Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced his bid for a third term on September 16, 2025, promising to “get serious about gun violence” in a state reeling from recent tragedies. In a heartfelt campaign video posted to social media, Walz, riding shotgun with his dog through the Minnesota countryside, reflected on the “terrible times” the state has endured. He cited the assassination of former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband in June, as well as the mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis last month, where two children were killed and 21 others wounded. “I’m heartbroken and angry about the beautiful people we lost to gun violence,” Walz said, emphasizing unity in crisis. “But it’s in these moments we have to come together.”
Walz, 61, who served six terms in Congress before winning the governorship in 2018 and reelection in 2022 with 52.3% of the vote, positioned his reelection as a continuation of progress. He highlighted bipartisan achievements like child tax credits, paid family leave, and investments in public schools, while pledging to cut taxes for the middle class, combat fraud in state programs, improve healthcare access, and protect rights “no matter what you look like or who you love.” On guns, Walz plans to call a special legislative session to advance school safety and gun control measures, including an assault weapons ban, though passage remains uncertain in a divided Legislature.
The announcement ends months of speculation about Walz’s future after his 2024 vice presidential run with Kamala Harris. He ruled out a 2028 presidential bid, focusing instead on Minnesota. Republicans, including potential challengers like state Rep. Kristin Robbins and former Sen. Scott Jensen, dismissed his record, pointing to rising crime and fiscal concerns. Walz’s campaign launch, amid national debates on violence, underscores his push for pragmatic leadership in a polarized era.
