Feb. 26 (UPI) — Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, who was Kamala Harris‘ running mate in the 2024 presidential election last year, said he will not seek a spot in the U.S. Senate, according to his spokesperson on Wednesday. Instead, Walz will explore running for a third term as governor. Walz’s Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan has already announced she will run for the Senate seat being vacated by Tina Smith next year.
The seat, long held by Democrats, could draw other big names into the contest.
“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,” spokesperson Teddy Tschann said, according to the Star Tribune.
Rep. Angie Craig, another popular moderate Democrat, had been contemplating a run for governor, but a race against Walz could open the door for a Republican to score a rare win in the statewide office.
The Republicans said they believe the Senate seat is in play for a pickup, noting that Harris received just over 50% of the vote with Walz on the ticket last year against Trump.
Republicans who have been mentioned as possible candidates include State Sen. Julia Coleman, the daughter-in-law of former Sen. Norm Coleman, former sports broadcaster Michele Tafoya and ex-Senate candidate Royce White.