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

Published May 30, 2026 9:47 AM CDT

The Minnesota GOP and the Minnesota DFL announced party endorsements for the 2026 election.

DFL endorsements

What they're saying:

Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan has been endorsed for U.S. Senate.

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. 

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. 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.

The GOP has endorsed Kendall Qualls for governor. 

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.

The Source: This story uses information shared by the GOP and DFL convention as well as previous FOX 9 reporting. 

PoliticsElection2026 ElectionsMinnesotaRochesterDuluth