Minnesota Governor Tim Walz eyes a presidential run in 2028 despite his losing bid as Kamala Harris’s running mate in the 2024 election.
At a Glance
- Tim Walz is considering a 2028 presidential run despite his defeat as Harris’s VP candidate
- Walz ruled out a 2026 Senate run but remains undecided about seeking a third term as Governor
- The Minnesota Governor lost his home county and performed poorly in his debate against JD Vance
- Walz expressed personal regret over the Democratic defeat and its implications for social issues
- If re-elected and serving through 2031, he would become Minnesota’s longest-serving Governor
Looking Ahead After Defeat
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is eyeing a potential presidential run in 2028, undeterred by his recent defeat as Kamala Harris’s running mate in the 2024 election. Walz expressed openness to seeking the nation’s highest office if he believes he can make a positive contribution, despite acknowledging his previous electoral shortcomings on the national stage.
The Democratic politician made it clear he has no interest in pursuing a Senate seat in 2026, though he has not yet decided whether to seek a third term as Minnesota’s Governor. If he were to win re-election and serve through 2031, Walz would become Minnesota’s longest-serving governor in history.
Controversial Vice Presidential Performance
Walz’s selection as Harris’s running mate proved controversial and ultimately did little to boost the Democratic ticket. The Governor failed to carry his home county in Minnesota during the election, a telling sign of his limited appeal with voters who knew him best. His performance during the vice presidential debate against Republican JD Vance was widely criticized as ineffective.
“Look, I never had an ambition to be president or vice president. I was honored to be asked. If I feel I can serve, I will. And if nationally, people are like, ‘Dude we tried you, and look how that worked out,’ I’m good with that,” Walz said.
During the campaign, Walz famously promised “I’ll do whatever it takes” – a commitment that apparently extends to his future political aspirations despite the bruising electoral defeat. The former Congressman has made it clear that he prefers state governance and has no interest in returning to Capitol Hill.
Personal Regrets Over Election Loss
Walz has been open about his personal regrets following the Democratic defeat in 2024. While acknowledging that as “an old white guy who ran for Vice President,” he would likely land on his feet, the governor expressed deeper concerns about the implications of Republican control for various social issues and vulnerable populations.
Since returning to Minnesota following the election loss, Walz has focused on state governance while keeping his options open for future national ambitions. Political analysts note that his path to the presidency in 2028 would be challenging given his underwhelming performance on the national stage in 2024, but the Governor appears determined to rehabilitate his image over the coming years.