Minnesota Governor Tim Walz Announces Re-election Bid, Odds Favor His Successful Re-election Campaign
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (D) has declared his intention to seek a third term in office, setting the stage for a potentially heated gubernatorial election in 2026. Walz made the announcement in a statement, expressing his desire to help Minnesota through hard times and protect the state from chaos, corruption, and cruelty coming out of Washington.
Walz, who was elected governor during the 2018 gubernatorial election, served as a congressperson from 2007 until 2019. His campaign emphasizes his achievements as governor, including historic investment in education, prioritizing clean energy, and creating new good-paying jobs.
Despite being a frequently mentioned name for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination, Walz's odds on Kalshi's market are less than 1%. However, bettors on Kalshi have given him an 86% chance of securing a third term as Minnesota's governor in the 2026 election. This makes him the betting frontrunner for the gubernatorial election.
Six Republicans, including state Rep. Kristin Robbins (R-Twin Cities), have declared their candidacy for the 2026 gubernatorial election in Minnesota. No politician has yet officially announced their candidacy as the Republican candidate, but the incumbent governor Tim Walz seeking a third term is a Democrat.
Walz's opponents have criticized his handling of the unrest following George Floyd's death and the $300 million COVID-19 pandemic food aid fraud case that occurred during his governorship. US House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN) stated that Walz is a proven failure and pointed to the nation's largest taxpayer-funded COVID program fraud that occurred on Walz's watch.
Despite the criticism, Walz has remained focused on his campaign, expressing his grief over the gun violence in Minnesota and calling for unity and hope in the face of adversity. He has also stated that he will not run for president in 2028, choosing instead to continue serving as Minnesota's governor.
Minnesota is one of 13 states without gubernatorial term limits, meaning Walz could potentially serve as governor for several more years if reelected. This has raised questions about the potential for a long-term governorship, but Walz has not yet commented on whether he plans to seek additional terms beyond 2026.
In the 2024 presidential election, Walz lost the election when he was the vice presidential candidate alongside Kamala Harris. This experience may have informed Walz's decision to focus on his governorship and avoid a run for the presidency in 2028.
As the 2026 gubernatorial election approaches, it is expected that more candidates will announce their intentions to run, and the race is likely to heat up as both parties vie for control of the state's executive branch. Walz's reelection bid will be closely watched as he seeks to build on his achievements and continue serving Minnesota.
