Klobuchar endorsed for Governor at State DFL convention, GOP endorses Schwarze for US Senate

Minnesota GOP, DFL announce endorsements at state conventions

The Minnesota GOP and the Minnesota DFL are holding their state conventions this weekend, with candidate endorsements announced overnight. 

(FOX 9) - The Minnesota GOP and the Minnesota DFL announced party endorsements for the 2026 election.

DFL endorsements

What they're saying:

Minnesota Democrats have endorsed Senator Amy Klobuchar for Minnesota governor.

The senator won the endorsement after the first round of balloting overnight at the DFL convention in Rochester.

This comes after she announced her running mate, former Fergus Falls Mayor Ben Shierer, on Friday. 

The incumbent Secretary of State, Steve Simon, was also endorsed by the DFL.

Incumbent Attorney General Kieth Ellison also secured the party's endorsement for a third term. 

Duluth City Councilor Zack Pilipovich has received the DFL endorsement. Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan has been endorsed for U.S. Senate

GOP endorsements 

The other side:

Meanwhile, at the GOP convention in Duluth, former Navy SEAL Adam Schwarze won the Republican endorsement for U.S. Senate.

The GOP has endorsed Kendall Qualls for governor. 

He won the endorsement over several candidates, including Michele Tafoya and Royce White. 

This is for the seat that is being given up by Tina Smith.

Republicans are also backing Ron Schutz for Minnesota Attorney General.

Tad Jude was endorsed by the party to run for Minnesota Secretary of State.

The Minnesota GOP also endorsed Nate George for state auditor.