Minnesota to Elect First Female Governor in 2026
The 2026 midterm election will see Minnesota elect its first-ever female governor.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Women’s Issues
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Minnesota is set to elect its first female governor during the November 3, 2026, midterm election. Both Lisa Demuth and Amy Klobuchar are confirmed as candidates for the position.
Why it matters
The election marks a significant milestone for the state, which has never previously been led by a woman. This outcome would add to the current national total of female governors across the country.
Nationwide, 14 women currently serve as governors across the U.S. In total, 32 states have had a female governor at least once in their history.
The players
Lisa Demuth
Lisa Demuth serves as the Republican House Speaker in the Minnesota Legislature.
Amy Klobuchar
Amy Klobuchar is a U.S. Senator representing Minnesota as a member of the DFL party.
The details
Republican House Speaker Lisa Demuth and DFL Senator Amy Klobuchar are campaigning for the seat. The election will settle the historic search for the states first female executive leader.
Timeline
The Minnesota midterm election is scheduled for November 3, 2026.
Culture Shift
The potential election of a woman in Minnesota aligns with a broader national trend where 32 states have already broken the gender barrier for the governorship. This evolution reflects a shift in state executive leadership that continues to gain momentum across the country.
Residents will participate in the November 3, 2026, election to determine the state's future leadership. Voters should prepare for the transition as the state prepares to elect its first female governor.
The takeaway
This election represents a major turning point for Minnesota politics as the state looks to join the majority of U.S. states in electing a woman. Voters are encouraged to research the platforms of candidates Lisa Demuth and Amy Klobuchar ahead of the 2026 cycle.
Further reading
Learn more about the evolving political landscape in Minnesota Women’s Issues.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KTTC.
Live Poll
Should a candidate's gender be a significant factor when you decide your vote for governor?
