Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, who stood out from a relatively obscure person to become a Democratic nominee for the vice president last year, will not participate in the state's open Senate seat in 2026, but will instead start seeking a third term The process was said Wednesday.
“Governor Walz is not running for the U.S. Senate,” said Mr. Walz's spokesman Teddy Tschann. “He loves to be the governor and he is exploring the possibility of another term,” said Mr. Walz's spokesman. , to continue his work to make Minnesota the best children's state in the country.”
Mr. Walz no longer competes in the game to replace Minnesota Democratic Senator Tina Smith, who does not seek reelection in 2026, and Mr. Walz effectively launches a major contest for the Senate seat if Republicans Competitive, that may be competitive.
It also positioned Mr. Walz, who played against Vice President Kamala Harris and background in the “Midwest Father” role and football coach with Donald J. Trump It has won national attention. In an interview with Dutch TV last week, Mr. Walz said he “does not rule out” running for president.
The focus on re-election has also allowed Mr. Walz to avoid an awkward Senate primary against his Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, who announced her seat campaign last week. Mr. Walz and Ms. Flanagan were political allies for two decades, when Mr. Walz returned to Minnesota from the presidential campaign trail, they failed due to their shared campaign finances.
Several other Democrats in Minnesota said they are considering running for Ms. Smith's Senate seat. These include state Attorney General Keith Ellison, representing Angie Craig and Ilhan Omar, and Democratic leader Melissa, at the Minnesota Capitol · Melissa Hortman. Mr. Walz is not expected to recognize the candidate in the primary.
On the Republican side, former professional basketball player Royce White lost to Senator Amy Klobuchar, who said he would be with former Navy SEAL Adam Schwartz (Adam Schwarze) Running together. Michelle Tafoya, a former television sports broadcaster who has become a regular on the right-wing Review Tour, also said she is considering running for a seat.
No one has played for the Minnesota Governor’s game. Mr. Walz won the elections in 2018 and 2022, although the state has been closer in two of the last three presidential elections.
