By Eniola Amadu
Minnesota’s Democratic governor, Tim Walz, confirmed on Tuesday that he will seek a third term in 2026, ending speculation that he might instead pursue a higher national office in 2028.
Walz, who was the Democratic vice-presidential nominee last year, announced in a campaign-style video shared on social media. Driving his blue International Harvester Scout II, with the licence plate reading “ONE MN”.
In the video, Walz praised Minnesotans’ resilience, noting: “I’ve been to every corner of Minnesota and there’s nothing like it. It’s the best place on Earth, with the best people. I’ve seen how we help each other through the hard times.”
He also reflected on recent tragedies, including high-profile shootings that have shaken the state. These included the assassination of state House speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, as well as a shooting at Annunciation church in which two schoolchildren were killed.
“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,” he said.
Walz highlighted legislative achievements from the 2023 Democratic trifecta in Minnesota, a period during which Democrats controlled both chambers of the legislature and the governorship.
These included paid family leave, a child tax credit and middle-class tax cuts, measures that won him acclaim among progressives nationwide.
He said his decision to run again was driven by unfinished work, outlining priorities such as lowering costs, cracking down on fraud, protecting healthcare access, strengthening schools, addressing gun violence and defending rights for all residents “no matter what you look like or who you love.”
“I’ve always tried to do what’s right for Minnesota, and I’ll never stop fighting to protect us from the chaos, corruption and cruelty coming out of Washington,” Walz added.
Political Background
Walz has been governor since 2018, following six terms in Congress representing southern Minnesota after flipping a Republican seat.
His 2024 run as the Democratic vice-presidential nominee significantly raised his national profile, while also making him a frequent target of Republican attacks. Former president Donald Trump this week labelled him “so whacked out” and a “mess.”
A summer poll by the Star Tribune and the Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication placed his approval rating at 49 per cent, only the second time it has dropped below 50 per cent.
The same survey found that roughly half of Minnesotans believed he should not run for a third term.
