Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has decided not to pursue a third term, retracting his re-election bid less than four months following his campaign announcement. Walz, who was Kamala Harris’s running mate in the Democratic U.S. presidential ticket last year, expressed that he lacks the required energy to secure another term despite believing in his potential victory. He attributed his decision to the ongoing focus on fraud cases and labeled the past year as exceptionally challenging for the state, while acknowledging his achievements during his initial seven years in office.
The Governor highlighted the relentless emphasis by U.S. President Donald Trump and other Republicans on a fraud investigation concerning child-care programs in Minnesota, particularly on social media and right-wing cable news platforms. Following the Trump administration’s decision to freeze child-care funds to Minnesota and request an audit of daycare facilities due to recent fraud incidents, Walz criticized the move, accusing Trump and his associates of attempting to create discord and diminish the state’s qualities.
The strained relationship between Trump and Walz has persisted beyond the 2024 campaign. After the tragic deaths of former Democratic state House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, with State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife also being shot on the same day, Trump refrained from offering condolences to Walz, dismissing it as futile. Trump further exacerbated tensions by promoting a baseless conspiracy theory on Truth Social linking Walz to Hortman’s demise, drawing sharp condemnation from both Walz and Hortman’s children.
Harris, who selected Walz as her running mate in the 2024 presidential race, commended his dedication to the people of Minnesota and his selfless decision not to seek re-election. Walz, known for flipping a Republican seat in rural Minnesota to represent the state in Congress, was recognized as a moderate Democrat with a strong advocacy for working families and a history of military service in the U.S. national guard.
Throughout his tenure, Walz navigated a divided legislature, collaborating to achieve compromises and pushing for progressive policies, including significant reforms in education, healthcare, and social issues. Despite notable achievements such as eliminating state abortion restrictions and implementing progressive programs like free school meals and paid family leave, Walz faced challenges, notably a significant fraud scheme related to pandemic food assistance.
As the gubernatorial race intensifies with multiple Republican contenders, including notable figures like Mike Lindell, known for his association with Trump and denial of the 2020 election outcome, the stage is set for a competitive election year with 36 states, including Minnesota, holding gubernatorial elections in 2026.