Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota made headlines on Tuesday by presenting the state’s Thanksgiving turkey, which unlike the tradition of a presidential pardon, will actually be eaten. This event marked Walz’s return to public appearances after his failed bid for vice president three weeks ago. Reporters were eager to ask him questions after being sidelined while he campaigned with Vice President Kamala Harris.
During the press conference, Walz addressed a variety of topics including his campaign with Harris, a judge’s decision to delay a cannabis license lottery, and the recent loss of the House majority by Minnesota Democrats. When asked about his regrets regarding the vice presidential campaign, Walz expressed none and emphasized his pride in representing Minnesota.
Regarding criticism from Rep. Ilhan Omar about their campaign message, Walz had no response. He also defended the process of the cannabis license lottery despite the delay and mentioned his confidence in the Office of Cannabis Management.
As Minnesota Democrats face a divided House, Walz sees it as a reflection of the country’s political landscape. He emphasized the need for continued progress in the state and expressed optimism about the future.
When questioned about a potential reelection bid in 2026, Walz remained non-committal, stating that he is focused on the present. Overall, his return to public engagements signals a new chapter for the governor after his recent political endeavors.
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Photo credit minnesotareformer.com