Governor Tim Walz will return to St. Paul after not securing a place as vice president in the recent election. Donald Trump has successfully reached the 270 electoral votes required to win the presidency following his victory in Wisconsin early Wednesday morning.
Walz is now poised to complete the remaining two years of his term after a vigorous campaign alongside Vice President Kamala Harris, which saw him traveling extensively across the nation. He was selected to join her ticket in August and was in the midst of his second term as governor, having won re-election in 2022.
Minnesota has a legacy of producing vice presidents like Hubert H. Humphrey and Walter Mondale, both of whom also ran for the presidency but did not succeed. Walz’s nomination initially placed him in the national spotlight, particularly as he was chosen by Harris over more prominent candidates. His down-to-earth personality, rural roots, and past experience as a congressman in conservative districts played to his advantage.
Nevertheless, Walz faced significant challenges, including scrutiny over various aspects of his record during his governorship, such as his responses to mass protests following George Floyd’s murder in 2020, controversies surrounding the Feeding Our Future nutrition aid fraud during the pandemic, and several progressive policies enacted during his tenure. Additionally, he encountered criticism regarding inaccuracies about his military service, statements concerning fertility treatments, and discrepancies regarding his trips to China during his time as a teacher.
Reflecting on his journey, Walz expressed a mix of disbelief and gratitude during his farewell campaign remarks in Wisconsin. He quipped about missing an important call from Harris that offered him the vice presidential position, underscoring his humility and approachability: “What an incredible journey I’ve been on… if you’re getting an important call, don’t screen it, pick it up.”
Despite the disappointment of the election outcome, Walz’s experience highlights the significance of public service and the opportunities for growth that can arise from unexpected journeys. His continued service as governor offers a chance to address the issues that have arisen during his administration and work towards further connecting with and supporting the people of Minnesota.
In summary, while Walz’s vice presidential ambitions came to an end, his return home marks a new chapter where he can leverage his experiences to strengthen his leadership and tackle state challenges moving forward.