Minnesota Governor Tim Waltz Announces Third Term Run

Minnesota’s Democratic Governor, Tim Waltz, has made it clear he intends to seek a third term in the 2026 gubernatorial election.

Waltz, who was unsuccessful in his bid for the 2024 Democratic vice presidential nomination, stated on Tuesday, “We have made historic progress in the state, but we’re not finished yet.”

If elected, he would become the first governor to serve three consecutive four-year terms in Minnesota, as there are no constitutional limitations on consecutive terms for governors in the state.

In a campaign video, Waltz criticized the Trump administration, pledging to “never stop fighting against the chaos, corruption, and cruelty coming from Washington.”

Waltz also addressed violence in Minnesota, referencing the recent assassination of Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, as well as the shooting involving State Sen. John Hoffman and a violent incident at a Minneapolis Catholic school last month.

“We’ve seen how we help each other through difficult times. This year has been particularly frightening. My heart aches for those who have fallen victim to gun violence.”

His reelection announcement comes on the heels of a call for a special session in the Minnesota Legislature to push for more stringent gun control laws.

Waltz remarked after the school shooting, “We have to discuss high-capacity weapons and their role in these events. I’ve always felt strongly about this.”

Waltz has long been vocal against President Trump and the Republican Party, labeling both Trump and Vice President JD Vance as “strange,” especially during the tumultuous 2024 election season.

Interestingly, despite these claims, Trump and Vance won the 2024 election decisively, taking all seven battleground states.

“Tim Waltz seems to be struggling as he raises funds from the most affluent donors while endorsing the problematic policies of National Democrats. People of Minnesota deserve a governor who is genuinely committed to working for them.”

Waltz first took office in 2018, winning that election by 11 percentage points. He then successfully ran for reelection in 2022, securing victory by 8 percentage points.

I am running for reelection to continue being governor of Minnesota. We have made historic progress in the state, but we are not finished yet. I’m staying in the fight – and I need you with me.