Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar on Thursday took a significant step toward entering the Minnesota governor’s race, filing paperwork to establish a campaign committee for a potential run this fall.
The four‑term senator has been weighing a bid for several weeks, and speculation intensified after Democratic Gov. Tim Walz announced he would not seek re‑election.
Mr. Walz’s decision followed mounting political pressure stemming from a major fraud scheme involving hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars intended for state social service programs.
The move by Ms. Klobuchar, 65, was welcomed by many Democrats, who view her as a strong contender with an established statewide profile.
She has long been a prominent figure in Minnesota politics and maintains a well‑organized political operation that party officials believe could help counter Republican attacks tied to the fraud scandal.
Her potential candidacy comes as Minnesota faces heightened tensions over federal immigration enforcement.
The recent fatal shooting of Renee Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent has sparked widespread protests and intensified conflict between the Trump administration and state Democratic leaders.
Vice President J.D. Vance traveled to Minnesota on Thursday to defend the administration’s immigration policies amid the ongoing dispute.
