Tim Walz won’t run for U.S. Senate, weighs seeking third term as governor

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Gov. Tim Walz has decided he won’t run for U.S. Senate and will continue weighing a third term for governor.

“He loves his job as governor and he’s exploring the possibility of another term to continue his work to make Minnesota the best state in the country for kids,” Walz spokesperson Teddy Tschann said in a statement.

The governor’s decision marks the end of his nearly two-week deliberation following Sen. Tina Smith’s surprise retirement announcement, which has created a rare opening that’s likely to bring a serious U.S. Senate contest to Minnesota for the first time in decades.

So far, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan is the only Democrat officially in the race, but the contest could draw a number of big names within the DFL, a short list that includes Reps. Angie Craig and Ilhan Omar, Attorney General Keith Ellison and Secretary of State Steve Simon.

Walz’s team said the governor will not make an endorsement in the primary race.

He has yet to say whether he will seek a third term, but his decision to pass on a Senate run could mean the former vice presidential candidate is closing in on the next big question about his future.

His choice could open up the field to candidates who have been waiting on the state’s highest-ranking Democrat to decide what he’ll do before announcing their own plans.

One Democrat who may have been waiting on Walz is Craig, a moderate Democrat strongly considering a Senate run. She would have had to run in a similar lane as Walz in a primary if they both joined the field.

“The governor and I have a terrific relationship. I respect him tremendously. And, of course, I will take what he decides into consideration before I make a decision,” Craig said this week.

Republicans haven’t won statewide since 2006, but they’re eyeing a comeback and believe their party’s strength in Washington could give them a boost.

So far, former NBA player and far right Republican Royce White and retired Navy SEAL Adam Schwarze are in the GOP field. Royce lost to U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar in last year’s election.

A number of other Republicans are weighing bids. The list includes retired sports broadcaster Michele Tafoya; state Sens. Julia Coleman, R-Waconia, and Karin Housley of Stillwater; and state Rep. Kristin Robbins.

U.S. Reps. Tom Emmer and Pete Stauber have passed on running. As for Minnesota’s two other congressional Republicans, Rep. Michelle Fischbach said this week that “it’s too early,” when asked; and it’s unclear if Rep. Brad Finstad is considering a run.

Minnesota’s two other Democratic representatives in Congress, Betty McCollum and Kelly Morrison, will not run for the U.S. Senate seat.