Gubernatorial Amy Klobuchar Names Former Fergus Falls Mayor Ben Schierer as Running Mate

(KNSI) — U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar has named former Fergus Falls Mayor Ben Schierer as her lieutenant governor running mate.

Klobuchar met Schierer on one of her tours of all 87 Minnesota counties and cited his background as a small-business owner, mayor, and rural economic development leader as reasons she chose him. Before the announcement, Schierer had been a candidate for state auditor.

“Ben Schierer hasn’t just talked about how to create opportunities in Minnesota, he’s actually done it,” Klobuchar said. “He knows what it takes to run a small business, he’s run two of them. He knows what it takes to hammer out results by bringing together the private sector, the public sector, and the people, because that’s what he did as mayor.”

Schierer said he is ready to help lead the state with a focus on economic growth.

“With experience as a small business owner and a father of five, I know the hard work it takes to support a family and run a business,” Schierer said. “And as a former mayor devoted to rural economic development, I know how important it is to elect a Governor who will focus on expanding our economy and creating good jobs for Minnesotans across this state.”

Schierer grew up in Fergus Falls and was first elected to the city council in 2004. He was elected mayor in 2016 and re-elected in 2020, working during his tenure to revitalize the riverfront and bring businesses back to downtown. He and his wife, Tessa, owned and operated Union Pizza & Brewing Company and TÖAST in downtown Fergus Falls. He currently works with West Central Initiative, a regional nonprofit focused on economic development.

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