A bipartisan group of lawmakers advanced legislation this week that could result in term limits for the Minnesota governor.
When Minnesota achieved statehood in 1858, governors were elected to two-year terms. Starting in 1963, gubernatorial terms were extended to four-year terms. Throughout state history, governors have been allowed to seek reelection an unlimited number of times.
To date, no governor has ever won a third, four-year term. In 1990, DFL Gov. Rudy Perpich tried to win a third term but was defeated by Independent-Republican Arne Carlson. Earlier this year, DFL Gov. Tim Walz abandoned his own bid for a third term.
Now, members of the Minnesota House of Representatives have proposed an amendment to the Minnesota Constitution that would prohibit someone from being elected governor more than twice starting with the 2026 election.
Authored by GOP Rep. Jimmy Gordon, HF 1849 would ask Minnesotans to vote on those gubernatorial term limits during the 2026 general election. Gordon’s proposed amendment would also place identical term limits on the office of lieutenant governor.
Under Minnesota law, amendments to the state constitution must be passed by the House and the Minnesota Senate — the governor’s signature is not required. After being passed by both chambers, the amendment is sent to the voters for approval or rejection.
HF 1849 has 20 Republican co-authors and one DFL co-author, Rep. Bianca Vernig.
On Monday, lawmakers in the House Elections and Government Operations Committee met to discuss HF 1849. Gordon told the committee “now is a great time” to put term limits before the voters because there is currently no incumbent governor seeking reelection.
