Klobuchar Becomes Minnesota's First Female Governor After 2026 Vote
The former senator secured 55.5% of the vote to unseat Republican House Speaker Lisa Demuth.
By Renata Mehta ·
Amy Klobuchar won the governor's race in Minnesota on Tuesday, capturing 55.5% of the vote. She defeated Republican House Speaker Lisa Demuth, who received 42.6% of the total. This victory makes Klobuchar the first woman in state history to hold the governor's office.
The race was open for the first time since 2018. Incumbent Governor Tim Walz chose not to seek a third term, leaving the seat vacant for challengers. Klobuchar ran with Ben Schierer as her candidate for lieutenant governor.
In the U.S. Senate race, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan defeated former sports broadcaster Michele Tafoya. With 99% of votes counted, Flanagan held 53.7% of the vote against Tafoya's 43.6%. This result secures the open seat for the Democratic faction.
Keith Ellison retained his position as Minnesota attorney general. He defeated Republican challenger Ron Schutz with 54.3% of the vote to Schutz's 45.5%. At 99% of votes counted, Ellison is set to begin his third term in the role.
Voters also decided on a constitutional amendment and races for U.S. House seats across the state. The results were compiled from Associated Press data and local reporting. County-level breakdowns are now available for the governor, Senate, and attorney general contests.
