Klobuchar and Demuth Clash Over Business Policy at First One-on-One Minnesota Forum

In the first direct encounter between the two major party candidates for Minnesota governor, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (Democratic-Farmer-Labor) and State House Speaker Lisa Demuth (Republican) addressed a Chamber of Commerce audience. Both pledged to avoid new taxes, combat fraud, and accelerate permitting, while each claimed a superior record for improving the state’s business climate. The hour-long event concluded with a handshake and final campaign pitches.

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She framed her stance as bipartisan, promising to work across the aisle while standing up to those tariffs and the conflict.

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Demuth also warned that a “fresh start” would require a Republican governor after 16 years of Democratic control, urging voters to decide within 15 days.

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Both candidates supported streamlining permitting, adding AI safeguards, and increasing funding for county technology used in program enrollment. They differed on paid family-medical leave—Demuth suggested scaling back eligibility weeks, while Klobuchar favored maintaining protections. On data centers, Demuth called the issue a “local control” matter; Klobuchar argued the state should have involvement but should not force projects on unwilling communities.

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Klobuchar emphasized her independence from Governor Walz, stating she would have “caught that fraud” and taken action. Demuth countered that Klobuchar has never distanced herself from Walz’s policies, portraying the incumbent administration as responsible for rising costs and fraud scandals. Both framed their visions as forward-looking, with Klobuchar pledging to “move our state forward” without shifting left or right, and Demuth urging a “reboot” of Minnesota’s leadership.

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• “I have to ask you this: Are you better off today than you were just eight years ago? Are your businesses better off today than they were eight years ago?” — Lisa Demuth

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• “Senator Klobuchar has never once distanced herself from Governor Walz and every single policy that he has put in place that has increased the prices and made it harder to do business and to be able to just live our lives here in Minnesota,” — Lisa Demuth

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• “I'm different than Tim Walz. I know you wish you were debating Tim Walz. But I'm the one here right now,” — Amy Klobuchar

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• “If you're okay with the status quo and what we've experienced over the last eight years, then you have a choice to make in 15 days,” — Lisa Demuth

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• “I continue to believe in getting things done. That is what matters,” — Amy Klobuchar

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