ST.PAUL, Minn. — It was learned that Minnesota Governor Tim Walz met Sunday with the state’s senior U.S. senator, Amy Klobuchar — two days before withdrawing his candidacy for a third term. Details of the discussion are not known, but word about the meeting fueled speculation that Klobuchar, a popular figure in Minnesota for decades, may replace Walz on the Democratic primary election ballot in August. The Walz announcement sent shockwaves through the state’s whole political structure. In Klobuchar circles, sources confirmed that she suddenly was considering the governorship but hadn’t decided. For his part Walz confirmed discussing his pending departure with every Democratic c state office-holder. These presumably included
> > Keith Ellson, a former member of the U.S. House and now the state’s attorney general
> > Steve Simon, who’s been Minnesota’s secretary of state since 2014.
Both Ellison and Simon earlier had announced intentions to seek re-election to their posts. But Walz creatd a new political reality with uncharted opportunities and risks. The calendar ahead:
> August 11: Political parties nominate their 2026candidates.
> November 3: The people vote.
> January 2: Winners of the November election take office.
The calendar presents issues. State law Consider this scenario:
State law permits Klobuchar to run for governor and simultaneously retain her U.S Senate seat. If elected governor, however, she would need to leave the Senate immediately, which would leave it to Walz, still in office as governor, to appoint a successor to serve until federal election in 2027. Yes, he could appoint himself. To the Senate vacancy. It’s something that many state governors have done. But there are risks. When Minnesota Governor Wendell Anderson appointed himself to a Senate vacancy 1977, it was seen as unseemly and he lost a bid to be elected to the seat properly in the next election. His lengthy political career never recovered.