Minnesota Governor 2026: Who Is Running? Candidates Guide
See who is running for Minnesota governor in the 2026 election and where to verify candidates and voting information.
Minnesota Governor 2026: Who Is Running? Candidates Guide
Updated November 2, 2026 | U.S. English | Pre-election editorial edition
The major 2026 Minnesota governor candidates are Democrat Amy Klobuchar and Republican Lisa Demuth. The state votes on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. The contest is for governor and should not be mistaken for the state’s federal congressional elections.
Who is running for Minnesota governor?
The November 3, 2026, race for governor in Minnesota has the following major general-election candidates in the sources reviewed for this article. This list describes the race before voting, not a result or a prediction.
Amy Klobuchar (Democratic): A U.S. senator seeking the Minnesota governorship.
Lisa Demuth (Republican): A Minnesota state legislator and Republican nominee for governor.
The election administrator’s final candidate roster takes precedence over summaries, particularly for write-in or minor-party options. A campaign announcement or primary candidacy alone does not establish November ballot access.
Why this race matters
The governor directs the executive branch of state government, signs or vetoes legislation and participates in the budget process. The contest has a different role from an election for the U.S. House or U.S. Senate.
A race may be important for state policy, the makeup of Congress, or the political direction of a particular office. Those stakes describe what voters are choosing; they are not evidence about who will win.
Issues to compare
Readers may compare candidates’ plans for state spending, schools, housing affordability, health care, public safety and infrastructure. Examine which promises would need legislative cooperation and which are within executive administrative authority.
Compare specific plans and public records rather than treating slogans as verified promises. Where a proposal needs approval by a legislature or another institution, a candidate’s victory would not, by itself, implement it.
Election date and how to follow it
Voting takes place on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Eligible voters in Minnesota should verify their assigned polling location, hours, identification requirements and any mail-ballot instructions through the state election office before going to the polls.
Minnesota voters should check the Minnesota Secretary of State’s official information for any ballot-line changes, additional candidates and local election instructions.
After polls close, watch for state-issued unofficial returns, then for the canvass and certification. A projection by a newsroom can be useful context but is not an official certification.
Frequently asked questions
Who are the main Minnesota governor candidates?
Amy Klobuchar (D) and Lisa Demuth (R).
Is the Minnesota governor a federal office?
No, it is a state executive office.
When will voters decide?
November 3, 2026.
Related guides
2026 US Midterm Elections: Dates, Races, Voting and Results — /topic/2026-midterm-elections/
Minnesota Elections 2026: What Is on the Ballot? — /topic/2026-midterm-elections/minnesota-elections-2026/
Editorial note
This guide was prepared using sources reviewed through November 2, 2026. Election procedures, candidate listings and ballot status should be checked against the relevant state or local election office before use. No November 3 vote result or election winner is asserted.