GOP's takedown of Tim Walz may open the door to Amy Klobuchar

Tim Walz announced he will not seek a third term after reports of a fraud scandal, and Senator Amy Klobuchar has said she is "seriously considering" a run for governor.

Governor Tim Walz announced he will not seek a third term after reports of a fraud scandal that drew national attention. Republicans had pressed Walz, and his withdrawal has led to new calculations across both parties. Senator Amy Klobuchar met privately with Walz and told CNN she is "seriously considering" a run for governor. Her recent 2024 re‑election to the U.S. Senate means a gubernatorial bid would not immediately put her Senate seat at risk. Key points: - Tim Walz announced he will not seek reelection following reports of a fraud scandal that attracted national attention. - Amy Klobuchar met with Walz and has said she is "seriously considering" a run for governor; a registration for a klobucharforgovernor.com domain was also reported before Walz's announcement. - Klobuchar was re-elected to the U.S. Senate in 2024, so a gubernatorial campaign would not immediately end her Senate term. - Several Republicans are already in the governor's race, and party groups have not publicly detailed a formal response to a potential Klobuchar candidacy. Summary: Walz's withdrawal changes the dynamics of the Minnesota governor's race and raises the possibility that Senator Klobuchar could become the Democratic nominee. Klobuchar's public comment that she is "seriously considering" a run and the domain registration are reported indicators of interest, but she has not announced a campaign. How parties will proceed and whether she will formally enter the race are undetermined at this time.