Minnesota Gov. Walz launches reelection bid

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) launched his reelection campaign for a second term as governor on Tuesday, arguing that voters in the state should give him another four years to continue the fight against the coronavirus and to improve the state’s economy.

“Peggy and I asked Minnesotans to come together and make a goal line stand to fight COVID and protect the economy. The fight’s not over but we’ve got the ball back, we’re on offense and we’re making progress, but the same people who blocked us are trying to take us backwards,” Walz, a former high school football coach, said with Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan in a campaign video.

Six Republicans have already announced bids in next year’s governor’s contest, including state Sen. Paul Gazelka, who was formerly the state Senate’s majority leader.

Walz was first elected in 2018 and has served during a turbulent time in the state, governing through the coronavirus crisis that closed down much of the nation. He was also governor of Minnesota during the tumultuous summer of 2020, when the police killing in Minneapolis of George Floyd set off nationwide protests for racial justice and police accountability.