MNSider Fluence Brief: The State of the Governors Race

A deeper more insightful look at business, industry and politics.

Yesterday was caucuses, but that was just one day in the last month of news that will impact the Governor’s race as much at Gov. Tim Walz departing.

The Klobuchar entry into the race, and the ICE presence in Minnesota change the Republican path to victory.

270 days out, here’s a very early look at the math - and math will matter.

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Blois

Blois - bloisolson@gmail.com

The State of Governors Race

The Governor’s race takes shape after Tuesday’s caucus and straw polls. There are major signals that can’t be ignored for DFLers and Republicans. One that both parties should watch is that Independent candidate Mike Newcome was the fourth highest fundraiser in 2025. Since he has over $100K on hand, if he has any ability to self finance and build any traction he could be a factor in a close race.i

If Newcome somehow pulls 5-8 percent in November, it’s a variable that could shake up the race. Meanwhile the Klobuchar-Demuth match up will be a bigger climb today than it was on January 6^th, the day after Gov. Tim Walz dropped out and Republicans had to consider a Klobuchar candidacy as a new reality.

Klobuchar is not unbeatable, but with 270 days until the election, Republicans will need a focused, fresh and perhaps lucky campaign to beat her.