In a significant political endorsement, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has publicly expressed his strong support for former Vice President Kamala Harris to seek the presidency in the 2028 election. This endorsement comes despite the Democratic ticket's loss in the 2024 race.
Walz's Full-Throated Endorsement on Meet The Press
Appearing on NBC News's "Meet The Press" with Kristen Welker, Governor Walz left no doubt about his position. "We need to have the Democratic Party out on the field, the broad inclusive Democratic Party talking about making life more affordable, talking about protecting freedoms. And I think Kamala Harris does a wonderful job with that," Walz stated. He emphatically added that "If she chooses to run, that betters all of us."
Walz acknowledged that the road to the 2028 Democratic nomination will not be clear, predicting a crowded field of contenders. "I'm sure there will be a lot of folks who throw their hat into the ring. But that's good. And we need to make sure that we're providing the alternative that America is asking for," he commented, framing a competitive primary as a healthy process for the party.
The Message and The Critique
A central theme of Walz's interview was the importance of effective messaging. He defended the core platform that Harris ran on in 2024, even while admitting its limitations in breaking through to voters. "I think she [Harris] had a message last year that I'm proud of. Did it break through enough? Obviously not, but it's still a message that works: making sure that America is affordable for all, people feel included, and we tackle the toughest problems," Walz explained.
The Minnesota governor did not reserve his criticism for internal party dynamics alone. He also took aim at former President Donald Trump, questioning his fitness for office. Walz criticized Trump's "mental capacity" and said he was "fading physically." "He's not solving any of the problems," Walz asserted. "So, I'm deeply concerned he is incapable of doing the job."
Harris's Political Future
While Governor Walz is ready to back her, Kamala Harris has not yet officially declared her candidacy for the 2028 presidential election. However, she has also not dismissed the possibility. In a strategic move, she has already decided against running for Governor of California in 2026, keeping her options open for the national stage.
In an October interview with the BBC, Harris hinted strongly at her future intentions, declaring, "I am not done. I have lived my entire career as a life of service, and it's in my bones." This statement, combined with Walz's robust endorsement, signals that Kamala Harris is poised to remain a central figure in the Democratic Party and a likely formidable contender in the next presidential cycle.
