Amy Klobuchar announces bid for Minnesota governor after Walz exit

Sen. Amy Klobuchar announced a run for Minnesota governor after Gov. Tim Walz ended his bid for a third term, and she filed paperwork on Jan. 22 to form a campaign committee.

Sen. Amy Klobuchar announced her candidacy for Minnesota governor in a video posted on X, following Gov. Tim Walz's decision not to seek a third term. Klobuchar won a fourth Senate term in 2024 and previously ran for president in 2020. She filed initial campaign paperwork on Jan. 22 and has indicated a preference for serving Minnesota while keeping her Senate role for now. Walz's exit from the race came amid scrutiny of his administration over alleged welfare fraud in parts of the state. Key details: - Klobuchar formally launched her gubernatorial campaign with an online announcement and had filed paperwork to form a campaign committee on Jan. 22. - She is serving a fourth Senate term and has more than four years remaining in that term, according to reporting. - Gov. Tim Walz announced he would not run for reelection; his administration has faced criticism over alleged welfare fraud, though reports say there is no evidence he personally committed crimes. - The Minnesota Republican Party urged Klobuchar to resign from the Senate while campaigning, criticizing her decision to run while holding federal office. - More than a dozen Republicans are vying for the governor's seat, including House Speaker Lisa Demuth, businessman Kendall Qualls, state Rep. Kristin Robbins, and Mike Lindell. - Former Gov. Tim Pawlenty and other figures said Klobuchar's entry alters the dynamics of the governor's race, and the Department of Justice has issued subpoenas to multiple Minnesota officials in related investigations. Summary: Klobuchar's entry makes her a central figure in the race to replace Walz and has prompted reactions across both parties. Undetermined at this time.