Tim Walz will shut door on 2028 if he runs for governor again
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Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz says he won't run for president in 2028 if he seeks a third term as governor next year.
The big picture: While Walz has dismissed the idea of a White House bid in recent sit-downs, a series of high-profile speaking engagements in early-voting states and a March interview with the New Yorker have fueled speculation that the 2024 Democratic vice presidential nominee might run for national office again.
What he's saying: When asked by Axios in an interview Tuesday whether he'll fully rule it out if he runs for governor again, Walz answered "yes."
- "I've always viewed public service as being ... if you run for this, you serve your term up," he says.
State of play: Walz hasn't announced his 2026 plans, though speeches and bullish remarks to reporters about the race have suggested he'll seek an unprecedented third consecutive term.
- Several Republicans, including 2022 GOP challengers Scott Jensen and Kendall Qualls, have already launched campaigns.
Between the lines: Keeping the door even slightly cracked open to leaving the office mid-term could complicate Walz's pitch to voters, especially in light of recent polling showing that Minnesotans are divided on both his job performance and whether he should run for governor again.
The intrigue: While his words and actions have signaled another gubernatorial run, Walz has publicly acknowledged that the June assassination of his political ally, former Speaker Melissa Hortman, has prompted personal reflection.
- On Tuesday, he says he's weighing both the "hard part" of the job and the "joy," citing the state's landmark universal school meals law.
Ultimately, Walz said, his decision will come down to whether he believes his skillset and experience position him to improve people's lives.
- "The more I hear people who are running on the other side for this, the more they encourage me to run," he says of his GOP challengers.
What's next: Walz is expected to announce his plans after the Minnesota State Fair wraps up in September.