In brief
Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota announced on Tuesday his intention to pursue a third term in the 2026 elections, a move historically challenging in the state. In a campaign video, he highlighted the unfinished work for the people of Minnesota, emphasizing unity in the face of gun violence and recent political tragedies. With a growing national profile, Walz has been a vocal critic of former President Donald Trump while navigating criticisms of his leadership and controversial remarks. Historically, no Minnesota governor has won three consecutive terms since the change to four-year terms in 1963, but Walz believes in the potential for continued progress in the state.
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said Tuesday he will seek a third term in the 2026 elections, hoping to beat the odds to become the longest-serving governor in a state where voters have usually said two terms were plenty.
In a campaign video posted on YouTube, Walz said he’s running because his work is not done and he wants to make Minnesota a place where everyone has a chance to succeed.
“I’ve seen how we help each other through the hard times,” he said. “And boy, we’ve seen terrible times this year. I’m heartbroken and angry about the beautiful people we lost to gun violence. But it’s in these moments we have to come together. We can’t lose hope because I’ve seen what we can do when we work together.”
Vice President Kamala Harris picked Walz as her running mate on the 2024 Democratic presidential ticket after his memorable attack line against former President Donald Trump spread widely.
Walz had been building his national profile since their defeat in November. He has been a sharp critic of Trump as he toured early caucus and primary states. In May, he called on Democrats in South Carolina to stand up to Trump.
The governor came under heavy GOP criticism after a Minnesota speech in May when he compared Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents under Trump to the Gestapo in Nazi Germany. Congressional Republicans called him out at a hearing on immigration in June, but he refused to apologize.
Walz, 61, is also frequently mentioned as a potential 2028 presidential candidate, but in an interview in July, he said he would not make a White House bid if he sought re-election.
He said earlier this year that he would not run for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Tina Smith because he was more interested in staying governor. However, after the recent assassination of a close political ally, Walz has decided to run for governor instead of pursuing a Senate seat.
Walz proudly touted the accomplishments of the 2023 legislative session when Democrats used their full control to enact a sweeping platform of liberal priorities, including free school meals for all students, and expanded protections for abortion and transgender rights.
However, he also faced renewed criticism from the right for his handling of the unrest that followed the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis in 2020, and is dealing with scrutiny over his military record with the Minnesota National Guard.
Walz was first elected in 2018 and is now targeting what would be a historic third consecutive term in office amid shifting political landscapes in Minnesota.
