Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has signaled potential presidential ambitions for 2028 despite the devastating loss to President Donald Trump. Critics have swiftly ridiculed the notion of “Tampon Tim” seeking the presidency, pointing to his failed policies in Minnesota. Who represents the strongest competition for Walz within the Democratic Party’s 2028 field?
Walz Signals Presidential Aspirations Despite 2024 Failure
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has hinted at a potential presidential run in 2028, despite his recent defeat as Kamala Harris’s running mate in the 2024 election. The former teacher and football coach, who previously claimed to have no presidential ambitions, now says he would consider running if he feels he “can serve” effectively.
“Look, I never had an ambition to be president or vice president. I was honored to be asked,” Walz stated before adding, “If I feel like I can serve, I will. And if nationally, people are like, ‘Dude, we tried you and look how that worked out,’ I’m good with that.”
Governor Tim Walz (@Tim_Walz) says he may run for president in 2028.
"I would certainly consider that,” the Minnesota governor told “the New Yorker Radio Hour” on Sunday. pic.twitter.com/rsm1RGtOy0
— Simon Ateba (@simonateba) March 3, 2025
Controversial Record Follows Potential Candidacy
Walz carries significant political baggage that could hamper a presidential bid, including allegations of a past relationship with a Chinese Communist Party official’s daughter. His vocal support for transgender athletes competing in women’s sports sparked widespread criticism during his vice-presidential campaign, earning him the derisive nickname “Tampon Tim” among conservatives.
The Minnesota governor also recently faced legal threats from Elon Musk after falsely accusing the tech billionaire of making a “Nazi salute” at President Trump’s inauguration. Walz has admitted feeling deep regret about the Harris-Walz ticket’s loss, stating that the failure to defeat Trump is “one I’ll take with me to the grave.”
Elon Musk says that he thinks he will sue Tim Walz for defaming him for when Walz falsely said Musk did “a N*zi salute.” pic.twitter.com/yNbkQlkHOF
— Paul A. Szypula 🇺🇸 (@Bubblebathgirl) January 29, 2025
Democrats Eye 2028 as Rebuilding Opportunity
Walz joins a growing list of potential Democratic candidates for 2028, including Kamala Harris, California Governor Gavin Newsom, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. His consideration of a presidential run represents a significant shift in position, as he previously emphasized the importance of being asked to serve rather than pursuing office out of personal ambition.
Since the election defeat, Walz has hardened his rhetoric against President Trump, abandoning his earlier conciliatory tone and now warning about what he perceives as authoritarian threats. “I would argue that the road towards authoritarianism has been paved with people saying, ‘You’re overreacting,'” Walz stated, signaling a more combative approach that might characterize a future presidential campaign.