kobey Layne39,5285.8
Democratic (DFL) Mohammad Wazwaz9,6331.4
Democratic (DFL) Po Vang8,8341.3
Democratic (DFL) Ole "Viking" Savior5,4910.8
Democratic (DFL) Tom Evenstad3,8430.6
Democratic (DFL) Bill Gates Jr.3,3800.5
Total votes685,750 100.0

Republican primary

Candidates

Nominee

Eliminated in primary

  • Loner Blue, perennial candidate [8] [50]
    • Running mate: Andrew Maass [8] [50]
  • Raul Estrada, construction worker and organizer with the American Indian Coalition [51]
    • Running mate: Joe Kincaid [8]
  • John Krhin, pastor [52]
    • Running mate: Dennis Conn [8]
  • Mike Lindell, founder and former CEO of My Pillow and candidate for RNC chair in 2023 [53]
    • Running mate: Phillip Parrish, retired Naval intelligence officer, teacher, and school administrator [8] [54]
  • Ross Nova [55] [8]
    • Running mate: Kerry Busby [55] [8]
  • Kendall Qualls, healthcare technology executive, nominee for Minnesota's 3rd congressional district in 2020, and candidate for governor in 2022 [56]
    • Running mate: Brian Nicholson, construction firm chief executive [57] [58]

Not on ballot

  • Patrick Knight, food company CEO [59]

Withdrawn

Declined

Endorsements

Lisa Demuth
State legislators
Organizations
Mike Lindell
Executive branch officials
  • Donald Trump, president of the United States (2017–2021, 2025–present) [73]
Organizations
Kendall Qualls
Political parties
Declined to endorse
State legislators

Fundraising

Italics indicate a withdrawn candidate

Campaign finance reports as of May 31, 2026
CandidateRaisedSpentCash 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 [45]

Polling

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size [c] 		Margin
of error		Lisa
Demuth		Scott
Jensen		Mike
Lindell		Kendall
Qualls		Kristin
Robbins		OtherUndecided
KTSP/SurveyUSA [77] July 29–August 4, 2026458 (LV)± 5.6%28%–34%17%–6%16%
SurveyUSA [78] [A] July 15–20, 2026478 (LV)± 5.4%26%–35%11%–5%22%
Big Data Poll (R) [79] [B] June 26–29, 20261,214 (LV)± 2.8%20%–25%10%–11% [d] 34%
Minnesota Private Business Council (R) [80] June 23–25, 20261,601 (LV)± 2.5%29%–20%24%–1% [e] 26%
34% [f] –24%28%––14%
SurveyUSA [81] [A] June 11–16, 2026450 (LV)± 5.4%22%–27%17%–10% [g] 24%
Big Data Poll (R) [82] [B] May 18–20, 2026512 (LV)–19%–21%9%–12% [h] 39%
May 1, 2026Robbins withdraws from the race
February 9, 2026Jensen withdraws from the race
Peak Insights (R) [83] [C] January 31 – February 1, 2026500 (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. [47]

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. 2026 Minnesota gubernatorial Republican caucus straw poll results by reporting unit.svg
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
PartyCandidateVotes%
Republican Lisa Demuth 5,827 31.86%
Republican Kendall Qualls4,62425.28%
Republican Mike Lindell 3,23517.69%
Republican Scott Jensen 1,1856.48%
Republican Kristin Robbins 7764.24%
Republican Phil Parrish7283.98%
Republican Patrick Knight3621.98%
Republican Jeff Johnson 1390.76%
Republican Peggy Bennett 1120.61%
Republican Brad Kohler 780.43%
Republican Raul Estrada620.34%
Republican John Krhin590.32%
Write-in 560.31%
NoneUndecided1,0465.72%
Total votes18,289 100.00%

Debates

2026 Minnesota gubernatorial election Republican primary debates
No.DateHostModeratorLink 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 JohnsonPatrick Knight Brad Kohler Mike Lindell Chris MadellPhil ParrishKendall Qualls
1Jan. 15, 2026 Scott County Republican Party Bill Lieske YouTube PPPPPPPPPPP
2Mar. 11, 2026 Second Congressional District RepublicansTayler Rahm YouTube NPNWWPNNWNP
3May 21, 2026 KTTC
Republican Party of Olmsted County 		YouTube NPNWWPNNWNP

