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 announced Tuesday that he’ll seek a third term for governor, ending speculation that he would walk away after a second term that coincided with an 

Walz touted measures enacted on his watch in an announcement video, from a soon-to-launch 

"But we’re not done yet," he said in the video where he's shown driving around in his vintage Harvester International Scout along with his dog, also Scout. "And that’s why I’m running for reelection. I want to make Minnesota a place where everyone has a chance to succeed — in every corner of the state."

The Democrat who got his political start in southern Minnesota gained the state’s top job in a 2018 win. He presided over the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 murder of George Floyd and unrest that followed. He’s worked with a divided government during most of his tenure at the Capitol and pointed to his work with a narrowly split Legislature this year to enact a $66 billion two-year budget bill this year.

 that have fallen prey to misuse by bad actors. He took a turn on the national political stage last year after 

 by Kamala Harris to join her presidential ticket. After a three-month sprint, the Democratic ticket lost and Walz returned to a different political landscape.

Minnesota Republicans called attention to the national loss and the fraud in state programs as they responded to Walz’s announcement on Tuesday.

“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!”

And GOP leaders on the national stage called Walz a “proven failure.”

“While Tim Walz is spending his time fundraising with the nation’s most liberal donors and pushing the disastrous policies of national Democrats, Minnesota is suffering,” Republican Governors Association Communications Director Courtney Alexander said. “Minnesotans deserve a governor who will actually do the job, work for them, and take governing seriously. That’s not Tim Walz.”

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.”

His party suffered legislative losses, falling into a state House tie. Walz also gained scars from the white-hot examination of his personal past and professional record. He found himself at odds with more-conservative Minnesotans and has also seen cracks among more liberal members of his party.

"I've always tried to do what's right for Minnesota and I'll never stop fighting to protect us from the chaos, corruption and cruelty coming out of Washington,” Walz said in the video.

Walz, 61, hasn’t ruled out another campaign for national office down the road. He previously served a southern Minnesota district in the U.S. House for six terms.

If elected, Walz would be the first Minnesota governor to gain three consecutive, four-year terms in office. (Democratic Gov. Orville Freeman won three straight two-year terms in the 1950s.) 

Walz is not expected to face any significant opposition for the DFL nomination. As the incumbent, he has a major head start in fundraising and won’t have to spend as much as race challengers to introduce himself.

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 intended to make an announcement about his next steps early this summer, following the conclusion of the legislative session. But he reassessed following the 

 of House DFL Leader Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and the shootings of state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette. 

 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.

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Gov. Tim Walz, a second-term DFLer who had a turn on the national stage last year, said he will seek another four-year stint as Minnesota governor in 2026.

Live, down to earth, unscripted interviews that aim to connect, inform and entertain. Real people share real stories with Nina Moini. It’s journalism that doesn’t take itself too seriously and puts people first.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz will pursue 3rd term, could face tough fight to keep job

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