Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (D) is considering launching a presidential campaign in 2028, despite suffering a major loss as Kamala Harris’ running mate in the last election.
Although the Harris-Walz ticket was defeated in a landslide, Walz has not ruled out the possibility of making a bid for the presidency. “If I think I could offer something … I would certainly consider that,” he said during an interview with The New Yorker Radio Hour on Sunday.
Walz acknowledged that the role isn’t for everyone, stating, “I’m also, though, not arrogant enough to believe there’s a lot of people that can do this.” However, he added that “if the circumstances are right” and he feels he has “the right skill set for the moment .. I’ll do it.”
Reflecting on the election loss to President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, Walz admitted, “I let people down.”
BREAKING: Tim Walz has says he is considering a 2028 presidential run, saying, “I think I could offer something.” pic.twitter.com/TO9NMp4zcz
— Resist the Mainstream (@ResisttheMS) March 3, 2025
“An old white guy who ran for Vice-President, you’ll land on your feet pretty well. But I still struggle with it. It was my job to get this one. And now when I see Medicaid cuts happening, when I see L.G.B.T.Q. folks being demonized, when I see some of this happening, that’s what weighs on me personally,” he said.
According to Walz, his primary focus wasn’t on securing the vice presidency, but rather on protecting vulnerable communities. “It was to make sure that we balance the budget. It’s to make sure that we keep peace in the world, make sure we tackle climate change, make sure that women make their own reproductive rights. All of those things are at stress right now,” he explained.
Since the 2024 defeat, Walz and Harris have maintained limited contact, speaking “a couple times.” He acknowledged that they are both focused on their respective roles, saying, “I’m doing my job, and she’s doing her job, and she’s out in California, I believe, living, and I’m here in beautiful Minnesota, where the weather’s always great.” He described his relationship with Harris as “professional,” emphasizing that his role was to “support” her.
Following his debate with Vance, Walz was criticized for taking what some viewed as an overly cooperative stance. As The New Yorker described it, he was seen as “conciliatory” during the exchange.
Looking back, Walz admitted that attempting to find common ground with Trump was “naive.” He argued, “He’s not interested in finding common ground with us. He sees us as an impediment and an obstacle, and I think he’ll continue to move to remove those obstacles the best he can.”
As Minnesota’s governor, Walz pledged to act as a “firewall” against Trump’s administration.
“I don’t think you can underestimate how far [Trump] will go. And I think you should assume a worst-case scenario. If I’m wrong, that’s O.K., democracy holds. If I’m right, then we need to be prepared that he’ll continue to make these moves. As governor, my job is to make sure the firewall is there,” he said.
When asked whether he would officially enter the 2028 presidential race, Walz reaffirmed his willingness to serve.
“I’ve always said this: I didn’t prepare my life to be in these jobs, but my life prepared me well. And, if this experience I’ve had and what we’re going through right now prepares me for that, then I would. But I worry about people who have ambition for elected office. I don’t think you should have ambition. I think you should have a desire to do it if you’re asked to serve. And that’s kind of where I’m at,” he concluded.
