Senator Amy Klobuchar signals run for Minnesota governor

(CN) — For nearly two decades, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar has been one of the faces of Minnesota in Washington. But on Thursday, the state’s senior senator took a major step toward a run for governor of her home state.

Klobuchar officially filed paperwork Thursday with the Minnesota Campaign Finance Board, a move that effectively announces her bid for Minnesota governor — positioning her as the likely lead Democratic candidate.

An official announcement is expected in the coming days, according to reports.

Klobuchar has long been seen as one of the state’s most popular leaders, highlighted by sweeping victories in several Senate races in an increasingly politically polarized state. Her platform as senator focuses on economic security for the middle class, health care, climate change, and supporting Minnesota’s rural and agricultural communities.

The move comes just weeks after current Governor Tim Walz announced he would not seek an unprecedented third term. Walz, whose second term has been clouded by ongoing fraud claims and pressure from the Trump administration, reportedly met with Klobuchar just before making his announcement.

Republicans have aggressively targeted Minnesota during Walz’s administration over the “Feeding Our Future” fallout, and more recent allegations involving child care and Medicaid payment fraud.

Klobuchar’s background as the former Hennepin County attorney will likely be a key component of her campaign, positioning her as someone who can effectively address the reported fraud in state agencies.

She has won four consecutive Senate races by double-digit margins dating back to 2007. She’ll now bet on those same Minnesota voters who backed her over the years to elevate her to lead the state through one of its most turbulent eras.

Klobuchar has already been vocal in calling for investigations into the federal officer-involved shooting of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis, and has outwardly opposed the escalating federal enforcement in the Twin Cities.

On top of the federal crackdown in the state — over 2,000 agents have been deployed — the Trump administration also announced plans in January to freeze $10 billion in social service programs and child care funding in Minnesota, presenting an array of challenges for Klobuchar to overcome should she succeed in her bid for governor.

The Minnesota native has positioned herself as someone who can win over moderates and liberals alike, a theme for her 2020 presidential campaign that ultimately fell short, leading to her endorsement of former President Joe Biden.

Given her long tenure as senator — and impressive landslide victories in the past — Klobuchar will be expected to clear the Democratic field in Minnesota.

The crowded Republican field for governor includes MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell, who found himself at the center of lawsuits over his election denials, Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth, and 2022 gubernatorial nominee Scott Jensen, among many others.

“Minnesotans know Amy Klobuchar would serve as nothing more than a rubber stamp for a Walz third term,” Demuth said in a post on X, claiming Klobuchar would only add to Walz’s failures as governor.

Klobuchar’s entrance could quell the GOP’s hopes of an easy victory in November. If she wins, she could be in a position to appoint a temporary replacement for her Senate position until a special election is held, or allow Walz to do so.

If she loses, she keeps Senate seat.

Klobuchar joins Democratic Senator Michael Bennet of Colorado, and Republican Senators Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee and Tommy Tuberville of Alabama as those running for governor in their home states.

Precinct caucuses, the first step in the party endorsement process, are on Feb. 3.