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% 2026 Minnesota Republican gubernatorial primary election results map by county.svg
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%
Primary results by congressional district: Demuth 30-40% 40-50% 50-60% Lindell 30-40% MN Rep Gov CD 2026.svg
Primary results by congressional district:
  Demuth
  •   30–40%
  •   40–50%
  •   50–60%
  Lindell
  •   30–40%
Primary results by state senate district: Demuth 30-40% 40-50% 50-60% 60-70% Lindell 30-40% 40-50% MN Rep Gov SD 2026.svg
Primary results by state senate district:
  Demuth
  •   30–40%
  •   40–50%
  •   50–60%
  •   60–70%
  Lindell
  •   30–40%
  •   40–50%
Primary results by state house district: Demuth 30-40% 40-50% 50-60% 70-80% Lindell 30-40% 40-50% MN Rep Gov HD 2026.svg
Primary results by state house district:
  Demuth
  •   30–40%
  •   40–50%
  •   50–60%
  •   70–80%
  Lindell
  •   30–40%
  •   40–50%
Primary results by precinct: Demuth 30-40% 40-50% 50-60% 60-70% 70-80% 80-90% >90% Lindell 20-30% 30-40% 40-50% 50-60% 60-70% 70-80% 80-90% >90% Qualls 30-40% 40-50% 50-60% 60-70% 70-80% >90% Krhin 80-90% Nova >90% Estrada 40-50% >90% Blue >90% Tie 20-30% 30-40% 40-50% 50% No votes 2026 Minnesota Republican gubernatorial primary election results map by precinct.svg
Primary results by precinct:
  Demuth
  •   30–40%
  •   40–50%
  •   50–60%
  •   60–70%
  •   70–80%
  •   80–90%
  •   >90%
  Lindell
  •   20–30%
  •   30–40%
  •   40–50%
  •   50–60%
  •   60–70%
  •   70–80%
  •   80–90%
  •   >90%
  Qualls
  •   30–40%
  •   40–50%
  •   50–60%
  •   60–70%
  •   70–80%
  •   >90%
  Krhin
  •   80–90%
  Nova
  •   >90%
  Estrada
  •   40–50%
  •   >90%
  Blue
  •   >90%
  Tie
  •   20–30%
  •   30–40%
  •   40–50%
  •   50%
  No votes
Republican primary results
PartyCandidateVotes%
Republican Lisa Demuth 179,683 43.4
Republican Mike Lindell 134,28232.5
Republican Kendall Qualls88,41621.4
Republican John Krhin4,6631.1
Republican Ross Nova2,7600.7
Republican Raul Estrada2,4080.6
Republican Loner Blue1,3930.3
Total votes413,605 100.0

Independents and others

Candidates

Declared

  • Steve Young, member of the Minneapolis Food Council, attorney, and veteran (Green) [85] [86] [8]
    • Running mate: Jane Kirby, retired midwife and animal rights activist

Write-in candidates

Not on ballot

Withdrawn

  • Calvin Larson Jr., labor union leader (running for State Senate District 2) [97] [98]
  • Mike Newcome, entrepreneur and business consultant [99]

Endorsements

Mike Newcome (I) (withdrawn)
Political parties

Fundraising

Campaign finance reports as of March 31, 2026
CandidateRaisedSpentCash on Hand
Steve Young (G)$1,586$369$1,218
Source: Minnesota Campaign Finance Board [45]

General election

Predictions

SourceRankingAs of
The Cook Political Report [101] Solid DOctober 29, 2026
Decision Desk HQ [102] Likely DNovember 1, 2026
Fox News [103] Likely DNovember 1, 2026
Inside Elections [104] Likely DOctober 29, 2026
NBC News [105] Solid DNovember 1, 2026
RealClearPolitics [106] Likely DOctober 30, 2026
Sabato's Crystal Ball [107] Safe DOctober 27, 2026
Silver Bulletin [108] Solid DNovember 1, 2026

