Governor 2026 Primary Election Guide: Democrats

Website: www.evenstadforgovernor.com

KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.

Website: votebillgates.net

Age on Election Day: 40

Community: Minneapolis

Employment: Pastor

Please share any prior experience and education that you believe qualifies you for office.

My educational background is centered on management, operations, and fiscal responsibility. I hold certifications in management, controlling costs, and purchasing through the National Restaurant Association's ManageFirst program. I am also a certified ManageFirst Proctor Instructor, which qualifies me to teach and administer coursework in these subject areas.

I believe these qualifications are relevant to public office because government, like any large organization, must be managed responsibly. Leaders must understand budgeting, purchasing, accountability, and the importance of controlling costs while still delivering quality services to the people they serve.

In addition to my educational training, I have applied these principles throughout my professional career in management, human resources, education, nonprofit leadership, and operations. These experiences have taught me how to balance competing priorities, manage limited resources, and make practical decisions that serve both organizational goals and the people who depend on them.

Why are you running?

Give a voice to people who feel ignored by government.

Represent working families and everyday Minnesotans.

Improve educational opportunities across Minnesota.

Increase support for students, teachers, and educational staff.

Reform family court.

Encourage greater involvement of both parents in children's lives.

Improve foster care outcomes.

Create a clearer pathway to becoming a foster parent.

Create a clearer pathway to adoption.

Increase transparency in adoption and foster care systems.

Help children find stable, permanent homes.

Make government easier to understand and navigate.

Increase accountability in government.

Reduce waste and improve efficiency.

Focus on practical solutions rather than partisan politics.

Support workforce development and job training.

Strengthen communities throughout Minnesota.

Ensure rural and urban communities are both heard.

Advocate for people who often fall through the cracks.

Leave Minnesota stronger for the next generation.

Why should voters choose you to advance to the general election?

People should vote for me because I offer a different perspective. I am not a career politician. I come from a background of working, volunteering, and serving in communities alongside everyday Minnesotans.

I am running because I believe too many people feel unheard by government. Too often, the conversation becomes about political parties instead of the people those parties are supposed to represent. I believe Minnesota deserves leadership that listens to all voices and focuses on practical solutions.

I support reforms in education, family court, foster care, adoption, workforce development, and government accountability because I believe these systems should work for the people they serve. My goal is not to protect the status quo, but to improve it.

Voters who want a different approach, greater transparency, and a government that listens to everyday Minnesotans should consider supporting my campaign.

Who is your running mate, and why did you choose them?

I chose Leah Harris as my running mate because she brings a practical, real-world perspective to government. Like me, she comes from the hospitality and service industry, where success depends on listening to people, solving problems, and serving others every day.

Leah understands the challenges facing working Minnesotans because she has lived them. She knows what it is like to work directly with the public, balance competing demands, and provide excellent service under pressure. I believe those experiences are valuable in public office because government is ultimately a service organization that exists to serve the people of Minnesota.

Together, we bring backgrounds that are different from many traditional political candidates. We understand the concerns of working families, service workers, and everyday citizens because we have shared many of those experiences ourselves. I believe Leah's perspective, work ethic, and commitment to serving others make her an excellent choice for Lieutenant Governor.

What are your top three priorities, if elected? Please describe specific policy goals.

1. Education: Teachers should not have to pay for basic classroom supplies out of their own pockets. If a police officer does not have to pay for the lead in a bullet, why is a teacher paying for the lead in a pencil? I support increased classroom funding and stronger support for educators.

2. Government Accountability: I want to reduce opportunities for fraud and improve public trust in government. This includes reviewing state identification and licensing procedures to ensure they are secure, efficient, and accountable.

3. Mental Health: Minnesota must expand access to mental health services, especially in underserved communities. I support earlier intervention, increased access to care, and stronger community-based mental health resources.

How would you address concerns of widespread fraud in state-run programs?

I believe one of the causes of fraud in government programs is the increasing reliance on automated systems without adequate human oversight. Technology can be a useful tool, but it should support decision-making, not replace accountability.

My approach would be to place trained staff back into key verification and review processes where appropriate, particularly in areas involving identity verification and public benefits. I also believe Minnesota should review its driver's license and Real ID issuance process. Issuing identification directly through state offices rather than relying on mail delivery could reduce opportunities for fraud and strengthen public confidence in the system.

At the same time, I believe existing state resources should be used efficiently. Any facilities affected by operational changes should be evaluated for alternative public uses, such as workforce training or other state services, rather than being left underutilized.

