Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signals interest in a 2028 Presidential run despite recent criticism over his failed Vice-Presidential bid and controversial policies that earned him the nickname “Tampon Tim.”
At a Glance
- Walz is openly considering a 2028 Presidential run while still serving as Minnesota’s Governor
- Critics mock his ambitions following the Harris-Walz ticket’s defeat in the 2024 election
- Conservatives have revived the nickname “Tampon Tim” referencing his policy mandating menstrual products in Minnesota schools
- Walz currently has $1 million in his campaign treasury and is in the last two years of his second Gubernatorial term
- Some strategists questioned Harris’s choice of Walz over other candidates like Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro
A Second Attempt at National Office
Following his unsuccessful bid as Kamala Harris’s running mate in the 2024 Presidential election, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has indicated he may seek the Presidency in 2028. The Harris-Walz ticket lost to President Donald Trump, who secured his second term while Republicans regained control of the Senate. Walz’s potential candidacy comes amid continuing political polarization, with conservatives quick to criticize his ambitions after the Democrats’ electoral defeat.
Walz addressed speculation about his political future in recent statements, showing a measured but open stance toward a possible Presidential run. “If I think I could offer something … I would certainly consider that. I’m also, though, not arrogant enough to believe there’s a lot of people that can do this,” Walz said.
Conservative Backlash and the “Tampon Tim” Nickname
Walz’s hint at Presidential ambitions has reignited conservative criticism, with many on social media platforms reviving the nickname “Tampon Tim.” The moniker references his controversial policy requiring menstrual products in all Minnesota school restrooms, including boys’ facilities. This policy became a point of contention during the 2024 campaign and continues to be used by opponents as evidence of what they characterize as progressive overreach.
The Governor’s aspirations have been met with mockery on conservative platforms, where critics point to the defeat of the Harris-Walz ticket as evidence that the American electorate rejected their policy positions. Some political analysts have suggested that Harris’s choice of Walz over candidates from battleground states like Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro may have contributed to their electoral loss.
Walz’s Political Calculation
Currently in the last two years of his second term as Minnesota Governor with approximately $1 million in his campaign treasury, Walz appears to be carefully weighing his options. He has already ruled out running for the U.S. Senate seat that will be vacated by Senator Tina Smith, stating he has no desire to return to Congress after serving 12 years as a U.S. Representative before becoming Governor in 2018.
While Walz remains noncommittal about seeking a third term as Governor, he has expressed concerns about policy directions under the Trump administration, particularly regarding Medicaid cuts and LGBTQ rights. These issues appear to be motivating factors in his consideration of higher office. Despite the electoral defeat, Walz has indicated that he and Harris ended their campaign on good terms, though they have reportedly had limited contact since November 2024.
Service Over Ambition
Throughout his recent statements, Walz has attempted to frame his potential candidacy as driven by a sense of duty rather than personal ambition. “I think you should have a desire to do it if you’re asked to serve. And that’s kind of where I’m at,” Walz explained, suggesting that his decision will ultimately depend on whether he believes he has the right skill set for the moment and if circumstances are favorable.
Meanwhile, Walz continues to focus on his Gubernatorial responsibilities, using his remaining time in office to advance his policy priorities in Minnesota. His Presidential ambitions will likely be shaped by his approval ratings during these final years as Governor and by the evolving national political landscape after the first two years of Trump’s second term. Fox News Digital reportedly sought additional comments from Walz’s office regarding his potential Presidential run but did not receive an immediate response.
