ST. PAUL, Minn. — The halls of the state Capitol are abuzz about who will be the choice of Governor Tim Walz as a running mate for his bid for a third term. His lieutenant governor for two terms, Peggy Flanagan, has ruled herself out by running for the U.S. Senate. She pledged support to Walz: “Under his leadership, we worked to make Minnesota affordable, accessible, and equitable for everyone. He has my full support in his next chapter of leadership.” So far Walz hasn’t hinted at a choice. The short list of prospects in Capitol chatter:
> Melvin Carter, the first black mayor of St. Paul.
> Melisa López Franzen, the first woman of color to be the state Senate minority leader, who earlier dropped out of the U.S. Senate race.
> Roslyn Harmon, the first black mayor of Golden Valley.
> Hollies Winston, black mayor of Brooklyn Park.
> Dawanna Witt, black Hennepin County sheriff.
Democrats hold every statewide elected office, which itself makes for a strong bench of possibilities. All had been hinted for governor before Walz announced his candidacy:
> Julia Blaha, state auditor since 2019.
> Keith Ellison, attorney general since 2019 and earlier elected three times to the U.S House.
> Steve Simon, secretary of state since 2005.
Verbatim
Mike Erlandson, former said state Democratic chair: “Because Walz is running for this unprecedented third term, you want somebody who elevates or creates a new sense of excitement for the ticket. A balance is important. So it’s likely the candidate will be a different gender, likely be a different race.”
Earlier: Walz to seek third term as governor