Tim Walz Announces He Won’t Run Again, Reactions Roll In

Monday, Governor Walz announced he will not seek another term in Minnesota. The announcement was not a complete surprise. Rumors started to swirl over the weekend as Walz met with Senator Amy Klobuchar, and then called a Monday morning meeting with his staff. While he did not take any questions at the announcement, he did take a few swipes at his political foes.

We’ll win the fight against the fraudsters. But the gamesmanship we’re seeing from Republicans is only making that fight harder. We’ve got Republicans here in the state legislature playing hide and seek with potential whistle blowers. We’ve got conspiracy theorist right-wing You Tubers breaking into our daycares, demanding access to our children. We’ve got the President of the United States demonizing our Somali neighbors and wrongfully confiscating funds that Minnesotans rely on.

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Once the announcement was made, comments started coming in and stayed mostly along political lines. Aboard Air Force One, President Trump discussed the decision:

It’s almost not even believable. This very stupid low IQ governor, he’s a very stupid man because you know, I had to campaign against him with JD and he’s a stupid man and he’s a corrupt politician and the Somalians are ripping off our country to the tune of looks like $19 billion but that’s only what they can find.

Former Vice President and Walz’s 2024 running mate Kamala Harris:

I spoke with Governor Walz today, and what was clear — as it has been throughout his career — is that his decisions are always guided by what’s best for the people of Minnesota. … His decision not to seek reelection reflects that same selfless commitment to the people he serves.

Congressman Tom Emmer, via his X platform:

My official statement: GOOD RIDDANCE!

Governor candidate Kendall Qualls on his Kendall Qualls for Governor website:

Tim Walz’s two terms as governor have been a total failure for Minnesota as rampant fraud, out-of-control crime, sky-high prices and declining schools are holding Minnesota back. Walz is terrified to run on his record. But it doesn’t matter if the DFL props up Amy Klobuchar or any other candidate, they share Walz’s record of failure and incompetence.

Minnesota DFL Party Chair Richard Carlbom:

Tim and Gwen Walz have served Minnesota with a deep commitment to servant leadership. We’re grateful for the years Governor Walz has spent in public service delivering for Minnesotans as a public-school teacher, National Guardsman, member of Congress, and as our Governor. We respect his decision to not seek a third term. True to form, he is choosing to spend the remainder of his term focused on governing, improving lives, and standing up for Minnesota.

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison made a statement to KARE-TV:

Tim Walz is a remarkable leader, and Minnesota has benefitted immensely from the compassion he brought to his decades of public service. Tim banished hunger from Minnesota classrooms, signed universal background checks into law, and passed paid family leave. He built a record of standing up for people who need it - from the LGBTQ+ community to working-class families to teachers and more. Tim’s legacy is one of putting people first and delivering for Minnesotans in every corner of our state, and that’s a legacy to be damn proud of.

Democratic Governors Association Chair Andy Beshear:

Governor Tim Walz has been a true leader who has delivered results that will make life better for Minnesota workers and families for years to come... No matter who decides to run or how much national Republicans want to spend, the DGA remains very confident Minnesotans will elect another strong Democratic governor this November.

With the announcement, the rumor mills started swirling about who will run for governor from the Democratic side, and what that means for other statewide races. With very little set in stone, expect a flurry of activity and announcements over the next few weeks as both Republicans and Democrats start running toward their respective state conventions this spring.