Tim Walz, who was on the losing Democratic ticket in 2024 as Kamala Harris’ running mate, has indicated that he might throw his hat into the ring for the presidency in 2028, even after suffering a major electoral defeat.
The Minnesota governor addressed the possibility in an interview on “The New Yorker Radio Hour” this past Sunday, stating, “Look, I never had an ambition to be president or vice president. I was honored to be asked. If I feel I can serve, I will. And if nationally, people are like, ‘Dude we tried you, and look how that worked out,’ I’m good with that.” He added, “If I think I could offer something … I would certainly consider that.”
At 60 years old, Walz has already ruled out a bid to take over the Senate seat that will be vacated by Tina Smith, who is stepping down in 2026. Though he would be eligible for a third term as Minnesota’s governor that same year, he has not yet revealed his plans regarding re-election.
Speaking with host David Remnick on Sunday, Walz acknowledged that he wasn’t presumptuous enough to think that “there’s a lot of people that can do this,” but said he would weigh his options carefully. “If the circumstances are right” and he believes he possesses “the right skill set for the moment … I’ll do it.”
When Remnick pressed him for a more concrete answer, Walz simply responded: “I’ll do whatever it takes.”
His selection as Harris’ running mate sparked debate, as the vice president passed over Josh Shapiro, the well-liked governor of the key battleground state of Pennsylvania, in favor of Walz.
However, his presence on the ticket did little to shift momentum in the Democrats’ favor. His performance in the vice presidential debate against Republican JD Vance was underwhelming, and he even lost Blue Earth County, his own home turf in Minnesota.
Reflecting on the election loss, Walz admitted that it was something he would carry with him for the rest of his life. “One I’ll take with me to the grave,” he said.
“An old white guy who ran for vice president, you’ll land on your feet pretty well. But I still struggle with it … when I see Medicaid cuts happening, when I see LGBTQ folks being demonized, when I see some of this happening, that’s what weighs on me personally,” he shared with Remnick.
Before being elected governor in 2018, Walz served six terms in Congress. However, he has made it clear that a return to Capitol Hill is not in his plans, telling The New Yorker that he would rather “eat glass” than run for Smith’s soon-to-be-vacated seat.
If Walz decides to run again and secures another term in the deep-blue state, he would set a record as the longest-serving governor in Minnesota history, remaining in office through 2031.
{Matzav.com}