DFL endorses Klobuchar for governor; GOP backs Schwarze for U.S. Senate
On Saturday, May 30, 2026, DFL delegates in Rochester formally endorsed Sen. Amy Klobuchar for Minnesota governor, while GOP delegates in Duluth backed former Navy SEAL Adam Schwarze for the open U.S. Senate seat.[1]
Delegates in Rochester backed Klobuchar on the first ballot, and the convention also endorsed Secretary of State Steve Simon and Attorney General Keith Ellison for re-election.[1] At the Duluth GOP convention, delegates also endorsed Ron Schutz for attorney general, Tad Jude for secretary of state and Nate George for state auditor.[1] Reporters said Republicans are expected to endorse a gubernatorial candidate next, while Democrats will move to endorse candidates for U.S. Senate and state auditor.[1]
Klobuchar announced her running mate, former Fergus Falls Mayor Ben Schierer, on Friday, May 29, a day before the DFL convention in Rochester.[2] The Senate seat Schwarze seeks is open because Sen. Tina Smith is vacating it, and Republicans cast their endorsement at a county-floor convention in Duluth.[1]
Both state conventions are continuing this weekend, and more party endorsements are expected in the days ahead.
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📌 Key Facts
- At the DFL convention in Rochester on Saturday, May 30, 2026, DFL convention delegates formally endorsed Sen. Amy Klobuchar for Minnesota governor on the first ballot (Sen. Amy Klobuchar).
- The DFL convention in Rochester on Saturday, May 30, 2026 also endorsed incumbent Secretary of State Steve Simon and Attorney General Keith Ellison for re-election (Steve Simon).
- At the GOP convention in Duluth on Saturday, May 30, 2026, former Navy SEAL Adam Schwarze won the Republican endorsement for the open U.S. Senate seat Tina Smith is vacating (Adam Schwarze).
- Minnesota Republicans at the Duluth convention also endorsed Ron Schutz for attorney general, Tad Jude for secretary of state, and Nate George for state auditor (Minnesota Republicans).
- Reporters noted on Saturday, May 30, 2026 that Republicans are expected to endorse a gubernatorial candidate next, while Democrats are expected to endorse candidates for U.S. Senate and state auditor (Republicans).
📰 Source Timeline (2)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time
- DFL convention delegates in Rochester formally endorsed Sen. Amy Klobuchar for Minnesota governor on the first ballot.
- Incumbent Secretary of State Steve Simon and Attorney General Keith Ellison both secured DFL endorsements for another term.
- At the GOP convention in Duluth, former Navy SEAL Adam Schwarze won the Republican endorsement for U.S. Senate in the open seat Tina Smith is vacating.
- Minnesota Republicans also endorsed Ron Schutz for attorney general, Tad Jude for secretary of state, and Nate George for state auditor.
- Republicans are expected to endorse a gubernatorial candidate next, while Democrats will endorse for U.S. Senate and state auditor.