Post-primary endorsements

Amy Klobuchar (DFL)
Organizations
Lisa Demuth (R)
Organizations

Polling

Aggregate polls
Source of poll
aggregation		Dates
administered		Dates
updated		Amy
Klobuchar (DFL)		Lisa
Demuth (R)		Other/
Undecided [j] 		Margin
270toWin [112] October 5 – November 1, 2026November 2, 202652.4%41.0%6.6%Klobuchar +11.4%
Decision Desk HQ [113] through November 1, 2026November 2, 202652.7%40.3%7.0%Klobuchar +12.4%
FiftyPlusOne [114] through November 1, 2026November 2, 202652.3%40.6%7.1%Klobuchar +11.7%
RealClearPolitics [115] October 2–28, 2026October 30, 202651.3%39.3%9.4%Klobuchar +12.0%
Silver Bulletin [108] through November 1, 2026November 2, 202652.4%40.2%7.4%Klobuchar +12.2%
Average52.2%40.3%7.5%Klobuchar +11.9%
Poll sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size [c] 		Margin
of error		Amy
Klobuchar (DFL)		Lisa
Demuth (R)		OtherUndecided
Research Co. [116] October 30 – November 1, 2026450 (LV)± 4.6%53%40%1% [k] 6%
Survey 160 [117] October 27 – November 1, 20261,365 (LV)± 3.7%53% [f] 43%3%1%
53%42%2%2%
1,423 (RV)53% [f] 42%3%1%
53%41%3%3%
KSTP/SurveyUSA [118] October 24–28, 2026718 (LV)± 4.2%51%39%3% [l] 8%
State Navigate [119] October 26–28, 2026806 (LV)± 3.5%52%42%2% [m] 3%
New York Times/Siena University [120] October 19–26, 2026752 (LV)± 4.1%56%38%0%6%
Victory Insights (R) [121] [D] October 21–22, 20261,194 (LV)—50%43%2%4%
KSTP/SurveyUSA [122] October 8–12, 2026718 (LV)± 4.2%48%41%3% [n] 8%
Mason-Dixon Polling & Strategy [123] [E] October 5–7, 2026800 (LV)± 3.5%50%41%1%8%
Morning Consult (D) [124] [F] October 2–7, 20261,000 (RV)± 3.1%48%39%4% [o] 9%
co/efficient (R) [125] September 14–15, 2026833 (LV)± 3.4%47%45%–9%
KSTP/SurveyUSA [126] September 9–14, 2026654 (LV)± 4.4%47%40%3% [p] 9%
TIPP Insights (R) [127] [G] August 31 – September 2, 20261,494 (RV)± 2.7%47%37%8% [q] 9%
1,201 (LV)± 3.0%50%40%6% [r] 4%
KTSP/SurveyUSA [128] August 13–17, 2026661 (LV)± 4.3%51%36%1% [s] 12%
August 11, 2026Primary elections are held
Mason-Dixon Polling & Strategy [129] [H] June 8–10, 2026800 (LV)± 3.5%48%40%–12%
Emerson College [130] February 6–8, 20261,000 (LV)± 3.0%51%38%5% [t] 6%
SurveyUSA [131] [A] January 27–30, 2026575 (RV)± 4.8%49%34%–17%
Hypothetical polling

Amy Klobuchar vs. Peggy Bennett

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size [c] 		Margin
of error		Amy
Klobuchar (DFL)		Peggy
Bennett (R)		Undecided
SurveyUSA [131] [A] January 27–30, 2026575 (RV)± 4.8%50%30%20%

Amy Klobuchar vs. Scott Jensen

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size [c] 		Margin
of error		Amy
Klobuchar (DFL)		Scott
Jensen (R)		Undecided
SurveyUSA [131] [A] January 27–30, 2026575 (RV)± 4.8%49%35%16%

Amy Klobuchar vs. Jeff Johnson

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size [c] 		Margin
of error		Amy
Klobuchar (DFL)		Jeff
Johnson (R)		Undecided
SurveyUSA [131] [A] January 27–30, 2026575 (RV)± 4.8%50%33%17%

Amy Klobuchar vs. Patrick Knight

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size [c] 		Margin
of error		Amy
Klobuchar (DFL)		Patrick
Knight (R)		Undecided
SurveyUSA [131] [A] January 27–30, 2026575 (RV)± 4.8%49%33%18%

Amy Klobuchar vs. Brad Kohler as a Republican

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size [c] 		Margin
of error		Amy
Klobuchar (DFL)		Brad
Kohler (R)		Undecided
SurveyUSA [131] [A] January 27–30, 2026575 (RV)± 4.8%49%32%19%

