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2026 Minnesota gubernatorial election

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For related races, see 2026 United States gubernatorial elections.

2026 Minnesota gubernatorial election
← 2022 November 3, 2026 2030 →
 
Party Democratic (DFL) Republican
Incumbent Governor

Tim Walz
Democratic (DFL)



Elections in Minnesota
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The 2026 Minnesota gubernatorial election is scheduled to take place on November 3, 2026, to elect the governor of Minnesota. Incumbent two-term Democratic Governor Tim Walz is eligible to run for re-election to a third term in office but has not stated whether or not he will do so.

Since the adoption of four-year terms in 1962,[a] no Minnesota governor has been elected to a third term.

Democratic–Farmer–Labor primary

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Candidates

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Publicly expressed interest

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  • Tim Walz, incumbent governor (2019–present) (decision expected in summer 2025)[2]

Declined

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Republican primary

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Candidates

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Declared

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  • Jeff Johnson, former St. Cloud city councilor (2010–2018)[6]

Filed paperwork

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  • Phil Parrish, teacher and perennial candidate[7]
  • Brad Kohler, former MMA fighter and candidate for Hennepin County Commissioner in 2024[8][9]

Publicly expressed interest

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Potential

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Declined

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General election

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Predictions

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Source Ranking As of
The Cook Political Report[18] Likely D January 23, 2025
Inside Elections[19] Solid D February 6, 2025

See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ Via a constitutional referendum in 1958.[1]

References

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  1. ^ "1957 Session Laws". Office of the Revisor of Statutes. Retrieved July 24, 2024.
  2. ^ Bakst, Brian (January 22, 2025). "Capitol View". Minnesota Public Radio. Retrieved January 22, 2025. As part of that interview, I asked Walz when he'll decide on his 2026 plans....'this is probably a decision that needs to be made sometime in June, sometime this summer'
  3. ^ "Rep. Angie Craig launches Senate run in Minnesota ahead of a competitive Democratic primary". NBC News. April 29, 2025. Retrieved April 29, 2025.
  4. ^ "MN Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan 'intends' to run for US Senate". KMSP-TV. February 13, 2025. Retrieved February 13, 2025.
  5. ^ Cummings, Caroline (November 29, 2024). "Rep. Dean Phillips: Dem primary would've 'elevated a candidate better positioned to win' presidency". CBS News. Retrieved December 10, 2024. He ruled out a bid for the U.S. Senate or for the governor's office in 2026
  6. ^ Lewerenz, Jennifer (March 19, 2025). "Former St. Cloud City Councilman Announces Run for Governor". KNSI. Retrieved March 19, 2025.
  7. ^ "Candidates". cfb.mn.gov. Retrieved December 24, 2024.
  8. ^ Kohler, Brad. "Official Campaign Website". bradkohler.com. Retrieved April 17, 2025.
  9. ^ "Candidates". cfb.mn.gov. Retrieved April 23, 2025.
  10. ^ Svitek, Patrick; Kornfield, Meryl; Bogage, Jacob; Dent, Alec (February 18, 2025). "Ken Martin's first big trip as DNC chair". The Washington Post. Retrieved February 18, 2025. In a post Saturday on X, state Sen. Zach Duckworth (R) ruled himself out of the [Senate] race but expressed interest in a bid for governor.
  11. ^ Nir, David; Singer, Jeff (February 27, 2025). "Morning Digest: Like snowbirds, pols from across the country are eyeing this Florida district". The Downballot. Retrieved February 27, 2025. Former state GOP chair David Hann is open to running for governor, he tells the Minnesota Star Tribune's Ryan Faircloth.
  12. ^ Svirnovskiy, Gregory (March 31, 2025). "Lindell teases run for Minnesota governor". Politico. Retrieved March 31, 2025.
  13. ^ a b c d Faircloth, Ryan (February 12, 2025). "A look at who might run for Minnesota governor in 2026 — and who's ruled it out". Minnesota Star Tribune. Retrieved February 12, 2025.
  14. ^ Maurice, Jim (February 21, 2025). "Minnesota Speaker Of The House Rules Out Run for U.S. Senate". WJON. Retrieved February 21, 2025.
  15. ^ a b Bierschbach, Briana (February 3, 2025). "Tim Walz banks $1 million heading into possible third campaign for Minnesota governor". Minnesota Star Tribune. Retrieved February 4, 2025.
  16. ^ Krauss, Louis (November 7, 2024). "Losing Senate candidate Royce White says he will 'very likely' challenge Sen. Tina Smith in '26". Minnesota Star Tribune. Retrieved November 13, 2024. White said he is also considering running for governor in 2026.
  17. ^ Murphy, Mary (February 14, 2025). "Flanagan, White enter US Senate race in Minnesota; Ellison says he is 'not in or out'". Brainerd Dispatch. Retrieved February 14, 2025.
  18. ^ "2026 CPR Governor Race ratings". Cook Political Report. Retrieved January 23, 2025.
  19. ^ "Gubernatorial Ratings". Inside Elections. Retrieved February 7, 2025.
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