The 2026 Minnesota gubernatorial election will determine the next governor of Minnesota. The election is scheduled for November 3, 2026. Minnesota has a two-year gubernatorial term, meaning the winner will serve from January 2027 to January 2031. The current governor, Tim Walz (Democrat), is term-limited and cannot seek reelection after serving two full terms. This open seat creates a competitive race in a state that has not elected a Republican governor since Tim Pawlenty in 2006. Minnesota is known for its high voter turnout, consistently ranking first in the nation for voter participation. The state has a Democratic trifecta as of 2025, with Democrats controlling the governorship, state House, and state Senate. However, the 2026 election occurs in a midterm cycle, which historically favors the party out of the White House. Minnesota's political landscape is divided, with the Twin Cities metro area leaning Democratic and greater Minnesota leaning Republican. The state's electoral competitiveness makes this race a key battleground for both parties. Recent elections have been close, with Walz winning by 7.5 points in 2022 and 11.4 points in 2018. The 2026 race will test whether Democrats can hold a key Midwestern state without an incumbent. National issues such as the economy, abortion rights, and education funding are expected to dominate the campaign. The primary elections will take place on August 11, 2026. Candidates must file for office by June 2, 2026. The race has already attracted interest from several potential candidates on both sides. Political analysts rate the election as a toss-up or lean Democratic depending on the national environment. The outcome could have implications for control of state government and redistricting after the 2030 census.

Historical Context

Minnesota has a history of electing governors from both parties. From 1970 to 2026, the state has had six governors: three Democrats and three Republicans. The last Republican governor was Tim Pawlenty, who served from 2003 to 2011. He was succeeded by Democrat Mark Dayton, who served two terms from 2011 to 2019. Governor Tim Walz has been in office since 2019. The state has a strong tradition of third-party candidates, with Jesse Ventura winning as a Reform Party candidate in 1998. Ventura's win was a major upset and remains the only time a third-party candidate has won the governorship in Minnesota. The 1962 gubernatorial election was one of the closest in U.S. history, with Republican Elmer L. Andersen initially leading by 142 votes, then losing after a recount to Democrat Karl Rolvaag. That election was decided by 91 votes after a five-month recount. Minnesota's gubernatorial elections have become more competitive in recent decades. The 2010 election was won by Mark Dayton with 43.7% of the vote in a three-way race. The 2014 election had Dayton winning with 50.1% against Republican Jeff Johnson. The 2018 election saw Walz win with 53.9% against Republican Jeff Johnson. The 2022 election had Walz win with 52.3% against Scott Jensen. The state's political geography has shifted, with the Twin Cities metro area becoming more Democratic and rural areas more Republican. This has made statewide elections competitive, with margins typically in the single digits.

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