The Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (DFL) retained the state senate and won the state house, as well as won the two most important energy-related executive offices of governor and attorney general. The DFL held the other three statewide offices. The AG has a residential utilities division that officially represents energy consumers, including before MN Public Utilities Commission (PUC) proceedings. The GOP last won the governorship in 2006. For the full 2026 election results for MN, see MultiState.
Governor-elect Amy Klobuchar and AG Keith Ellison both ran on pro renewable platforms. For example, Klobuchar said, “I’ll hold the line on utility bills by modernizing Minnesota’s power grid and adding more affordable, renewable energy.” The DFL platform went further stating, “We Oppose: Nuclear power, as it is not a viable energy source.”
The current state renewable laws will thus continue unabated, such as the 2023 Clean Electricity Standard (CES) which “requires electric utilities to provide 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040.” The term “clean” potentially opens the door for lifting the current moratorium on expanding nuclear power, but the legislated definition precludes this. There is presently a MN Commerce Department nuclear study that reports in January 2027.
The MN PUC is central to the implementation and maintenance of electricity and natural gas policies. The key current proceedings are: MN AG’s challenge to Xcel electricity rates; Xcel and CenterPoint progress under the 2021 Natural Gas Innovation Act (NGIA) towards banning natural gas; and MN PUC’s electricity and natural gas affordability investigation in three parts.
Image Source: Ballotpedia, “Election results, 2026: State government trifectas”
