Senator Amy Klobuchar files papers in first step to run for governor

U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar has not yet officially announced a run for governor, but the DFL-er filed paperwork on Jan. 22 with the Minnesota Campaign Finance Board.

Klobuchar’s potential run has been a topic of speculation ever since Gov. Tim Walz announced on Jan. 5 that he would not be seeking reelection.

A source close to the Senator told WTIP,  “This is a preliminary step necessary for any candidate considering a run. The senator will make an announcement of her plans in the coming days.”

Klobuchar is in her fourth term as a U.S. Senator, and previously served as the Hennepin County Attorney.

During her time in the Senate, Klobuchar has served on a variety of committees, including the Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee, the Judiciary Committee, the Senate Democratic Steering and Policy Committee, the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, the Joint Economic Committee, and the Rules and Administration Committee.

In 2025 some of Klobuchar’s key issues were advocating for the extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies, reform of gun control laws, and the preservation of funding for public media.

Klobuchar has a strong election record, having won each of her four campaigns for Senate with at least 56% of the vote.

Kirsten Wisniewski January 23, 2026