Democratic Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has announced he will not seek a third term, a decision that has landed heavily with LGBTQ+ communities who have long viewed him as a trusted ally. Walz confirmed he was stepping away from the race, choosing instead to focus on governing amid backlash tied to a welfare fraud scandal with hundreds of millions of dollars taken from child nutrition programs.
In a statement posted on Twitter, Walz said: “Every minute I spend defending my own political interests would be a minute I can’t spend defending the people of Minnesota against the criminals who prey on our generosity and the cynics who prey on our differences…So I’ve decided to step out of the race and let others worry about the election while I focus on the work.” He added he was leaving with zero sadness and zero regret. Kamala Harris, his 2024 running mate, praised his leadership, saying his choice showed a “selfless commitment to the people he serves.”
For LGBTQ+ Minnesotans, Walz leaves behind a legacy: supporting a gay–straight alliance as a teacher, backing marriage equality early, banning conversion practices, protecting trans youth, and calling for the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” His impact will be felt long after this race ends.
