It's official: Amy Klobuchar is Democrats' pick to succeed Gov. Tim Walz

U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar sailed to victory in Minnesota's Democratic primary for governor on Tuesday.

The big picture: Polling indicates that the four-term senator and 2020 presidential candidate will be a formidable contender in Democrats' bid to hold the open seat this November.

Catch up quick: Klobuchar entered the race in late January, shortly after Gov. Tim Walz reversed course and scrapped plans to run for a third term.

• Walz's exit came amid mounting scrutiny over his administration's response to fraud targeting state social services programs.

Between the lines: The late entry into the race — and track record of out-performing other Democrats statewide — helped Klobuchar avoid a serious primary challenge from the left.

• If she wins in November, Klobuchar will be the state's first female governor.

What's next: Summer polls showed Klobuchar with a comfortable lead over all of her potential rivals, though her support was lower than the margins of victory for her recent U.S. Senate wins.