Amy Klobuchar vs. Mike Lindell

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size [c] 		Margin
of error		Amy
Klobuchar (DFL)		Mike
Lindell (R)		Undecided
Mason-Dixon Polling & Strategy [129] [H] June 8–10, 2026800 (LV)± 3.5%53%36%11%
Emerson College [130] February 6–8, 20261,000 (LV)± 3.0%53%31%16%
SurveyUSA [131] [A] January 27–30, 2026575 (RV)± 4.8%52%32%16%

Amy Klobuchar vs. Phil Parrish

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size [c] 		Margin
of error		Amy
Klobuchar (DFL)		Phil
Parrish (R)		Undecided
SurveyUSA [131] [A] January 27–30, 2026575 (RV)± 4.8%49%32%19%

Amy Klobuchar vs. Kendall Qualls

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size [c] 		Margin
of error		Amy
Klobuchar (DFL)		Kendall
Qualls (R)		Undecided
Mason-Dixon Polling & Strategy [129] [H] June 8–10, 2026800 (LV)± 3.5%48%37%14%
SurveyUSA [131] [A] January 27–30, 2026575 (RV)± 4.8%49%33%18%

Amy Klobuchar vs. Kristin Robbins

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size [c] 		Margin
of error		Amy
Klobuchar (DFL)		Kristin
Robbins (R)		Undecided
SurveyUSA [131] [A] January 27–30, 2026575 (RV)± 4.8%48%33%19%

Tim Walz vs. Scott Jensen

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size [c] 		Margin
of error		Tim
Walz (DFL)		Scott
Jensen (R)		Undecided
SurveyUSA [132] [A] September 15–18, 2025568 (LV)± 4.8%46%41%13%

Tim Walz vs. Phil Parrish

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size [c] 		Margin
of error		Tim
Walz (DFL)		Phil
Parrish (R)		Undecided
SurveyUSA [132] [A] September 15–18, 2025568 (LV)± 4.8%49%38%13%

Tim Walz vs. Kendall Qualls

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size [c] 		Margin
of error		Tim
Walz (DFL)		Kendall
Qualls (R)		Undecided
SurveyUSA [132] [A] September 15–18, 2025568 (LV)± 4.8%50%37%13%

Tim Walz vs. Kristin Robbins

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size [c] 		Margin
of error		Tim
Walz (DFL)		Kristin
Robbins (R)		Undecided
SurveyUSA [132] [A] September 15–18, 2025568 (LV)± 4.8%47%40%13%

Tim Walz vs. Generic Republican

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size [c] 		Margin
of error		Tim
Walz (DFL)		Generic
Republican		Undecided
RMG Research [133] [I] December 10–16, 2025800 (RV)± 3.5%40%46%14%

Results

2026 Minnesota gubernatorial election
PartyCandidateVotes%±%
Democratic (DFL)
Republican
Green
  • Steven Young
  • Jane Kirby
Write-in
Total votes100.0

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. 1 2 3 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. ↑ Calculated by taking the difference of 100% and all other candidates combined.
  11. ↑ Steven Young (G) with 1%
  12. ↑ Steven Young (G) with 3%
  13. ↑ Young with 2%
  14. ↑ Steven Young (G) with 3%
  15. ↑ "Another candidate" with 4%
  16. ↑ Steven Young (G) with 3%
  17. ↑ Steven Young (G) & "Someone else" with 4%
  18. ↑ Steven Young (G) & "Someone else" with 3%
  19. ↑ Steve Young (G) with 1%
  20. ↑ "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. ↑ Poll commissioned by Michele Tafoya, the Republican nominee for U.S. Senate in Minnesota.
  5. ↑ Poll sponsored by KARE 11 & The Minnesota Star Tribune
  6. ↑ Poll conducted for The Daily Agenda
  7. ↑ Poll sponsored by the League of American Workers
  8. 1 2 3 Poll sponsored by the Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication, KARE 11 , and The Minneapolis Star Tribune
  9. ↑ Poll sponsored by Alpha News

