Overview
Democratic U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar announced her intention to run for governor of Minnesota on Thursday, moving into the contest for the seat that will be left open by retiring Democratic Governor Tim Walz. Klobuchar had filed formal paperwork to seek the governorship a week earlier but delayed making her campaign public after an immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis that resulted in the death of Alex Pretti, an incident that generated significant public outrage.
Campaign launch and message
In a video posted on X, Klobuchar directly attacked the federal immigration operation in Minnesota, saying, "3,000 ICE agents on our streets and in our towns sent by an administration that relishes division." She framed the moment as one that requires leaders who will not act as "rubber stamps" for the federal administration while also seeking to "find common ground and fix things in our state."
She further declared, "I’m running for every Minnesotan who wants ICE and its abusive tactics out of the state we love," and cited recent deaths and violent incidents as part of the context for her entry into the race.
Incidents cited by Klobuchar
In her remarks, Klobuchar referenced the killing of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis and the earlier fatal shooting of Renee Good. Both Pretti and Good, reported to be 37, were participating in protests over immigration enforcement actions in the city when they were shot. Klobuchar also mentioned an assassination of a state lawmaker, the shooting of another state lawmaker, and a shooting at a Minneapolis church during a Mass for Catholic school children.
Political ripple effects
The unrest around the federal immigration enforcement has placed Minnesota in the national spotlight and prompted unusual criticism from some Republicans in advance of November congressional elections. The controversy also contributed to personnel changes at the federal level, as the backlash pushed President Donald Trump to reshuffle staff.
Republican lawyer Chris Madel announced on Monday that he was dropping his campaign for governor, denouncing what he described as a campaign of retribution against Minnesota. In a video posted on X, Madel said, "The national Republicans have made it nearly impossible for a Republican to win a statewide election in Minnesota."
Walz, Klobuchar priorities and state challenges
Governor Tim Walz, who earlier this month announced he would not seek a third term, said on Wednesday that he would never seek elected office again, describing himself as "a lightning rod" for political enemies. Klobuchar said she would focus her campaign on fighting abuse and fraud and on advocating for better healthcare. The state is also dealing with childcare centers that have threatened federal funding.
Implications for voters and the campaign
Klobuchar’s entry reshapes the contest to replace Walz, placing immigration enforcement and public safety at the center of the debate. Her message links local unrest and federal policy in a direct appeal to voters troubled by recent violence and institutional responses.