Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) won the Democratic gubernatorial primary in Minnesota, securing approximately 89.1% of the vote, according to the Associated Press. Kobey Layne finished in second place with 5.1% of the vote. Other candidates included Mohammad Wazwaz, Po Vang, Ole Savior, Thomas Evenstad, and Bill Gates Jr., who is not related to Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates.
Klobuchar announced her candidacy in January after Governor Tim Walz (D-MN) decided not to seek a third term amid scrutiny over his management of fraud in the state's welfare programs. Her campaign has emphasized anti-fraud measures, including plans for a comprehensive audit of state agencies and updates to computer systems.
In a statement, Klobuchar noted, "I obviously am going to do things differently than Gov. Walz. We have different backgrounds. We’re going to have some different focuses." She expressed a need for surprise audits to monitor budget increases.
Klobuchar received an endorsement from the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party. In contrast, Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth, a Republican candidate, criticized Klobuchar's leadership, suggesting it would equate to a continuation of Walz's policies. Another Republican candidate, Kendall Qualls, referred to Klobuchar as "Tim Walz 2.0."