References

  1. ↑ Akaolisa, Tom (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.
  2. ↑ Griffith, Michelle (January 29, 2026). "Sen. Klobuchar launches campaign for Minnesota governor". Minnesota Reformer . Retrieved June 4, 2026.
  3. ↑ 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.
  4. ↑ Siegel, Benjamin; Oppenheim, Oren (January 29, 2026). "Sen. Amy Klobuchar announces run for Minnesota governor amid immigration turmoil". ABC News . Retrieved January 29, 2026.
  5. ↑ "Klobuchar names Ben Schierer as running mate for Lt. Gov". kare11.com. May 29, 2026. Retrieved May 29, 2026.
  6. ↑ "Evenstad, Thomas Gov Committee - 19243". Minnesota Campaign Finance Board. State of Minnesota. Retrieved May 28, 2026.
  7. 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.
  8. 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 27 "Candidate Filings". candidates.sos.mn.gov. May 19, 2026.
  9. ↑ "Candidates". cfb.mn.gov. November 5, 2025. Retrieved November 7, 2025.
  10. ↑ Min, Eric (May 27, 2026). "ONE-ON-ONE with Minnesota gubernatorial candidate Bill Gates Jr". kttc.com. Retrieved June 1, 2026.
  11. ↑ "Candidates". cfb.mn.gov. January 28, 2026. Retrieved January 31, 2026.
  12. ↑ Faircloth, Ryan (May 30, 2026). "Klobuchar wins DFL endorsement for governor after challenge from the left". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on August 12, 2026. Retrieved June 1, 2026.
  13. 1 2 "Candidates". cfb.mn.gov. February 26, 2026. Retrieved March 7, 2026.
  14. ↑ "Candidates". cfb.mn.gov. Retrieved April 28, 2026.
  15. 1 2 "Candidates". cfb.mn.gov. Retrieved June 2, 2026.
  16. ↑ "Candidates". cfb.mn.gov. Retrieved May 7, 2026.
  17. ↑ "Candidates". cfb.mn.gov. Retrieved February 15, 2026.
  18. ↑ "Candidates". cfb.mn.gov. Retrieved February 5, 2026.
  19. ↑ Molseed, John (May 2, 2022). "1st Congressional District race gets less crowded on DFL side". Rochester Post Bulletin. Retrieved February 5, 2026.
  20. ↑ Turtinen, Melissa (January 5, 2026). "Gov. Tim Walz will not seek reelection in Minnesota". FOX 9. Retrieved January 5, 2026.
  21. 1 2 Van Oot, Torey (January 5, 2026). "Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz drops reelection bid". Axios . Retrieved January 5, 2026.
  22. ↑ 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 .
  23. ↑ "Ellison gives statement on re-election run". KAAL . January 20, 2026. Retrieved January 20, 2026.
  24. ↑ Wernus, Katie (January 5, 2026). "Minnesota governor's race: Potential Democratic contenders after Walz's exit". Fox 9. Retrieved January 5, 2026.
  25. ↑ 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
  26. ↑ Kite, Allison; Faircloth, Ryan; Minor, Nathaniel (January 5, 2026). "Sen. Amy Klobuchar may run for governor". Minnesota Star Tribune . Archived from the original on January 12, 2026. Retrieved January 20, 2026.
  27. ↑ Nir, David (January 6, 2026). "Morning Digest: After Walz calls it quits, a heavyweight replacement looms". The Downballot. Retrieved January 6, 2026.
  28. ↑ Sprinkel, Luke (June 8, 2026). "Klobuchar faces transgender primary challenger endorsed by major LGBT group". Alpha News. Retrieved June 18, 2026.
  29. ↑ "Buttigieg endorses Klobuchar's Minnesota governor bid after they clashed in 2020 Dem primary". The Hill. January 29, 2026. Retrieved January 29, 2026.
  30. ↑ "AFL-CIO 2026 Endorsements". AFL-CIO. July 14, 2026. Retrieved July 20, 2026.
  31. ↑ "Education Minnesota endorses Klobuchar for governor". Education Minnesota. May 20, 2026. Retrieved August 10, 2026.
  32. ↑ "SEIU 2026 Endorsements". SEIU MN. SEIU MN State Council. April 3, 2026. Retrieved June 21, 2026.
  33. ↑ "MINNESOTA TEAMSTERS ENDORSE AMY KLOBUCHAR FOR GOVERNOR". Cision via Yahoo Finance. Retrieved May 14, 2026.
  34. ↑ "Minnesota Steelworkers endorse Klobuchar for governor". Mesabi Tribune. July 2, 2026. Retrieved August 10, 2026.
  35. ↑ "Candidates". Elect Democratic Women. Retrieved April 26, 2026.
