Amy Klobuchar rolled out her pick for lieutenant governor on Friday, tapping Ben Schierer, the former mayor of Fergus Falls, as her running mate. The move pairs one of Minnesota's best-known Democrats with a small-city official who has actually won races in some of the state's more conservative territory. The announcement landed just as DFL delegates descended on Rochester for the party's state convention, where they are expected to begin endorsing candidates.
The news first surfaced in a report from the Minnesota Star Tribune, which noted that Schierer, a two-term mayor and small-business owner who had been running for state auditor, would join Klobuchar onstage at the convention in Rochester. As reported by the Minnesota Star Tribune, the campaign is framing the pick as a bid to strengthen Klobuchar's appeal in greater Minnesota.
Schierer brings nearly two decades of local government experience, starting with his election to the Fergus Falls City Council in 2004 and followed by mayoral wins in 2016 and 2020. His campaign highlights a background in small business and rural economic development. Ben for Minnesota lays out his local record and deep family ties to Fergus Falls, and local outlets have noted his emphasis on jobs and economic growth.
Why Schierer
Klobuchar's campaign argues the pick will help the ticket reach voters in western Minnesota, pointing to the geographic balance Schierer brings. Staff also say he would be the first person from the 7th Congressional District to hold statewide office in more than 50 years, a campaign claim reported by the Minnesota Star Tribune and used to underscore how the ticket is aiming beyond the Twin Cities.
Convention math and next steps
The decision lands as DFL activists gather in Rochester for an endorsing convention that will set the tone for the August primary, and party watchers say Klobuchar is positioned to take the DFL nod. The Minnesota Reformer has noted the convention is a central moment for delegates to signal priorities ahead of the primary.
What it means for the auditor contest
Schierer had been running for state auditor before accepting Klobuchar's offer, and his pivot will reshape that down-ballot contest and open the door for other DFL hopefuls to reposition. In a statement quoted by local reporting, Schierer said, "Amy Klobuchar gets it, she shows up time and time again, in all 87 counties, and I am ready to partner with her to get things done for our families, our communities and our state." WDIO carried that remark.
The Klobuchar-Schierer ticket pairs statewide name recognition with a rural, small-business narrative, a combination the campaign hopes will blunt Republican inroads in greater Minnesota. The coming days, as delegates meet in Rochester and the campaign folds Schierer's organization into a statewide push, will test whether that strategy pays off at the ballot box.
