Minnesota gubernatorial and lieutenant gubernatorial election, 2026
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Governor and Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota |
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General election |
Election details |
Filing deadline: Pending |
Primary: August 11, 2026 General: November 3, 2026 |
How to vote |
Poll times:
7 a.m. to 8 p.m. |
Race ratings |
Sabato's Crystal Ball: Likely Democratic Inside Elections: Likely Democratic |
Ballotpedia analysis |
Federal and state primary competitiveness State executive elections in 2026 Impact of term limits in 2026 State government trifectas State government triplexes Ballotpedia's Election Analysis Hub, 2026 |
Minnesota executive elections |
Governor Lieutenant Governor |
Minnesota is holding an election for governor and lieutenant governor on November 3, 2026.
In Minnesota, gubernatorial and lieutenant gubernatorial candidates run for election together on a single ticket in both the primary and the general election.
To learn more about other elections on the ballot, click here.
Candidates and election results
Note: The following list includes official candidates only. Ballotpedia defines official candidates as people who:
- Register with a federal or state campaign finance agency before the candidate filing deadline
- Appear on candidate lists released by government election agencies
Governor
General election
The general election will occur on November 3, 2026.
General election for Governor of Minnesota
The following candidates are running in the general election for Governor of Minnesota on November 3, 2026.
Candidate | ||
![]() | Tim Walz (D) | |
![]() | Thomas Evenstad (R) ![]() | |
![]() | Scott Jensen (R) | |
Jeff Johnson (R) | ||
![]() | Brad Kohler (R) ![]() | |
Phillip Parrish (R) | ||
Kendall Qualls (R) |
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If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. |
Lieutenant Governor
There are no official candidates yet for this election.
General election
The general election will occur on November 3, 2026.
Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses
Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
Survey responses from candidates in this race
Click on a candidate's name to visit their Ballotpedia page.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
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Thomas Evenstad (R)
Make Minnesota Minnesota Again by deporting illegal aliens.
Prosecuting Fraud and Corruption are going to be priorities under my Evenstad Administration.

Brad Kohler (R)
I’ve fought in the UFC and built businesses from the ground up. I know what it takes to win and lead. I’m not here to play politics — I’m here to fix what’s broken. I’ll fight to end corruption, stop rising crime, and return power to the people of Minnesota. We need leadership that works for everyday Minnesotans, not career insiders.
2. Lower Taxes, More Freedom
I will eliminate the state income tax, end property taxes, and reduce car tabs to $99. It’s time Minnesotans keep more of what they earn. I’ll cut red tape for businesses and protect your rights — from the Second Amendment to parental control in education. I believe freedom and affordability go hand in hand.
3. Protect Kids, Empower Parents

Thomas Evenstad (R)

Brad Kohler (R)

Thomas Evenstad (R)

Brad Kohler (R)
What made him even more powerful as a leader was his character. He never once used a cuss word, but commanded total respect because of how he carried himself. His strength came from integrity, not intimidation.

Brad Kohler (R)

Thomas Evenstad (R)

Brad Kohler (R)

Brad Kohler (R)
What sets me apart is that I don’t just talk, I act. I’ve stood up to bullies in the cage and I’m ready to stand up to political corruption, wasteful spending, and policies that hurt working families. I’ve learned to lead from the front, not from behind a desk. I stay calm under pressure, I take responsibility for outcomes, and I surround myself with people who aren’t afraid to speak the truth.

Thomas Evenstad (R)

Brad Kohler (R)

Thomas Evenstad (R)

Brad Kohler (R)
I didn’t come from wealth or politics. I came from discipline, grit, and doing the hard work when no one was watching. If people look back and say, “Brad Kohler did exactly what he said he would do,” that’s a legacy I’d be proud of.

Thomas Evenstad (R)

Brad Kohler (R)

Thomas Evenstad (R)

Brad Kohler (R)

Thomas Evenstad (R)

Brad Kohler (R)
That book deeply resonated with me because it’s not just about overcoming physical pain, it’s about overcoming fear, doubt, and the limits others place on you. It’s about making a choice to live boldly, lead with courage, and inspire others through action.
As someone who’s had to fight through tough challenges in life and lead by example, On Fire reminded me that even in the darkest moments, we can choose to rise. It’s a book about grit, grace, and igniting your life and that message aligns perfectly with how I live and why I’m running to serve Minnesota.
Thomas Evenstad (R)

Brad Kohler (R)

Brad Kohler (R)

Thomas Evenstad (R)

Brad Kohler (R)

Thomas Evenstad (R)

Brad Kohler (R)

Thomas Evenstad (R)

Brad Kohler (R)
Too often, Minnesota’s governors have delegated authority without oversight which leads to fraud, waste, and a growing disconnect between government and the people. I believe in hands-on leadership, but also in empowering the right people and holding them responsible for performance. A Governor should not micromanage but must stay engaged, ask tough questions, demand measurable results, and never let bureaucracy operate unchecked.
Minnesotans deserve a Governor who doesn’t just sign bills but who stands watch over the whole system.
Thomas Evenstad (R)

