How folks in greater Minnesota view Walz drop, governor race shakeup
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Gov. Tim Walz’s decision to no longer run for reelection has shaken up Minnesota’s political landscape, and many are waiting to see whether U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar will take Walz’s spot on the ticket.
Minnesotans told MPR News their reactions to Walz’s exit from the race ranged from relief to grief. Polling last year on Walz’s job performance ahead of the 2026 elections showed support among urban voters, but far less enthusiasm among rural residents, and overall slipping approval.
To get a pulse check of how folks in greater Minnesota are feeling, Aaron Brown — college instructor, historian and full-time columnist and member of the Star Tribune editorial board who lives in Minnesota’s Mesabi Iron Range — joined Cathy Wurzer on Morning Edition Tuesday.
On the range, “the fraud scandals have been in the news, but I think there was concern about local mines, environmental laws and issues, and perhaps some fear that Walz had dragged his feet on dealing with some of the things affecting the big employers up here,” Brown said.
Despite her family connection to the Iron Range, “Klobuchar wouldn’t have an easy road in greater Minnesota,” he added. “Even in her last Senate race, she saw some real erosion and even lost several counties to a candidate that wasn’t taken very seriously.”
Listen to the conversation by clicking the player button above.
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