Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz announced Monday that he will not seek reelection, a decision that reshapes the state’s political landscape heading into the 2026 midterms after weeks of growing pressure from within his own party.
Walz, who was the 2024 Democratic vice presidential nominee, said in September that he planned to run for an unprecedented third consecutive term. That plan unraveled as his approval ratings declined and scrutiny intensified over fraud tied to state-run programs, prompting concerns among Democrats about his vulnerability in a general election.
Democrats have controlled every statewide office in Minnesota since 2006. Walz’s weaknesses had drawn interest from a wide range of potential Republican challengers, including House Speaker Lisa Demuth and MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell.