Brad Kohler (R)

Thomas Evenstad (R)

Brad Kohler (R)

Thomas Evenstad (R)

Brad Kohler (R)
I’m also proud of Minnesota’s diversity from the immigrant communities chasing the American Dream to multi-generational families rooted in every corner of the state. Our differences are a strength, but our shared tenacity is what makes us Minnesotan.
This is where I was raised, where I fought, where I built businesses and where I’m fighting now to give future generations the same chance. I love this state not just for what it is, but for what it can be again.
Thomas Evenstad (R)

Brad Kohler (R)

Brad Kohler (R)
Because they don’t have the guts.
I like this one because it’s clean, quick, and something anyone can laugh at for kids, adults, even a room full of serious people. It reminds me that humor doesn’t have to be mean or complicated to bring people together. In today’s world, we take ourselves way too seriously. Laughter is powerful and it breaks tension, builds trust, and reminds us we’re all human. Whether I’m in the gym, on the campaign trail, or talking to someone across the table, I’ve learned that a good laugh can go a long way in building real connection.
Thomas Evenstad (R)

Brad Kohler (R)
As Governor, I would support clear checks and balances: emergency powers should expire after a short, defined period unless extended by a vote of the legislature. Transparency is key and any use of emergency powers should be explained publicly, with clear goals and regular updates.

Brad Kohler (R)

Brad Kohler (R)
As Governor, I will require full audits of state agencies, publish real-time spending dashboards, and explore blockchain-based tracking for public contracts to prevent fraud and ensure every transaction is visible and secure. I’ll establish Citizen Oversight Committees made up of everyday Minnesotans to review state budgets, investigate abuse, and ensure our government works for the people, not itself.
I’ll support whistleblowers, cut off no-bid contracts, and expose insider deals. Accountability is action, and I’ll bring it every day I’m in office.
Thomas Evenstad (R)

Brad Kohler (R)
Ballot initiatives create a vital check on political gridlock and special interest influence. They can help restore trust in government by allowing citizens to bypass career politicians who are more focused on party agendas than real solutions. Of course, the process must be well-regulated to ensure transparency, truth in advertising, and protection against fraud or manipulation but giving the people more power is never a bad idea.
We need a government that listens. A ballot initiative process is one way to make sure that happens.
Thomas Evenstad (R)

Brad Kohler (R)

Thomas Evenstad (R)

Thomas Evenstad (R)

Thomas Evenstad (R)

