Who’s running for Minnesota governor in 2026?
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Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz abruptly ended his bid for a third term Monday, saying he wanted to spend his final year in office focused on fighting fraud in state programs instead of campaigning.
Nearly a dozen Republican candidates have thrown their hats in the ring over the past months, as well as third-party candidates announcing campaigns for governor.
No DFL candidates have officially announced their candidacy. A source close to U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar told MPR News on Monday that she is seriously considering a run for Minnesota governor.
Here’s who has said they are running so far.
Republican contenders
State Rep. Peggy Bennett, R-Albert Lea, is in her sixth term in the House and is a retired educator.
State Rep. and House speaker Lisa Demuth is the highest-ranking Republican at Minnesota’s Capitol.
Former state Sen. Scott Jensen is a family physician and is pursuing the Republican endorsement for Minnesota’s 2026 governor’s race.
Jeff Johnson, former St. Cloud city council member.
Brad Kohler, a former mixed martial arts fighter from Champlin who has run for other state offices.
Patrick Knight, of Plymouth, is the chief executive officer of Good Sense Foods, which makes salad and vegetable toppings and produce snacks.
Mike Lindell, the fervent supporter of President Donald Trump known to TV viewers as the “MyPillow Guy.”
Phillip Parrish, a retired Naval intelligence officer who has run previously for state office.
Kendall Qualls is an Army veteran and a former business executive who has led conservative advocacy groups in recent years and ran for the position in 2022.
State Rep. Kristin Robbins, R-Maple Grove, is pursuing the Republican endorsement for Minnesota’s 2026 governor’s race.
DFL contenders
No DFL candidates have officially announced their candidacy.
A source close to U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar told MPR News on Monday that she is seriously considering a run for Minnesota governor. The official who spoke only on the condition of anonymity said Klobuchar, a four-term senator, is fielding calls encouraging her to run.
Third-party contenders
Mike Newcome is running with the Forward Independence Party.
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