St. Paul, MN – Democratic Governor Tim Walz has officially launched his campaign for a third term as the Governor of Minnesota. In a social media post on Tuesday, Walz expressed his desire to continue building on the state’s progress, stating, “We’ve made historic progress in our state, but we’re not done yet.”
What Happened
Walz, 61, who is also the 2024 Democratic vice presidential nominee, has been at the forefront of Minnesota politics since he first assumed the governorship in 2018. In a campaign launch video, he reflected on the hardships the state has faced, including gun violence, and emphasized the importance of unity, saying, “I’ve seen how we help each other through the hard times… In these moments we have to come together.”
Taking aim at former President Donald Trump and the chaos of the Trump administration, Walz promised to continue his fight against the policies he believes have hurt the country, saying, “I’ll never stop fighting to protect us from the chaos, corruption, and cruelty coming out of Washington.”
In addition to his criticisms of Trump, Walz used the opportunity to take a shot at the Republican vice presidential ticket, calling the GOP ticket “just weird,” referencing Vice President JD Vance and Trump.
Who Was Involved
Tim Walz: The current Governor of Minnesota, a former high school teacher, football coach, and U.S. Congressman, is seeking re-election for a third consecutive term. Walz is well-known for his active engagement in national and state politics, having been a prominent figure in gun violence prevention and healthcare reform.
Donald Trump: Former President and current 2024 Republican presidential candidate, whom Walz continues to criticize for his policies and administration’s impact on American democracy.
Kamala Harris: The current Vice President and Walz’s former running mate in the 2024 Democratic presidential race. Walz’s time as her running mate brought heightened national visibility to his political career.
Republican Opposition: The Republican party is fielding several candidates for the 2026 gubernatorial race, including Kendall Qualls, a business executive and Army veteran, and Scott Jenson, a physician and the 2022 Republican gubernatorial nominee.
Career/Legacy or Background
Walz’s political career began in the U.S. House of Representatives, where he represented Minnesota’s 1st Congressional District before running for governor in 2018. As Governor, Walz was noted for his leadership during the 2020 protests following George Floyd’s murder and the subsequent violence in Minneapolis. Despite facing criticism for his handling of those events, he was re-elected in 2022, securing an 8-point victory.
In addition to his political record, Walz’s controversial statements about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)—comparing the agency to Nazi Germany’s Gestapo—earned him scorn from Republicans, especially during a June hearing. Walz refused to apologize for his remarks, defending his position on the treatment of immigrants under the Trump administration.
Walz’s brief stint as the vice presidential nominee in 2024 placed him under the national spotlight, leading to greater scrutiny of his record and political positions. However, he has consistently expressed his desire to focus on state leadership, telling Axios that he wouldn’t pursue a presidential bid in 2028 if re-elected as governor in 2026.
Public/Social Media Reactions
The announcement of Walz’s re-election campaign was met with mixed reactions on social media, with supporters praising his leadership and commitment to Minnesota’s progress. However, Republican critics have pointed to his controversial remarks and the challenges faced during his tenure, such as his handling of the Minneapolis riots.
Walz’s campaign video received praise for its optimistic tone and focus on unity, but Republicans are already preparing for what promises to be a contentious race. Many are questioning whether Walz’s third-term bid will break historical trends in Minnesota politics, as no governor has been re-elected for a third consecutive term in the state since it switched to four-year terms in the 1960s.
What Happens Next
Walz’s re-election bid will face increasing challenges as he competes against a diverse field of Republican candidates in 2026. With Kendall Qualls and Scott Jenson among the top contenders, the Republican party is eager to challenge Walz’s legacy and his future plans for Minnesota.
The national spotlight on Walz continues to grow, especially as his vice presidential role has amplified his influence beyond Minnesota’s borders. Whether his criticism of Trump and the GOP will resonate with voters in Minnesota remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Walz is not backing down from his progressive agenda and aims to build on the state’s gains.
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