Northern Minnesota schools have had to make significant budget cuts in recent years, with most districts citing a lack of state funding. What changes to Minnesota’s education funding formula do you support, if any?

I believe Minnesota's education funding formula should ensure that schools, teachers, and students have the resources they need to succeed. My philosophy on education can be summed up in a question I often ask: If a law enforcement officer does not have to pay for the lead in a bullet, why are teachers constantly paying for the lead in their pencils?

Teachers should not be expected to personally fund classroom supplies. I support increasing classroom resources and reducing out-of-pocket expenses for educators so they can focus on teaching rather than fundraising or purchasing basic materials.

I also believe that investing in education reduces costs elsewhere. When we invest in students, we create more opportunities, stronger communities, and better outcomes. In many cases, money spent on education today can reduce the need for spending on incarceration tomorrow. Strong schools are one of the best long-term investments Minnesota can make.

There is a chance that Minnesota will have a split government during the next four years. How would you work across the aisle to govern effectively?

I believe I would be well-positioned to work with a split government because I do not approach every issue through a strictly partisan lens. I consider myself a centrist and believe good ideas can come from any political party.

For example, I support Second Amendment rights while also supporting reproductive freedom. I have found that many Minnesotans do not fit neatly into one political box, and neither do I. My focus is on finding practical solutions rather than advancing a partisan agenda.

If elected, I would work with legislators from both parties by focusing on areas of common ground and respecting honest disagreements where they exist. My goal would be to build coalitions around solutions that benefit Minnesota and move the state forward.

Additional details regarding my policy positions and centrist philosophy are available on my campaign website.

Contributed

Website: https://www.amyklobuchar.com

Age on Election Day: 66

Community: Minneapolis

Employment: US Senator

Please share any prior experience and education that you believe qualifies you for office.

With roots in Northern Minnesota, I am the granddaughter of an iron ore miner and the daughter of a teacher and a newspaperman who taught me trust is earned by showing up and working hard.

I’ve never shied away from taking on the tough fights. I got involved in politics after John and I had our daughter, Abigail. She couldn’t swallow and was in intensive care, but I was discharged from the hospital after just 24 hours because of insurance rules. I became the leading advocate for one of the country’s first laws guaranteeing 48-hour hospital stays for new moms and babies.

After years in the private sector, I ran Minnesota’s largest prosecutor’s office, where I took on violent crime and fraud. In the Senate, I’ve been ranked #1 for bipartisan bills and #3 out of 100 for passing bills into law. I’ll deliver results as governor.

Why are you running?

I love Minnesota, and I want to get to work improving people’s lives. I’m not interested in the status quo – I want to be a transformative governor. That means making state government more effective, innovative, and accountable, including rooting out fraud and stopping it before it starts. It means lowering costs for Minnesotans who are paying too much for health care, child care, and housing. And it means keeping Minnesota competitive by investing in economic development in rural areas, completing high-speed broadband, expanding workforce training and apprenticeships, and supporting K-12 schools across our state by boosting student achievement and keeping students on task by banning cellphones in classrooms and reducing screentime.

I will stand up for what’s right and fix what’s wrong. I have a long record of bringing Minnesotans together to get things done and deliver results, and that’s what I will do as your governor.

Why should voters choose you to advance to the general election?

I’m committed to getting things done that will improve Minnesotans’ lives. As your Senator, every year I visit all of Minnesota’s 87 counties. I’ve worked extensively with leaders in the Brainerd, Bemidji and Grand Rapids areas. We need to help families struggling to pay for health care, find affordable child care, or buy a home. That means cutting red tape and working with the private sector to build more housing in northern Minnesota, expanding access to affordable childcare, and taking on Big Pharma to lower prescription drug prices.

I’ll also launch a top-to-bottom audit of state agencies to root out fraud and make sure the money coming out of your paycheck is not misspent. I’ll strengthen criminal penalties and require surprise in-person inspections.

I’ll focus on strengthening student achievement in our schools and I’ll work with businesses to expand our economy and create good-paying jobs that reward hard work.

Who is your running mate, and why did you choose them?

My running mate is Ben Schierer, former Mayor of Fergus Falls, a dedicated husband and father of five, who knows what it takes to run a small business.

I chose Ben because he hasn’t just talked about how to create opportunities in Greater Minnesota, he has done it. As mayor, he brought together local government, small businesses, and non-profits to revitalize the Fergus Falls riverfront and bring local businesses back downtown. Ben has run two small businesses. He has experience getting results by bringing together the private sector, non-profits, and the public. He knows that transforming our government can’t happen without economic growth and that we need local solutions tailored to the needs of every community – not a one size fits all mentality. Together, we’ll bring that approach to state government.

