Governor Walz Changes His Mind
Hill Capitol Strategies
January 5, 2025
It appears Minnesota’s politics in 2026, will pick up where 2025 left off. Late last night, news broke that Governor Walz would hold a media event this morning to discuss his political future. Just moments ago, Governor Walz read from a statement released earlier this morning and announced he will not pursue a historic third term as Governor. Speculation had been growing over the holidays the political pressure from the ongoing and growing media coverage of fraud in Minnesota was weighing heavily on the Governor. That pressure certainly grew when it was reported a handful of DFL State Senators, in swing districts, who would be appearing on the ballot with the Governor were growing concerned about his impact on their own elections. Those Senators late last year requested a private meeting with the Governor, that meeting had yet to be scheduled. Following his announcement, the Governor refused to take any questions from the media.
Speculation now turns to who from the DFL will run in his place. It appears the Governor is hoping for U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar to enter the race. This morning, media sources are confirming the Senator is considering throwing her hat in the ring. Her current term runs through 2030, which allows her to run and not put her Senate seat at risk. While Senator Klobuchar is well known in Minnesota, and has successfully run statewide, her popularity has waned in recent years. The Governor’s announcement will also likely attract other interested members of the DFL Party. Precinct caucuses and the start of the endorsement process for both the GOP and DFL begins on February 3rd, leaving little time for candidates to organize caucus efforts.
This is a very fluid story. The Governor announced he will take questions at a media event on Tuesday, where he plans to discuss the launch of Minnesota’s new Paid Family Leave Program. We will provide additional information as it becomes available.