U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar won Minnesota’s Democratic primary for governor with 89.1% of the vote, while Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth secured the Republican nomination, setting up a general election matchup on November 3, 2026. The Minnesota primary results clear the field for both parties after months of campaigning.
Klobuchar, who has represented Minnesota in the Senate since 2007, entered the governor’s race after incumbent Governor Tim Walz announced in January 2026 that he would not seek a third term. Walz’s decision came amid criticism over alleged fraud in state social safety net programs. Klobuchar’s overwhelming primary victory — she defeated six other candidates — reflects her status as a nationally recognized figure with deep roots in the state.
On the Republican side, Demuth defeated MyPillow founder Mike Lindell, who had President Donald Trump’s endorsement. Lindell secured 43.6% of the GOP primary vote but fell short of Demuth’s showing. Demuth’s win represents a setback for Trump’s endorsement strategy in the state and marks a rare loss for a primary candidate backed by the president. Lindell’s loss to Demuth came despite his national profile and significant campaign resources.
The general election will be historic: barring an unforeseen outcome, the winner will be Minnesota’s first female governor. Klobuchar, 66, has built a career on her prosecutorial background and reputation for bipartisan work in the Senate. Demuth, the speaker of the Minnesota House, represents Minnesota’s 13th House district and brings state legislative experience to the race. Early polling showed Klobuchar with a lead, with one June 2026 poll giving her 51% support compared to Demuth’s 38%.
The race comes at a time when Minnesota remains a closely contested battleground in national politics. The state has voted Democratic in presidential elections in recent cycles, but Republican candidates have made competitive runs in statewide races. Klobuchar and Demuth’s nominations set the stage for what is expected to be one of the most closely watched governor’s races in the country this fall.
Sources
- NBC News — Minnesota governor primary live results and projections for both Klobuchar and Demuth
- NPR — Lisa Demuth’s victory over Mike Lindell in the GOP primary
- Forbes — Mike Lindell’s loss and his vote share (43.6%)
- The New York Times — Minnesota governor primary results and general election date
- MPR News — First female governor outcome and Klobuchar-Demuth matchup
- The Washington Post — Lindell’s loss and Trump endorsement context
- NPR — Tim Walz announcement not seeking third term (January 5, 2026)
- BBC News — Walz stepping aside amid fraud allegations
