Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz announced he will not pursue a presidential run in 2028. Speaking at Harvard Kennedy School in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on April 28, 2025, he emphasized the need for the Democratic Party to reassess its messaging and campaign approach following the losses in the 2024 election.
Walz, who ran alongside Kamala Harris in the 2024 election, described himself as a connection to rural white voters. He highlighted the importance of the Democratic Party reclaiming its core identity.
In a conversation with ABC News national political reporter Brittany Shepherd, Walz openly discussed his role on the 2024 ticket. “I could code talk to White guys watching football, fixing their truck,” Walz stated, indicating that his appeal to working-class white men was a key reason Harris selected him as vice president.
The event was part of what Walz has termed a national “listening tour.” He has engaged in town halls in districts held by Republicans, forums, and media interviews to analyze the Democratic Party’s challenges and its future strategies. When asked about running in 2028, Walz expressed no intention to enter the race, advocating instead for an approach that builds infrastructure before selecting a nominee.
Walz highlighted the necessity of organizing a presidential campaign without a specific candidate, suggesting this would better prepare the party for the 2028 election.
He identified the Democratic Party’s failure to control its narrative as a critical factor in the 2024 defeat. Walz mentioned that the Harris-Walz ticket could have succeeded if the party had been more proactive in media engagement. He pointed to initiatives like Gavin Newsom’s podcast and Bernie Sanders’ rallies as examples of the need for Democrats to participate in both traditional and alternative media platforms.
In 2024, Democrats faced criticism for bypassing cable news, right-leaning podcasts, and other platforms where Republicans gained traction.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s recent podcast, featuring guests like Charlie Kirk and Steve Bannon, is part of efforts to reconnect with these channels. Similarly, Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez are drawing significant crowds on their “Fighting Oligarchy” tour.
Walz’s outreach has met with some resistance. At a town hall in Wisconsin, an attendee reported to Fox News Digital that she was removed after filming Trump supporters being escorted out. In Minnesota, Walz faced heckling at the state Capitol from veterans over past comments, and he encountered conservative backlash for comments about Tesla stock and a state bill providing menstrual products in all school bathrooms, including boys’ restrooms.
Despite these challenges, Walz continues articulating his concerns about the Democratic Party’s disconnect with key groups. He questions the party’s loss of identity as a defender of personal freedoms, middle-class citizens, and labor advocates.
Walz’s remarks were made as former President Donald Trump approached his first 100 days back in office. The Minnesota governor cautioned that Democratic inaction might allow Trump to gain more influence. “If you leave a void, Donald Trump will fill it,” he said. “If I ever had 100 days to live, I would spend it in the Trump administration because it’s like a lifetime.”
He continued, “It’s been 100 days of destruction. You think we can survive 550 more? That’s the challenge. That’s how long it is until the midterms.”
As the Democratic landscape remains uncertain leading up to 2028, Walz’s statements suggest a party still evaluating its future. The former vice-presidential nominee appears focused on influencing the dialogue externally, advocating for a renewed campaign strategy and broader communication efforts.
