Tim Walz, former Democratic vice presidential nominee, returned to his job as Minnesota governor on Friday, after an election loss to President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance.
After three months under the national spotlight in a contentious presidential election, the Democratic governor still has two years left in his current term.
Walz told supporters in a speech on Nov. 8 that it’s “hard to lose” and acknowledged his supporters may be worried about the next four years under a Trump presidency.
The governor said he is ready to defend the progress made in Minnesota.
“The other side spent a lot of time campaigning and talking about and promising that they would leave things up to the states,” Walz said.
“Well, I’m willing to take them at their word for that. But the moment they try and bring a hateful agenda to this state, I’m going to be ready to fight for the way they do things here.”
As long as he is governor, Walz said, he will protect a “woman’s right to make her own health care decisions” and “welcome immigrants with gratitude” for their contributions to local communities, combat climate issues, and keep Minnesota “a labor state.”
Vice President Kamala Harris echoed the sentiments when she conceded to Trump earlier this week.
“While I concede this election, I do not concede the fight that fuels this campaign,” Harris said during her concession speech on Nov. 6. “This is not a time to throw up our hands, this is time to roll up our sleeves.”
Walz also pledged to “swallow a little bit of pride” and find common ground with the opposing side.
“And now that this election is behind us, I’m going to try and keep an open mind, open heart, and really listen to folks who don’t support me or my policies, to work with everyone in the legislature to seek compromising common ground.”
Walz, a former high school assistant football coach, was largely unknown on the national stage until he was tapped to serve alongside Harris on the 2024 Democratic ticket.
Minnesotans voted for Harris-Walz in the 2024 race, marking the 13th consecutive presidential election the state has supported a Democrat. Harris beat Trump 50.88 percent to 46.66 percent in the state.
As the vice presidential nominee, Walz highlighted his midwestern roots and experience as an educator.
Walz’s term as governor runs until 2027. It remains unclear if he will seek a third term.