What are your top three priorities, if elected? Please describe specific policy goals.

I will make our state government more accountable to Minnesotans, stop fraud before it starts, and make sure that your tax dollars aren’t misspent.

I’ll work to lower costs for Minnesotans. Too many families are struggling to pay for health care, to find affordable child care, or to buy their first home. I’ll support rural hospitals and take on Big Pharma, expand child care, and work with the private sector to build more homes.

And I’ll be laser focused on expanding our economy and workforce. Anybody willing to work should have a path to success and a good job, which is why I will partner with the private sector, colleges, and local businesses to create 10,000 more apprenticeships, raise achievement in our schools, and expand pathways to degrees that connect directly to in-demand careers.

How would you address concerns of widespread fraud in state-run programs?

When I ran Minnesota’s largest prosecutor’s office, I took on fraud and corruption, and I will bring that approach and more to tackling fraud as governor.

On day one, I’ll begin a top-to-bottom audit of our state government to identify fraud, waste, and abuse. We need to stop fraud before it starts. That means vetting grants and contracts before state funds are awarded, and in-person, unannounced inspections.

I will create a “Do Not Pay” database to automatically and permanently ban anyone convicted of fraud against state programs from receiving any grants and contracts. And I’ll replace decades-old state payment and IT systems with new technology. to prevent, detect, and stop fraud.

We also need to strengthen criminal penalties and extend the statute of limitations for fraud in all state programs, not just Medicaid.

Northern Minnesota schools have had to make significant budget cuts in recent years, with most districts citing a lack of state funding. What changes to Minnesota’s education funding formula do you support, if any?

I hear about this from parents, teachers, and school leaders across Greater Minnesota. As the daughter of a teacher who taught second grade until she was 70, I know that our schools shouldn't have to choose between keeping the lights on and giving kids a great education. These cuts land on kids and teachers, which is why funding our schools will always be a priority for me.

I will invest in what works – proven, evidence-based reading and math curricula, tutoring, and supporting teachers, and I will broaden educator recruitment pipelines so rural districts can put great teachers in the classroom. I’ll also work to make health care more affordable for school personnel so that school districts aren't overwhelmed by costs they can't control. And I will help educators keep students on task by banning cellphones in classrooms and reducing screentime.

There is a chance that Minnesota will have a split government during the next four years. How would you work across the aisle to govern effectively?

During my many visits to Bemidji to tour the damage from last year’s storms, I saw Minnesotans working together to clean up and aid struggling neighbors, helping each other regardless of political party. I’ve seen the same in the response to other crises in the region.

That’s what we need more of in our politics. In the Senate, I’ve been ranked #1 for bipartisan bills and #3 out of 100 for passing bills into law. I worked with Republican North Dakota Senator Cramer to pass a law helping families of firefighters who get sick from service-related cancers. And I’ve partnered with Republican Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa on bills to take on Big Pharma and lower prescription drug costs.

In the plans I’ve put forward, I’ve drawn on ideas proposed by both Republicans and Democrats. As governor, I’ll work across the aisle to get things done.

Contributed

Website: KOBEY4GOVERNOR.COM

Age on Election Day: 26

Community: Saint Paul

Employment: AVEDA, Assistant Store Manager

Please share any prior experience and education that you believe qualifies you for office.

My recent political experience is working as a Committee Legislative Assistant at the Minnesota Senate. In undergrad, I studied Political Science, Economics, and Nonprofit Management at Hamline University, and received my Master of Public Policy degree from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota.

Why are you running?

I am running for every person who is seeking change to bring affordability, accountability of the government, and seeking their freedoms to be upheld. The corporate establishments fail to deliver on meaningful change time and time again, and it’s up to us to be the change we want to see in our political system.

Why should voters choose you to advance to the general election?

This campaign is fighting for universal single-payer healthcare through the Minnesota Health Plan; for publicly traded companies to pay a $25/hour minimum wage and be required to host union elections annually; safeguard 2SLGBTQIA+ rights; capping childcare at 7% of a family’s income; capping annual rent increases to 3% statewide; investing in worker cooperatives; establishing a progressive corporate tax rate and a 2% wealth tax on assets above $10 million; guaranteeing teachers a minimum salary of $60k/year; protecting the Boundary Waters; upholding indigenous treaty rights; changing charges of small amounts of illicit substances from criminal penalties to civil penalties; protecting abortion access; and supporting Palestine

Who is your running mate, and why did you choose them?

