Klobuchar and Demuth Clash Over Fraud Scandal in Minnesota Governor Debate

Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Republican state House Speaker Lisa Demuth met in their first debate of the Minnesota governor race, hosted by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. Topics included a state fraud scandal, taxes, business costs and economic growth. Gov. Tim Walz had withdrawn from seeking a third term amid scrutiny of that scandal. Demuth blamed Democratic leadership, including Walz, for the fraud and a difficult business climate. Klobuchar said she had pushed federal prosecutors to act and would have addressed the problem as governor. Both ruled out tax increases but differed on budget priorities and the effects of tariffs. Klobuchar emphasized lowering costs and investing in workforce development, housing and innovation. Demuth called for reducing taxes, regulations and government spending.