Klobuchar weighing run for Minnesota governor, report says

HUNT VALLEY, Md. (TNND) — Senator Amy Klobuchar, a Minnesota Democrat, is reportedly considering running for governor.

She told current Governor Tim Walz on Sunday, before he announced he won’t seek reelection, that she is interested in replacing him, according to The New York Times. The National News Desk requested comment from Klobuchar but hasn’t received a response.

Walz reportedly suggested that she run after he told her why he doesn’t want to campaign for a third term. Klobuchar replied that she would consider the idea, and Walz was confident enough to announce the end of his campaign, The New York Times said. He has wanted a Democratic candidate to succeed him and limit the party’s vulnerability ahead of November elections, according to the report.

Klobuchar said in a social media post on Monday that Walz decided to focus on governing instead of running for reelection.

“He has always dedicated his career to delivering for Minnesota — from providing school breakfast and lunches to our kids to passing gun safety legislation to maintaining our state’s AAA bond rating,” the senator wrote.

“He is a true public servant.”

Walz hinted when announcing his decision that the Trump administration’s fraud investigations contributed to the end of his campaign. The Department of Justice has determined that some residents have stolen a significant amount of money from the state.

“As I reflected on this moment with my family and my team over the holidays, I came to the conclusion that I can’t give a political campaign my all,” Walz said. “Every minute that I spend defending my own political interests would be a minute I can’t spend defending the people of Minnesota against the criminals who prey on our generosity and the cynics who want to prey on our differences.

“So I’ve decided to step out of this race, and I’ll let others worry about the election while I focus on the work that’s in front of me for the next year.”

No Minnesota Republican has won a statewide election since 2006, when Tim Pawlenty was reelected as governor. This year, several GOP candidates have announced campaigns, including former Republican nominee Scott Jensen, Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth and MyPillow chief executive Mike Lindell, who is an ally of President Donald Trump.

Klobuchar has won each of her four Senate elections by wide margins, most recently last year in a 16-point victory over Royce White, a former basketball player who is also running this year to replace retiring Senator Tina Smith.

Have questions, concerns or tips? Send them to Ray at rjlewis@sbgtv.com.