ST. PAUL, Minn. –If Governor Tim Walz seeks a third term in 2026, he has a huge mountain of cash for campaigning. His annual campaign finance report, just issued, shows a $1 million balance from donors. There has been speculation that Walz, age 60, is too worn out from his failed bid for vice president to run again. His message, however, when asked, is that his focus now is the 2025 legislative session that concludes in the spring. “Ask me later,” he says. In his 2022 campaign for a second term, Walz spent $9.8 million. Meanwhile, among possible candidates on many 2026 short lists:
> Tom Emmer, a Republican and a Trump enthusiast in Congress from MN-6.
> Peggy Flanagan, a Democrat and lieutenant governor to Walz.
> Chris Madel, a Republican and prominent Minneapolis attorney.
> Dean Phillips, a Democrat and former member of Congress from MN-3.