Democratic gubernatorial candidate Amy Klobuchar is facing criticism from her Republican opponent and online detractors for campaigning on addressing Minnesota's significant fraud scandals, despite a review revealing no mention of the issues in her Senate office's press releases since the crisis emerged.
A review of over 1,000 press releases issued by Klobuchar's Senate office between January 2022 and December 2025 found no direct statements addressing or offering solutions for the state's social services fraud scandal, including the "Feeding Our Future" case. This review encompassed terms such as "Minnesota fraud," "social services fraud," "Medicaid fraud," and others related to the scandal.
The "Feeding Our Future" scandal, which initially involved an estimated $250 million, has since expanded into a broader social services fraud investigation that prosecutors suggest could total over $9 billion. The scandal first gained public attention in late January 2022.
Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth, a Republican running for governor, stated that Klobuchar's voice was notably absent as the extent of the fraud became apparent. Demuth criticized the senator for not holding hearings on the matter and for her reported absence from a recent hearing on fraud within the state.
"She could have held hearings but not only did she not hold hearings, the hearing that took place a few months ago about fraud here in the state of Minnesota she didn’t even attend," Demuth told Fox News Digital. "I think that speaks very loudly to the people of Minnesota that we have a twenty-year senator, the most explosive fraud that has taken place a theft of our tax dollars here and yet, there was no mention."
Demuth highlighted Klobuchar's press releases not mentioning the scandal during a speech where she outlined her plan to combat fraud. "Billions of our tax dollars stolen," Demuth posted on X. "It’s time for change."
Since announcing her candidacy for governor, Klobuchar has made tackling fraud a central theme of her campaign. An advertisement released this month promises a state audit on her first day in office to "root out waste fraud and abuse." Klobuchar posted on X, "It’s time for results, not excuses."
Klobuchar secured a primary victory and is considered the frontrunner in the race to succeed Gov. Tim Walz, who withdrew his re-election bid amid the ongoing fraud scandal. Demuth argued that voters will consider Klobuchar's record on fraud and her past associations.
"My question is, where were you for the last 10 years, but absolutely the last eight years?" Demuth asked. "She could have done press conferences, she could have partnered with Governor Walz. She has called Governor Walz an exceptional governor... Where was she to help him where our state was falling apart? I think it’s a little bit too late for her to say that this was really a priority."
Other Republican candidates, such as former Senate hopeful Michele Tafoya, have also contended that the fraud scandal is a significant motivator for voters seeking change in Minnesota.
Demuth emphasized her own legislative efforts to combat fraud, including establishing the Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Committee after becoming Minnesota House Speaker in 2025. "Who are Minnesotans gonna trust for their next governor?" Demuth said. "Somebody that has just decided to talk about fraud now that they’re running for office or someone that has been fighting fraud this entire time? And I think I am the most trustworthy when it comes to ending fraud and respecting taxpayer dollars as your next governor."
Klobuchar's campaign was contacted for comment.