The 2026 campaign for Minnesota governor will start to take shape over the next several months as Gov. Tim Walz weighs seeking a third term and several Republicans consider challenging him.
Walz has said he will make his decision on a historic third consecutive term by this summer, after the 2025 legislative session. The DFL governor raised his national profile while running for vice president last year and has more than $1 million in campaign funds, which could give him an early advantage.
Several Republicans, including Walz’s 2022 opponent, are considering campaigns for the governor’s mansion. Meanwhile, two prominent Minnesota Republicans in Congress have ruled out a run.
Here’s an early look at the possible gubernatorial field, and who’s ruled it out.
Tim Walz
Most Minnesota governors haven’t sought a third consecutive term, even though the state doesn’t impose term limits on its chief executive. Walz argues that life in the state has improved under his tenure, and his team has touted that his approval rating held strong even after his failed vice-presidential campaign.
“I think right now we’ll get through this legislative session, and I think if you see [approval] numbers like this and you see the public being there and I feel like I’m able to do the job, I think I would look at it,” Walz said in an interview with WCCO television last week.
“If the people of Minnesota think it’s the best for them, I would be honored to continue to serve,” Walz continued.
Walz held a fundraiser for his gubernatorial campaign committee in early January with his wife, Gwen. Absent from the fundraiser was Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan. The two reportedly had a falling out after Walz returned home from the national campaign.