REGIONAL— Gov. Tim Walz is hoping to become Minnesota’s longest-serving governor. He made that explicit with his announcement on Tuesday that he will seek a third, four-year term as the state’s governor, a feat no previous politician has accomplished.
In an announcement video released Tuesday, Walz touted his political successes, including implementing a middle-class tax cut, notably increasing investments in public safety, raising graduation rates to the highest ever, and enacting paid family medical leave, a program expected to launch next year.
While touting his successes, “we’re not done yet,” said Walz, who promised to “make Minnesota a place where everyone has a chance to succeed— in every corner of the state.” He also promised to address gun violence and protect Minnesotans from “the chaos, corruption, and cruelty coming out of Washington.”
While Walz, after an unsuccessful campaign for vice president, shows the confidence and political skills of an experienced politician, he is likely to face an onslaught from Republicans nationally, eager to knock off a major Democratic figure and regain the governor’s mansion, held by the DFL since 2011.
Walz heads into a re-election bid with the state’s total non-farm payroll holding steady at around 3.04 million and an unemployment rate that has crept up to 3.9 percent, still well below the national unemployment rate of 4.3 percent.
The state generally receives high marks for its business-friendly atmosphere, a skilled workforce, and quality of life, while it’s often criticized for higher business taxes than many other states.
Walz got his political start in southern Minnesota when he left a teaching position in Mankato to run for a seat in Congress, which he won in 2006. He won re-election in Minnesota’s First District five times before entering the race for governor in 2018.
Walz isn’t expected to face any serious DFL competition, however, he will face intense scrutiny from Republicans, who are expected to highlight COVID-era nutrition programs and housing assistance programs that have fallen prey to misuse by bad actors.
Sixth District GOP Rep. Tom Emmer ripped Walz this week for what he claimed was a weak state economy, failing schools, and skyrocketing crime, touching on topics that are likely to form the foundation of the GOP’s political argument. While crime rates surged nationally during the COVID pandemic, violent crime in particular declined both nationally and in Minnesota last year.
Republican are also likely to take aim at Walz’s unsuccessful national campaign. “The American people looked at Tim Walz and said, ‘no thanks,’” gubernatorial candidate Rep. Kristin Robbins, R-Maple Grove, said. “Now it’s time for Minnesota to do the same!”
Meanwhile, Democrats in Minnesota and beyond said Walz was a bold leader and would continue delivering for Minnesota families, if elected.
“Minnesotans will reelect Tim Walz as he continues to shelter us from the economic storm brewing under Donald Trump,” Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party Chair Richard Carlbom said. “Minnesotans trust Tim Walz to fight like hell against this authoritarian president and his accomplices in Congress and in the legislature. While Republicans are awaiting top-down marching orders from D.C., we’ll be listening to Minnesota voters, prioritizing affordability, and winning this election.”
Walz will seek his third term without the help of his two-term lieutenant governor, Peggy Flannagan, who is running for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by the retiring Tina Smith.
But as a well-known incumbent, and with a healthy fundraising lead and connections to major donors made during his vice-presidential run, Walz is likely to have a monetary advantage throughout the campaign.
The Republican field so far includes Robbins, former state Sen. Scott Jensen, businessman Kendall Qualls, ex-martial arts fighter Brad Kohler, former Navy officer Phillip Parrish, and former St. Cloud city council member Jeff Johnson. Others have suggested they’re considering it.
Walz had indicated he had hoped to announce his intentions early this summer, following the conclusion of the legislative session. But he reassessed following the June 14 killings of House DFL Leader Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and the shootings of state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette. Another shooting at the Annunciation Catholic Church and School last month was also top of mind for Walz as he made the decision.
Endorsing contests for statewide races will take place next spring and potential primary elections will be in August 2026.
Minnesota Public Radio contributed reporting for this story.