Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz announced on Tuesday that he will run for a third term in 2026, a move that could make him the longest-serving governor in the state’s modern history. Walz, who was first elected in 2018 and reelected in 2022, launched his campaign with a video message where he reflected on his time in office and the challenges facing Minnesotans.
In the video, Walz said his decision to seek another term comes from his belief that there is still more work to be done. He highlighted the struggles Minnesotans have endured in recent years and said he has witnessed the strength of communities when they support one another. “I’ve seen how we help each other through the hard times,” Walz said. “And boy, we’ve seen terrible times this year. I’m heartbroken and angry about the beautiful people we lost to gun violence. But it’s in these moments, we have to come together. We can’t lose hope. Because I’ve seen what we can do when we work together.”
Walz’s potential third win would be historic. No Minnesota governor has served three straight four-year terms since the state moved to four-year gubernatorial terms in 1963. While Democrats have enjoyed success in statewide elections in recent years, the political climate in Minnesota is becoming more competitive. In 2022, Republicans came close to securing the governor’s seat, and this year the Minnesota House is evenly split between Democrats and Republicans, reflecting the state’s closely divided electorate.
The governor’s re-election bid will likely set up a competitive race. Several Republicans have already entered the contest, signaling a crowded primary season. Kendall Qualls, a former business executive and Army veteran, announced his candidacy earlier this year. Qualls, who has run for office before, hopes to make history as Minnesota’s first Black governor. Another familiar face is Scott Jensen, a physician and former state senator, who was the Republican nominee against Walz in 2022 and is seeking a rematch. More recently, Kristin Robbins, a state representative from Maple Grove who chairs a legislative committee focused on government fraud, joined the Republican field in August.
As Walz prepared to make his case for another four years, his party rallied behind him. The Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL) issued a statement praising his accomplishments, pointing to policies such as paid family and medical leave, free school meals for all students, and what they describe as one of the strongest child tax credits in the country. Richard Carlbom, the party chair, framed Walz as a leader who prioritizes safety, stability, and affordability for families across the state. “He is focused on making your life more safe, secure, and affordable,” Carlbom said, adding that Walz has also provided a steady hand during uncertain economic times.
Republican leaders have not yet released a formal response to Walz’s announcement, but the growing number of challengers in their party suggests they see an opening. With the state divided politically and national issues like the economy and public safety weighing on voters’ minds, the 2026 governor’s race is expected to be closely watched.
Walz’s campaign is likely to emphasize his record of progressive policies and his experience leading Minnesota through crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent rise in gun violence. Meanwhile, his Republican opponents will likely argue that it is time for a change and will seek to channel voter frustration over economic pressures and safety concerns.
If successful, Walz would cement his place in Minnesota’s history books and extend his influence on the state’s future. But with a competitive field of challengers and a shifting political landscape, the path to a third term is far from guaranteed. What is clear, however, is that Minnesotans will once again face a defining choice in 2026 about the direction of their state.
