U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar formally announced Thursday that she is seeking the governorship of Minnesota, making official what had been widely anticipated in political circles.
Her announcement comes as the state continues to grapple with multiple high-profile issues, including the abrupt withdrawal of Gov. Tim Walz from the race and ongoing controversy over federal immigration enforcement in Minneapolis, as reported by The New York Post.
In a social media post on X that accompanied her announcement video, Klobuchar addressed residents of the state directly.
“Minnesotans, we’ve been through a lot,” she wrote. “And I believe this moment calls for grit, resilience, and faith in each other. I believe we must stand up for what’s right. And fix what’s wrong. Today, I’m announcing my candidacy for Governor.”
Minnesotans, we’ve been through a lot.
And I believe this moment calls for grit, resilience, and faith in each other.
I believe we must stand up for what’s right. And fix what’s wrong.
Today, I’m announcing my candidacy for Governor. pic.twitter.com/yVnbvmMyxO
— Amy Klobuchar (@amyklobuchar) January 29, 2026
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The 65-year-old four-term senator is expected to be a strong contender in both the Democratic primary and the general election, given her statewide name recognition and political experience.
Klobuchar’s entry into the contest follows Walz’s decision on Jan. 5 to end his bid for a third term, a move that came amid fallout from a massive benefit fraud scandal affecting state programs.
Klobuchar had reportedly planned to launch her campaign earlier in the week, but delayed the formal announcement out of respect for the Jan. 24 fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis.
Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse, was shot and killed by U.S. Border Patrol officers during a federal enforcement operation, an incident that has drawn intense national attention and protests.
The shooting of Pretti marked one of several confrontations between federal agents and residents in the city this month, escalating tensions over immigration enforcement strategies.
Pretti’s death, and the fatal shooting of another Minneapolis resident, Renée Good, earlier in January, have sparked protests and calls for investigations into the conduct of federal officers.
In her announcement, Klobuchar framed her campaign as a call for leadership and unity at a turbulent moment for Minnesota.
She did not alter her direct quotes in her public messaging, reiterating her belief in the state’s resilience and the need to “fix what’s wrong.”
Klobuchar’s decision to seek the governorship adds a significant chapter to what has already been a dramatic political moment in Minnesota.
Her campaign launch on Jan. 29 follows a series of events that have drawn national attention to the state, including controversies over federal law enforcement operations, public protests, and state government scandals.
The race for governor is expected to attract considerable attention from both major parties, as Minnesota has been at the center of national debates on immigration policy and fiscal accountability.
Klobuchar’s announcement sets the stage for a competitive election cycle as the state moves toward the 2026 general election.
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