After a high-profile stint on the national political stage as a vice-presidential candidate, Tim Walz is back in Minnesota, resuming his role as governor. Walz addressed supporters at Eagan High School auditorium on Friday, marking his return to state politics following the recent election. Despite the outcome of the election not aligning with his expectations, Governor Walz pledged to continue championing the policies enacted during his tenure.
Speaking in front of a large American flag, Walz acknowledged the election results to a gathering of Democratic leaders, Minnesota agency heads, and supporters. He expressed disappointment with the outcome, particularly the choices made by fellow citizens, but committed to directing his energy towards upholding the legislative achievements made in Minnesota under his leadership. “It’s hard to lose, it’s hard to understand, while so many of our fellow citizens, people that we have fought so long and hard for, wound up choosing the other path. It’s hard to reckon with what that path looks like over the next four years,” Walz stated, reading from a teleprompter – a device he had previously avoided but utilized during his vice-presidential campaign.
Gov Tim Walz speaks to supporters at Eagan High School auditorium after returning to Minnesota from VP campaign
Gov. Tim Walz addresses a crowd of family, friends, and supporters in Eagan, Minnesota, marking his first public appearance after the recent election results and his return to his role as governor.
Despite the national election results, Walz emphasized the importance of state-level governance and signaled a willingness to engage with the opposing party on certain issues. “The other side spent a lot of time campaigning and talking about and promising that they would leave things up to the states, but I’m willing to take them at their word for that,” he said. However, he also drew a firm line, stating, “But the moment they try and bring a hateful agenda in this state, I’m going to stand ready to stand up and fight,” indicating a readiness to defend Minnesota against policies he deems detrimental.
First Lady Gwen Walz also took the stage, sharing a message of resilience and reflection. She acknowledged the disappointment of the election outcome, saying, “Losing stings, yes. And it’s okay to feel sad and scared and a little surprised, if I’m being honest, and to give yourself the grace to grieve what could have been but moments like this ask us to reflect on what matters most, to reflect on what it is that we are fighting for.” Her words underscored the emotional toll of political campaigns and the need to refocus on core values.
Governor Walz called for unity and collaboration in the aftermath of a divisive election. “For my part I’m going to try even harder to do that as governor,” Walz affirmed. “Nobody — not the DFLers, not Republicans — nobody has a monopoly on good intentions or good ideas,” he added, suggesting a potential shift towards a more bipartisan approach in his governance.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and First Lady Gwen Walz listen to VP Harris concession speech
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and his wife Gwen Walz are pictured listening to Vice President Kamala Harris’s concession speech after the 2024 presidential election, in Washington D.C., highlighting the national context of Walz’s recent political activities.
However, the political landscape Governor Walz returns to in Minnesota presents new challenges. Republicans made significant gains in the state legislature in the recent election, ending the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party’s (DFL) complete control at the Capitol. While Democrats retain a narrow majority in the Senate, the House of Representatives is now closely divided, potentially resulting in a power-sharing arrangement. This shift in the legislative balance could significantly impact Governor Walz’s ability to advance his agenda.
Republican lawmakers have openly expressed their intent to provide more robust checks and balances on the governor and his party’s policies. Having witnessed the passage of numerous progressive policies under full DFL control, they are eager to leverage their increased influence. The election results signal a more politically fractured Minnesota, requiring Governor Walz to navigate a more complex and potentially adversarial political environment.
Following his remarks to supporters, Governor Walz departed without taking questions from the press, continuing a pattern of limited engagement with the Minnesota press corps that developed during his vice-presidential campaign.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz addressing supporters after election results
Governor Tim Walz is seen speaking to a crowd of supporters in Minnesota, marking his return to the state and gubernatorial duties after his campaign for vice president concluded with the general election.
After Vice President Kamala Harris conceded the national election, Tim Walz officially returned to Minnesota, resuming his gubernatorial term which extends for another two years, following his 2022 election victory. As for his future political ambitions, Walz has not yet indicated whether he will seek a third term as governor or pursue other political opportunities.
In St. Paul, signs of transition were evident as security measures at the governor’s temporary residence at Eastcliff were removed, symbolizing his return to focusing on state duties.
Discussions about power-sharing in the closely divided House have commenced between House Speaker Melissa Hortman (DFL-Brooklyn Park) and House Minority Leader Lisa Demuth (R-Cold Spring). They are examining precedents in other states and Minnesota’s own history, referencing a previous 67-67 House split.
Speaker Hortman voiced her initial hopes for Walz’s vice-presidential ascent but acknowledged his continued value as governor. “He’s a pretty damn good governor, and I’m looking forward to working with him some more,” Hortman commented, highlighting the ongoing working relationship between the legislative and executive branches within the state.
Lawn signs thanking Governor Tim Walz and family at Minnesota Governor’s residence
Lawn signs expressing gratitude to Governor Tim Walz and his family are displayed across from the Minnesota Governor’s residence in St. Paul, reflecting public sentiment and support following his return to the state.
Minority Leader Demuth emphasized that the new political dynamics would provide Republicans with increased leverage to hold Governor Walz accountable and ensure Republican perspectives are considered in policy discussions. “Our priority is restoring transparency and accountability in the state of Minnesota,” Demuth stated. “We are 67-67 and we are equal parts of that Legislature,” she highlighted, underscoring the significance of the House division.
Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson (R-East Grand Forks) expressed hope for a change in Governor Walz’s approach, desiring a more collaborative relationship than in the past two years. “I certainly hope that he comes back a humbler governor and we can just turn the page on all that rhetoric that he’s been talking out on the campaign trail these past few months. It’s been pretty divisive,” Johnson remarked. He further added, “He was not good at building those relationships with Republicans. He was not good at building the trust. And so I’m hoping that this is an opportunity to build trust and actually get things done for the people of Minnesota,” indicating a desire for a more productive and bipartisan working relationship with Governor Walz moving forward.