Thomas Evenstad (R)
You can ask candidates in this race to fill out the survey by clicking their names below:
Voting information
- See also: Voting in Minnesota
Ballotpedia will publish the dates and deadlines related to this election as they are made available.
General election race ratings
- See also: Race rating definitions and methods
Ballotpedia provides race ratings from four outlets: The Cook Political Report, Inside Elections, Sabato's Crystal Ball, and DDHQ/The Hill. Each race rating indicates if one party is perceived to have an advantage in the race and, if so, the degree of advantage:
- Safe and Solid ratings indicate that one party has a clear edge and the race is not competitive.
- Likely ratings indicate that one party has a clear edge, but an upset is possible.
- Lean ratings indicate that one party has a small edge, but the race is competitive.[1]
- Toss-up ratings indicate that neither party has an advantage.
Race ratings are informed by a number of factors, including polling, candidate quality, and election result history in the race's district or state.[2][3][4]
Race ratings: Minnesota gubernatorial election, 2026 | |||||||||
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Race tracker | Race ratings | ||||||||
9/30/2025 | 9/23/2025 | 9/16/2025 | 9/9/2025 | ||||||
The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter | Likely Democratic | Likely Democratic | Likely Democratic | Likely Democratic | |||||
Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales | Likely Democratic | Likely Democratic | Likely Democratic | Likely Democratic | |||||
Larry J. Sabato's Crystal Ball | Likely Democratic | Likely Democratic | Likely Democratic | Likely Democratic | |||||
Note: Ballotpedia reviews external race ratings every week throughout the election season and posts weekly updates even if the media outlets have not revised their ratings during that week. |
Past elections
The section below details election results for this office in elections dating back to 2014.
2022
General election
General election for Governor of Minnesota
The following candidates ran in the general election for Governor of Minnesota on November 8, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | ![]() | Tim Walz (D) | 52.3 | 1,312,349 |
![]() | Scott Jensen (R) | 44.6 | 1,119,941 | |
James McCaskel (Legal Marijuana Now Party) | 1.2 | 29,346 | ||
Steve Patterson (Grassroots-Legalize Cannabis Party of Minnesota) | 0.9 | 22,599 | ||
![]() | Hugh McTavish (Independence-Alliance Party of Minnesota) ![]() | 0.7 | 18,156 | |
Gabrielle Prosser (Socialist Workers Party) | 0.3 | 7,241 | ||
![]() | Joyce Lacey (Independent) (Write-in) | 0.0 | 11 | |
Mohamed Mourssi-Alfash (Independent) (Write-in) | 0.0 | 5 | ||
![]() | Loner Blue (Independent) (Write-in) | 0.0 | 4 | |
Joshua Olgbolahan Jubril (Independent) (Write-in) | 0.0 | 0 | ||
Other/Write-in votes | 0.0 | 1,009 |
Total votes: 2,510,661 | ||||
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If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. |
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Cory Hepola (Independent)
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Governor of Minnesota
Incumbent Tim Walz defeated Ole Savior in the Democratic primary for Governor of Minnesota on August 9, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | ![]() | Tim Walz | 96.5 | 416,973 |
![]() | Ole Savior | 3.5 | 14,950 |
Total votes: 431,923 | ||||
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If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
Republican primary election
Republican primary for Governor of Minnesota
Scott Jensen defeated Joyce Lacey and Bob Carney Jr. in the Republican primary for Governor of Minnesota on August 9, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | ![]() | Scott Jensen | 89.3 | 288,499 |
![]() | Joyce Lacey | 6.6 | 21,308 | |
![]() | Bob Carney Jr. | 4.1 | 13,213 |
Total votes: 323,020 | ||||
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If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Mike Murphy (R)
- Neil Shah (R)
- Michelle Benson (R)
- Paul Gazelka (R)
- Mike Marti (R)
- Kendall Qualls (R)
- Richard Stanek (R)
- Scott Magie (R)
Grassroots-Legalize Cannabis Party of Minnesota primary election
Grassroots-Legalize Cannabis Party of Minnesota primary for Governor of Minnesota
Steve Patterson defeated Darrell Paulsen in the Grassroots-Legalize Cannabis Party of Minnesota primary for Governor of Minnesota on August 9, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | Steve Patterson | 59.1 | 1,003 | |
Darrell Paulsen | 40.9 | 693 |
Total votes: 1,696 | ||||
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If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Legal Marijuana Now Party primary election
Legal Marijuana Now Party primary for Governor of Minnesota
James McCaskel defeated Chris Wright in the Legal Marijuana Now Party primary for Governor of Minnesota on August 9, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | James McCaskel | 51.9 | 1,461 | |
![]() | Chris Wright ![]() | 48.1 | 1,356 |
Total votes: 2,817 | ||||
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If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. |
2018
General election
General election for Governor of Minnesota
Tim Walz defeated Jeff Johnson, Chris Wright, and Josh Welter in the general election for Governor of Minnesota on November 6, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | ![]() | Tim Walz (D) | 53.8 | 1,393,096 |
![]() | Jeff Johnson (R) | 42.4 | 1,097,705 | |
![]() | Chris Wright (Grassroots Party) | 2.7 | 68,667 | |
Josh Welter (L) | 1.0 | 26,735 | ||
Other/Write-in votes | 0.0 | 1,084 |
Total votes: 2,587,287 (100.00% precincts reporting) | ||||
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If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Christopher Seymore (Independent)
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Governor of Minnesota
Tim Walz defeated Erin Murphy, Lori Swanson, Tim Holden, and Ole Savior in the Democratic primary for Governor of Minnesota on August 14, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | ![]() | Tim Walz | 41.6 | 242,832 |
![]() | Erin Murphy | 32.0 | 186,969 | |
![]() | Lori Swanson | 24.6 | 143,517 | |
![]() | Tim Holden | 1.1 | 6,398 | |
![]() | Ole Savior | 0.7 | 4,019 |
Total votes: 583,735 | ||||
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If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Tina Liebling (D)
Republican primary election
Republican primary for Governor of Minnesota
Jeff Johnson defeated Tim Pawlenty and Matt Kruse in the Republican primary for Governor of Minnesota on August 14, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | ![]() | Jeff Johnson | 52.6 | 168,841 |
![]() | Tim Pawlenty | 43.9 | 140,743 | |
Matt Kruse | 3.5 | 11,330 |
Total votes: 320,914 | ||||
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If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
2014
Governor and Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota, 2014 | ||||
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Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
Democratic | ![]() |
50.1% | 989,113 | |
Republican | Jeff Johnson/Bill Kuisle | 44.5% | 879,257 | |
Independence | Hannah Nicollet/Tim Gieseke | 2.9% | 56,900 | |
Grassroots Party | Chris Wright/David Daniels | 1.6% | 31,259 | |
Libertarian | Chris Holbrook/Chris Dock | 0.9% | 18,082 | |
Nonpartisan | Write-in votes | 0.1% | 1,134 | |
Total Votes | 1,975,745 | |||
Election results via Minnesota Secretary of State |
See also
Minnesota | State Executive Elections | News and Analysis |
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External links
- Search Google News for this topic
- Governor of Minnesota official website
- Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota official website
Footnotes
- ↑ Inside Elections also uses Tilt ratings to indicate an even smaller advantage and greater competitiveness.
- ↑ Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Nathan Gonzalez," April 19, 2018
- ↑ Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Kyle Kondik," April 19, 2018
- ↑ Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Charlie Cook," April 22, 2018
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