Paul Ference because he got in the race for the same reasons: protecting our neighbors and providing supports for our communities.

What are your top three priorities, if elected? Please describe specific policy goals.

Make your life more affordable.

Make the government answerable to you.

Protecting your freedoms.

How would you address concerns of widespread fraud in state-run programs?

We will staff the Office of the Inspector General with someone who will be pointed up at the powerful, not the families in need.

Northern Minnesota schools have had to make significant budget cuts in recent years, with most districts citing a lack of state funding. What changes to Minnesota’s education funding formula do you support, if any?

We need to close the special education cross subsidy gap, and pay teachers more to get money into the hands of rural communities.

There is a chance that Minnesota will have a split government during the next four years. How would you work across the aisle to govern effectively?

We will come together on policies that progress our shared values: making life more affordable for families, making government answerable to Minnesotans, and protecting our freedoms.

KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.

Website: povang4governor.com

Age on Election Day: 31

Community: Hmong. North Saint Paul

Employment: disabled. N/A

Please share any prior experience and education that you believe qualifies you for office.

Self taught through the best tax lawyer in the country.

Why are you running?

I was born in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and I live with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), a neurological disorder that causes gradual physical decline. I've lived with this reality my entire life.

This became deeply personal when I saw what my brother is going through. He has the same disease, but more severely. His lung capacity is dangerously low, and he cannot travel long distances to access some of the most advanced treatments available.

That's the problem.

Too many Americans with serious chronic illnesses are forced to look overseas for care. Some European countries already offer more accessible advanced treatments and better outcomes. Minnesota should be leading, not lagging behind.

That's why I'm running for governor.

We should not have to leave the country to get the care we need. Real healthcare means access to advanced treatment, clean water, proper nutrition, and the ability to live with dignity.

Why should voters choose you to advance to the general election?

I'm the anti-AIPAC candidate. I'm physically disabled so I've lived through our healthcare system, so I know firsthand where it's failing and how we can do better. I'll protect Minnesotans from being drafted by the Epstein class for their Epstein wars. And I'll tax the rich—the millionaire and billionaire Epstein class—while eliminating state property, income, and sales taxes for working families.

Who is your running mate, and why did you choose them?

Mark Frascone. He's a long time DFL member and come's from a background that understands Universal Basic Healthcare like myself. And that he wants to help me the next Generation that's also from an immigrant family become future leaders instead of another 50+ year old person who's clearly out of touch. Typical career politicians who's been in office for 20+ years and nothing has changed for the better and has since gotten far worst. Mark wants to help me return the economy back to the 1960's where 1 man had 1 job that paid for 1 household. He is the "Wise old man" who'll help guide me and advise me on any misgivings I have.

What are your top three priorities, if elected? Please describe specific policy goals.

Anti-war & anti-Ice:
- Protect Minnesota from getting drafted by the Epstein class for their Epstein wars
Anti Israel
- Implement a law to ban foreign countries mainly Israel from funding state legislatures to influence state law in the foreign countries favor. Mainly Israel.
- Ban AIPAC from giving money to state legislatures
Tax the rich:
- Eliminate state property, income, sales tax
- Gross flat rate tax of 10% on anyone making more than $250k
Universal basic healthcare:
- Provide affordable healthcare
- Drastically reduce cost of health insurance

Editor’s note: Federal law prohibits foreign money in all levels of U.S. elections. Pro-Israel lobbying groups have contributed to some Minnesota congressional campaigns, but none of the top pro-Israel contributors gave to state campaigns in the last two election cycles.

How would you address concerns of widespread fraud in state-run programs?

I will "DOGE" the state budget. literally audit and cut waste and spending.

Northern Minnesota schools have had to make significant budget cuts in recent years, with most districts citing a lack of state funding. What changes to Minnesota’s education funding formula do you support, if any?

I will try my best to increase funding for Northern Minnesota schools and also mimic charter school models because they are able to do well despite lack of school funding. Take the good bits and pieces from everywhere to help improve Northern Minnesota schools.

There is a chance that Minnesota will have a split government during the next four years. How would you work across the aisle to govern effectively?

Easy! Find common ground and work from there. Then it's essentially a give and take situation afterwards being blunt and honest. We can't do this without our friends from across the aisle. We are stronger together than divided by dumb political labels.

KAXE did not recieve a response from this candidate.