Politics Friday Special: Walz gives deeper explanation about decision to abandon bid for third term
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In a momentous start to the 2026 election year, Gov. Tim Walz announced he would end his reelection campaign. The announcement itself was scripted and restrained. The next day, Walz took questions about the decision and the gloves came off.
On this special broadcast of Politics Friday, MPR News host Clay Masters and politics editor Brian Bakst cover Walz’s first press conference since dropping out of the race. In it, Walz described the change of course as a personal one rather than a reflection on his chances of winning the race. He also commented on fraud investigations, Trump administration actions affecting Minnesotans and the pressure he plans to put on state lawmakers over gun safety and other issues.
The special also includes comments from former Democratic Congressman Dean Phillips and from Republican House Speaker Lisa Demuth.
Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.
Subscribe to the Politics Friday podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or RSS.
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