Democratic U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar was elected Minnesota’s first female governor on Tuesday, defeating Republican state House Speaker Lisa Demuth with 56.2% of the vote to Demuth’s 41.9%, according to early results. The Associated Press called the race shortly after midnight.
The election concluded a gubernatorial campaign shaped by a state-run social services fraud scandal that has drawn national attention. Federal prosecutors estimate losses from the fraud could exceed $9 billion, with dozens of convictions tied to programs providing food, shelter, health care, and child care. The scandal gained wider scrutiny after a viral video by a right-wing influencer late last year, which prompted increased federal scrutiny of Minnesota’s Somali community—most defendants in the cases are of Somali descent. Gov. Tim Walz, who faced accusations of mismanagement in the scandal, announced in January he would not seek a third term, clearing the way for Klobuchar to enter the race.
Klobuchar, who has served in the U.S. Senate since 2007, campaigned on lowering costs for Minnesotans, including priorities in health care, child care, and housing. She also pledged to audit state government operations and invest in technology to detect and prevent fraud. Demuth, a former educator and state legislator, emphasized fiscal responsibility and criticized Democratic policies during her campaign.
Klobuchar’s victory marks a shift in Minnesota’s political landscape, where Democrats have consolidated control in recent years. The state has gained prominence nationally, including as home to the 2024 Democratic vice presidential nominee. Republicans had initially viewed the governorship as competitive earlier in the cycle, but Walz’s declining popularity following the fraud revelations reduced their chances.
Klobuchar will succeed Walz, whose second term ends in January 2027. She will now resign her Senate seat, prompting a special election to fill the remainder of her term. Minnesota Rep. Angie Craig is widely expected to run in that contest.
The race drew attention during the Republican primary when Demuth defeated MyPillow founder Mike Lindell, despite an endorsement from former President Donald Trump. Demuth’s victory defied a national trend favoring Trump-backed candidates in GOP primaries. In the general election, Demuth outperformed polling averages by roughly 3 to 4 points, though Klobuchar maintained a consistent lead throughout the campaign.
Klobuchar has stated she will not run for president in 2028, following her brief 2020 presidential campaign. She has won Senate races by double-digit margins in past elections, though her winning percentage has narrowed in recent cycles.