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Walz Launches Historic 2026 Campaign Amid Gun Violence Crisis

9/16/2025

Summary

Story summary

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz announced his candidacy for a third term in the 2026 elections, aiming to become the longest-serving governor in state history.
His campaign video highlighted issues like gun violence, referencing recent tragedies, including the assassination of Rep. Melissa Hortman and a church shooting that killed two children.
Walz's approval rating has fallen to 49%, with a poll showing half of Minnesotans oppose his reelection.
Republican candidates, including Kristin Robbins and Scott Jensen, are challenging him, with Robbins calling a third term under Walz an "unprecedented DISASTER."
No governor has won a third consecutive term since 1963, making Walz's bid historically significant.

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Story summary

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz announced his candidacy for a third term in the 2026 elections, aiming to become the longest-serving governor in state history.
His campaign video highlighted issues like gun violence, referencing recent tragedies, including the assassination of Rep. Melissa Hortman and a church shooting that killed two children.
Walz's approval rating has fallen to 49%, with a poll showing half of Minnesotans oppose his reelection.
Republican candidates, including Kristin Robbins and Scott Jensen, are challenging him, with Robbins calling a third term under Walz an "unprecedented DISASTER."
No governor has won a third consecutive term since 1963, making Walz's bid historically significant.