By Conrad Lange Zbikowski
Recently, Tom Horner wrote in these pages asking why Gov. Tim Walz was running for reelection in 2026. I spoke with Walz a few weeks ago on this very topic at a Senate DFL event. Walz is very transparent about why he is running, and he makes a strong case.
The short answer is that Walz is the most qualified candidate in the present arena to run for governor. With two terms of experience, and many lessons learned over years of crises, Walz is uniquely qualified to run again as Minnesota’s chief executive. Walz is relatively young at 61 years wise, and even runs competitively, posting a great time on the Twin Cities 10-mile alongside his daughter Hope.
Critically, Walz has said publicly that he will not be running for president in 2028. That is a flat, “No.” He sees his responsibility to Minnesotans to serve the state well, and running for the highest office conflicts with that.
Walz and DFL legislators have overcome unprecedented challenges like the pandemic to provide historic investment in education, prioritize clean energy, and more. With a second trifecta of DFL legislative majorities and his signature pen, we can do more to improve the lives of Minnesotans in every corner of the state.
Joe Biden was 20 years older than Tim Walz is now when the disastrous debate took place. U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison — two of the leading candidates who intended to run should Walz step aside — are both older than Walz. Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy, once a rival to Walz, is also older than him. If we were to pass the baton to a younger generation, that would mean a messy endorsement and primary and much reduced chances of success for a candidate with far lower name recognition.
The simple answer is that no incumbent governor, DFL or GOP, has lost a bid for reelection in 35 years. Walz is not running for president, he is running to serve the people of Minnesota. Any baggage from the last eight years would certainly fall even more heavy on any new DFL candidate. The best path forward is to lead with a positive, inclusive vision of what Minnesota can be, and celebrate the popular legislation we can build upon with another DFL trifecta in 2027.
Conrad Lange Zbikowski lives in Minneapolis and is a former chair of the Minneapolis DFL Party
Not exactly an unbiased view with your former title. Just like the republicans controlling all branches at federal level, power corrupts. The DFL has been too careless with tax payers dollars in this state which has the 4th highest tax rate (thank you DFL for that also). Waltz like Biden cannot win, so whether the next generation is ready or not, time to step aside. We need a swing to the middle and figure out how to improve our state economy and prospects for growth. Not more unchecked regulation and carelessness with hard earned tax payer money.
Tbh, this type of rah-rah piece will do nothing to further Walz’s campaign for those of us sitting on the fence. I like Walz personally, that’s not the issue. He needs to be clear about what went wrong with the fraud, acknowledge his and his team’s shortcomings, and lay out a serious, detailed strategy/plan to make sure it doesn’t happen again. It’s been way too long in the coming.
That said, there’s about zero chance these days I’m voting for a Republican.
Angie Craig was considering running for governor, and is significantly younger than Walz. She did decide to pass and run for Senate. Interesting that you didn’t mention Steve Simon – who I do believe is younger than Walz. Please encourage Governor Walz to have some town meetings in the Urban core – Minneapolis/St Paul, and to take questions. Walz’s age is not the reason that the folks I’ve talked to – and this includes many active DFLers – are not happy that Walz has run for reelection. Both Klobuchar and Ellison offer compelling stories about why they should be governor. The DFL has an embarrassment of riches for higher office. I am surprised and disappointed that Governor Walz doesn’t see this.
Thanks Comrade,
Not in a million years would I vote for Gov Walz again.
Thanks but no thanks.
P.S I have never voted for a Republican governor.
I think it’s important that we look at how much has been accomplished by Governor Walz and the Minnesota legislature. We have paid family leave, there has been major criminal justice reform, free higher education for many, and so much more. The fraud is a problem, but Governor Walz is committed to stopping it. Governor Walz and many in Minnesota are good people that don’t expect people to scam us which made us an easy target. I believed he has learned and this will not continue. He’s accomplished more than any Governor in my lifetime and I’m looking forward to voting for him for the third time!
Hi.
During his second term what has he done to keep your vote?
He had done nothing during his second term but further alienate me.
And “free” higher education which includes those who choose to come to America in not legal ways is definitely in the demerit column, not in the assets column.
It seemed like he just kind of rubber stamped but the trifecta gave him. Most of which is not things that are good stewardship of our tax money such as the example above.