Democratic US Senator Amy Klobuchar has announced her candidacy for governor in her home state of Minnesota amid the tumult of an ongoing immigration crackdown. In a video released on Thursday, she called for unity across all parties, portraying herself as a leader who could bridge political divides and was 'willing to find common ground.' Klobuchar's announcement comes after incumbent governor Tim Walz suspended his re-election campaign early due to criticism of his handling of a state fraud scandal.

Klobuchar, a seasoned lawmaker, reportedly delayed her announcement following federal agents' fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, which drew scrutiny over federal tactics and use of force. She spoke of the challenges faced in Minnesota, referencing recent violence and emphasizing the state's values of hard work and decency. By portraying herself as a centrist, she aims to appeal to a broad base of voters.

While some Republicans struggle to gain traction following recent policy controversies, Klobuchar positions herself as the frontrunner for the Democratic primary, determined to address the pressing issues in her state, including fraud and immigration enforcement controversies.