Klobuchar endorsed for governor, Flanagan for U.S. Senate at Minnesota DFL Convention

ROCHESTER, Minn. (KVRR/CNN/FOX9) — Sen. Amy Klobuchar won the endorsement for governor after the first round of balloting at the DFL convention in Rochester.

On Friday, she announced former Fergus Falls Mayor Ben Schierer as her running mate.

Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan was endorsed by Democrats to run for U.S. Senate.

Her opponent, Rep. Angie Craig, announced before the convention that she would not seek the party’s endorsement and is focused on the primary in August.

Flanagan has served as Minnesota’s Lt. Governor since 2018 alongside Governor Tim Walz and she is seeking the seat being vacated by the retiring Sen. Tina Smith.

“I think so many people in this state are really struggling to figure out how to afford to pay their doctor’s bills and their groceries, how to pay rent, how to buy gas, and they’re looking for candidates that they really believe are going to be ready to challenge the status quo and they look at a president who seems more concerned about his billionaire ballroom and his slush fund,” said Smith at the convention.

Secretary of State Steve Simon and Attorney General Keith Ellison also secured their party’s endorsement for another term.