Tim Walz abandons race for Minnesota governor – here’s what he did for the LGBTQ+ community
Tim Walz has announced that he is abandoning his re-election campaign. (Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
Tim Walz has announced that he is abandoning his re-election campaign. (Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
In a blow to the LGBTQ+ community, Democratic governor of Minnesota Tim Walz has announced that he won’t be running for a third term in office.
On Monday (5 January), the LGBTQ+ ally, who ran alongside Kamala Harris as vice president in the 2024 US presidential election, announced his decision to step out of the race.
His decision to abandon his election bid for Minnesota Governor comes amid backlash over a welfare fraud scandal that has unfolded during his time as governor.
As per Finance Monthly, the unfolding scandal involves hundreds of millions in stolen funds from child nutrition programs.
‘Selfless commitment to the people he serves’
Walz’s statement, which he posted on X, read in part: “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 went on to share that he’s “passing on the race with zero sadness and zero regret”.
Having spoke to Walz, Harris took to X to share that it’s clear “his decisions are always guided by what’s best for the people of Minnesota”.
“His decision not to seek reelection reflects that same selfless commitment to the people he serves. I want to thank him for his extraordinary leadership,” she added.
Walz has remained a beacon of light for the LGBTQ+ community in Minnesota.
The Democrat, who has been governor of Minnesota since 2019 and previously served for 12 years as a congressman for the state’s first district, has consistently held pro-LGBTQ+ views.
In 1999, he agreed to support the creation of the first-ever gay–straight alliance at Mankato West High School after being approached by one of his students.
In 2023, Walz signed into a law a ban on LGBTQ+ conversion practices in Minnesota, making it the 22nd state to do so.
He also signed a bill protecting trans youth and their families who come to Minnesota from states where accessing gender-affirming care is illegal.
Walz first ran for office in 2006 in a Republican-leaning district, on a platform which included support for equal marriage – a move that was ahead of its time.
He spent 24 years in the army National Guard, and in 2009 delivered a speech in congress where he called for the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, a military policy which barred gay and lesbian personnel from serving openly.
During his time as the Democratic vice-presidential candidate, Walz was open about what he and Harris would do to protect queer kids if elected. He shared that the pair would oppose hate crimes, improve LGBTQ+ education, and ensure the community is protected.
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