  36. ↑ "EMILYs List Endorses Amy Klobuchar in Minnesota Governor's Race". EMILYs List. Retrieved January 29, 2026.
  37. ↑ "End Citizens United Endorses Senator Amy Klobuchar for Minnesota Governor". endcitizensunited.org. March 17, 2026. Retrieved March 17, 2026.
  38. 1 2 "Endorsements". GIFFORDS. Retrieved January 2, 2026.
  39. ↑ "NRDC Action Fund Endorsements". NRDC Action Fund. Retrieved August 10, 2026.
  40. ↑ Cox, Peter (May 30, 2026). "Klobuchar wins DFL endorsement for governor". Minnesota Public Radio . Retrieved May 30, 2026.
  41. ↑ "Endorsement: Tim Walz". SEIU MN on Facebook. Retrieved November 18, 2025.
  42. ↑ 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.
  43. ↑ "Endorsement alert!". Planned Parenthood Action. Retrieved November 18, 2025.
  44. ↑ "Endorsed Candidates". VoteVets. Retrieved November 25, 2025.
  45. 1 2 3 "Districts constitutional offices viewer". cfb.mn.gov. Retrieved April 18, 2026.
  46. ↑ TRIBUNE, MARIE TOLONEN MESABI (February 5, 2026). "Amy Klobuchar tops DFL caucus straw poll". Mesabi Tribune. Retrieved February 13, 2026.
  47. 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.
  48. ↑ 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.
  49. ↑ Griffith, Michelle (November 10, 2025). "House Speaker Lisa Demuth picks Ryan Wilson as running mate in campaign for governor". Minnesota Reformer. Retrieved February 10, 2026.
  50. 1 2 "Candidates". cfb.mn.gov. Retrieved June 2, 2026.
  51. ↑ Alexander, Caitlin (May 18, 2026). "ONE-ON-ONE with Minnesota gubernatorial candidate Raul Estrada". KTTC .
  52. ↑ 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.
  53. ↑ "MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell announces a campaign for Minnesota governor". NBC News. December 11, 2025. Retrieved December 11, 2025.
  54. 1 2 Jr, Ahmad Austin (June 2, 2026). "Mike Lindell Announces Running Mate for Minnesota Governor's Race". Mediaite. Retrieved June 2, 2026.
  55. 1 2 "Candidates". cfb.mn.gov. Retrieved June 1, 2026.
  56. ↑ 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.
  57. ↑ Nace, Aki (June 27, 2026). "Minnesota GOP-endorsed lieutenant governor candidate attended Jan. 6 riot at U.S. Capitol". CBS Minnesota.
  58. ↑ Fischer, Samantha (March 3, 2026). "Kendall Qualls picks businessman Brian Nicholson as gubernatorial running mate". kare11.com. Retrieved March 3, 2026.
  59. ↑ Brown, Kyle (November 6, 2025). "Food executive Patrick Knight announces run for governor". KSTP.com 5 Eyewitness News. Retrieved November 6, 2025.
  60. ↑ 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.
  61. ↑ Morrell, Lydia (February 9, 2026). "Scott Jensen ends bid for Minnesota governor, announces run for state auditor instead". KARE 11. Retrieved February 9, 2026.
  62. ↑ Morrell, Lydia (February 9, 2026). "Minnesota gubernatorial candidate suspends campaign after daughter dies from stabbing". KARE 11. Retrieved February 9, 2026.
  63. ↑ Faircloth, Ryan (January 26, 2026). "Chris Madel ends GOP bid for governor, says he can't support federal 'retribution' against Minnesota". Minnesota Star Tribune. Archived from the original on January 26, 2026. Retrieved January 26, 2026.
  64. ↑ "Republican Rep. Kristin Robbins drops out of race for governor". MPR News . May 1, 2026. Archived from the original on August 12, 2026. Retrieved May 1, 2026.
  65. ↑ "Candidates". cfb.mn.gov. Retrieved February 19, 2026.
  66. ↑ 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.
  67. 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)
  68. ↑ 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.
  69. ↑ "Endorsements by Bidal Duran". Ballotpedia . Retrieved September 15, 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. 1 2 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. ↑ "Kendall Qualls endorsed by Minnesota GOP for governor". May 31, 2026.
  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. August 6, 2026. 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.
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