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Minnesota’s search for its next governor narrows Tuesday in a primary election that will determine who advances to the November ballot.

Prominent candidates in both parties are hoping to land a job that Democrats have held since 2011.

The job will come with its share of challenges. While stable now, the state budget is headed into rougher waters and a possible deficit looms. Persistent fraud problems have shaken trust in government and created worries among legitimate providers and recipients of social services. Continuing clashes with the Trump administration over federal funding, immigration and more have also put a squeeze on Minnesota.

A vast field of Republican candidates entered the race to take on DFL Gov. Tim Walz last year. Then he upended the race by exiting in January, saying he wanted to put his full focus into combatting the fraud problem that had also complicated his political prospects.

U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar renewed Democratic hopes of extending their historic run in the office — the longest in party history — by saying she would pursue the governor’s residence. Her stature in the party kept most party challengers out of the race, leading to her DFL endorsement at the May state convention

The primary ballot featured six other DFLers who lacked the money and public recognition of Klobuchar: Thomas Evenstad, Bill Gates Jr., Kobey Layne, Ole Savior, Po Vang and Mohammad Wazwaz.

She has laid out plans to fight fraud in state government, make healthcare more affordable and boost development in rural communities. 

Republicans had a more competitive contest.

Party delegates endorsed businessman Kendall Qualls at their late-May convention, promoting his status as a government outsider in a year when many voters are fed up with people in office. 

Just days after the convention, however, party leaders gave a new lifeline to defeated candidates by releasing them from commitments to drop out because of issues with its electronic voting technology at the convention. 

MyPillow founder Mike Lindell and House Speaker Lisa Demuth filed to run in the primary. 

Republicans historically stick with their endorsed candidate in primary contests, a streak that goes back three decades. 

But Qualls has found more difficult terrain since gaining that convention backing. Lindell picked up President Donald Trump’s endorsement in July, causing some Republicans to reassess their choices.

Demuth has made the case that she has gone toe-to-toe with Walz in state budget negotiations and leading a tied House. She said that experience made her uniquely qualified for the job.

Other Republicans on the ballot were: Loner Blue, Raul Estrada, John Krhin and Ross Nova.

The November ballot will have a Green Party candidate in Steven Young.

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Election 2026 

Dana Ferguson

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Minnesota will elect a new governor this year. Party primaries today will decide the options for voters in the fall.

Cait Kelley | MPR News

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Primary election is key stage in hiring process for Minnesota’s new governor

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