Mark Dayton Democratic (DFL) Tim Walz Democratic (DFL) The 2018 Minnesota gubernatorial election took place on November 6, to elect the 41st governor of Minnesota, as incumbent Democratic (DFL) Governor Mark Dayton chose not to run for re-election for a third term.

The Democratic nominee was U.S. Representative Tim Walz from Minnesota's 1st congressional district, while the Republican Party nominated Hennepin County commissioner Jeff Johnson for a second consecutive time.

Going into the election polls showed Walz ahead; the race was characterized as lean or likely DFL.

On February 6, 2018, the DFL conducted a statewide straw poll among registered Democrats in Minnesota.

Since the straw poll, the three lowest performing candidates withdrew from the race (Paul Thissen, Chris Coleman, and Tina Liebling).