National & Minnesota Report
If Governor Tim Walz (DFL) were to ask for political advice from this direction, which he never has before, we would not advise him to seek reelection. The first reason, since the change to four-years terms in 1962 there has never been a three-term governor in state history. So, swimming against this historical tide is great. Second, in 2018 Walz and Flanagan received 53.84% and in 2022 52.27% which are not very robust numbers. Third, the creation of the Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy Committee in the state House which we think of as the Walz public flogging committee, will provide a constant drumbeat against his administration. Fourth, because of the political drubbing the Kamala Harris/Tim Walz (D) campaign experienced at the hands of Donald J Trump/JD Vance (R) nationwide and since they only won by 50.92% here in Minnesota, the political luster is fading rapidly. Fifth, the questions brought forward during the campaign about Walz’ DWI, military service record, his claims of having carried a weapon of war in a conflict and the other insignificant issues that arose during the campaign.
Its clear, Walz reveled in the political limelight he experienced during the Presidential campaign. He had a great seat prior to being selected as Harris’ running mate as the head of the Democratic Governor’s Association and traveled liberally across the nation.
The selection of Ken Martin as the DNC Chair is likely seen elsewhere as a benefit to Walz should he seek the Presidency himself in 2028, as well as US Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN). The Democratic Party, unlike the Republican Party does not automatically ascribe the assumption of “favorite” or front runner to the Vice-Presidential candidate if the seat is open. This means Walz might see a US Senate bid as a way to keep his hopes alive.
The questions about whether or not he is a worthy candidate for this office must also address the issues we have discussed above. Additionally, if he were to pursue this path, he will run up against a number of people some of who, like Congresswoman Angie Craig (D-MN02) who are better financed and may have a higher favor ability rating. Not to mention his Lt Governor Peggy Flanagan (DFL-MN), but she also carries a lot of the weight of his administration herself.