It’s a little early to declare your candidacy for the 2028 presidential election. But that isn’t stopping this man.
Now a shock 2028 announcement is raising eyebrows across Washington, D.C.
Failed 2024 Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Walz is leaving the door open for a 2028 presidential run—despite his resounding defeat alongside then-Vice President Kamala Harris in November.
“Look, I never had an ambition to be president or vice president. I was honored to be asked,” the Minnesota governor said during an appearance on *The New Yorker Radio Hour* on Sunday.
“If I feel 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.”
“If I think I could offer something … I would certainly consider that,” Walz added, signaling he hasn’t ruled out another run on the national stage.
At 60 years old, Walz recently ruled out a bid to replace retiring Democratic Senator Tina Smith in 2026. While he is eligible to run for a third term as Minnesota’s governor that same year, he has yet to announce his plans.
During the interview, Walz expressed a mix of humility and openness about his political future. “I’m not arrogant enough to believe there’s a lot of people that can do this,” he said.
However, he made it clear that if “the circumstances are right” and he believes he has “the right skill set for the moment … I’ll do it.”
Pressed by host David Remnick for a more definitive answer, Walz simply responded: “I’ll do whatever it takes.”
Walz’s selection as Harris’ running mate sparked criticism within Democratic circles, particularly after Harris passed over Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, a rising star from a crucial swing state.
Despite being tapped to energize the ticket, Walz failed to deliver.
He lost his debate against Republican JD Vance and even suffered an embarrassing defeat in his home Blue Earth County—a deep blow for a candidate chosen to help bridge the gap with Middle America.
Reflecting on the loss, Walz didn’t hide the emotional weight of the defeat. “It’s one I’ll take with me to the grave,” he admitted.
The governor also lamented the real-world consequences of the Democrats’ failure to hold the White House.
“An old white guy who ran for vice president, you’ll land on your feet pretty well,” he said.
“But I still struggle with it … when I see Medicaid cuts happening, when I see LGBTQ folks being demonized, when I see some of this happening, that’s what weighs on me personally.”
Before becoming governor in 2018, Walz served 12 years in Congress—but don’t expect him to return to Capitol Hill. He made his feelings about a Senate run crystal clear.
“I’d rather eat glass,” he quipped, shutting down any speculation about a bid for Smith’s seat.
If Walz seeks re-election in 2026 and wins, he could make history. By serving through 2031, he would become the longest-serving governor in Minnesota’s history—a potential consolation prize for a politician still reeling from a bruising national rejection.
