2026 Minnesota gubernatorial election explained

Election Name:2026 Minnesota gubernatorial election
Country:Minnesota
Type:gubernatorial
Ongoing:yes
Previous Election:2022 Minnesota gubernatorial election
Previous Year:2022
Next Election:2030 Minnesota gubernatorial election
Next Year:2030
Election Date:November 3, 2026
Party1:Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party
Party2:Republican Party (United States)
Governor
Before Election:Tim Walz
Before Party:Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party

The 2026 Minnesota gubernatorial election is scheduled to take place on November 3, 2026, to elect the governor of Minnesota. Incumbent two-term Democratic Governor Tim Walz is eligible to seek a third term due to Minnesota not having gubernatorial term limits in its Constitution, but has not stated whether or not he will do so.

Since the adoption of four-year terms in 1962, no Minnesota governor has been elected to a third term.

Democratic–Farmer–Labor primary

Candidates

Publicly expressed interest

Potential

Republican primary

Candidates

Publicly expressed interest

Notes and References

  1. News: Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan open to running for governor in 2026 . Josie . Albertson-Grove . . August 27, 2024 . October 7, 2024 .
  2. News: . November 13, 2024 . Losing Senate candidate Royce White says he will 'very likely' challenge Sen. Tina Smith in '26 . Krauss, Louis . November 7, 2024 . White said he is also considering running for governor in 2026..