Prospective 2028 Presidential Candidate Tim Walz Under Fire for Past Political Controversies

Man speaking with Harris for President image inset

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, fresh off his failed VP run alongside Kamala Harris, is already floating a potential 2028 presidential bid despite widespread mockery from conservatives who remember him as “Tampon Tim.”

Key Insights

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is openly considering a 2028 presidential run while serving his second term as governor
Walz was Kamala Harris’s running mate in their unsuccessful 2024 campaign against Donald Trump
Conservatives have revived the nickname “Tampon Tim,” mocking his policy of providing free menstrual products in Minnesota schools
Harris’s choice of Walz over candidates like Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has been criticized by some strategists as a factor in their defeat

From VP Hopeful to Presidential Aspirant

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who served as the Democratic vice presidential nominee alongside Kamala Harris in the 2024 election, is now openly discussing the possibility of a presidential run in 2028. Following Donald Trump’s victory and the Republican regaining of Senate control, Walz has refused to rule out higher political ambitions. In a recent interview, Walz directly addressed speculation about a future presidential bid, suggesting he might step into the race if circumstances align with his skillset.

Walz currently has $1 million in his campaign treasury and is serving the last two years of his second term as governor. While he has ruled out running for the U.S. Senate seat that will be vacated by Sen. Tina Smith, he remains noncommittal about seeking a third term as governor. His political future appears contingent on his approval ratings and public support in Minnesota, where he previously served 12 years as a U.S. representative before winning the governorship in 2018.

Conservative Backlash and Mockery

Walz’s presidential aspirations have been met with derision from conservatives on social media, who have revived the nickname “Tampon Tim” – a reference to his policy mandating free menstrual products in Minnesota schools. The moniker has become shorthand among his critics for what they view as progressive overreach. The governor’s comments about a potential 2028 run have triggered a fresh wave of mockery, with many questioning his viability as a national candidate after being on the losing ticket in 2024.

Political analysts have also questioned the wisdom of Harris’s selection of Walz as her running mate. Some strategists suggest that choosing Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro might have been more strategic for winning crucial swing states. The Harris-Walz ticket underperformed in both candidates’ home states compared to Biden’s 2020 performance, raising doubts about their appeal even among base voters.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz says he's open to running for President in 2028. https://t.co/GCQx7T6bC5

— WWJ 950 (@WWJ950) March 4, 2025

Walz’s Cautious Approach to Future Ambitions

Despite the criticism, Walz has maintained a careful stance on his political future, emphasizing service over personal ambition. When questioned about a possible presidential run, he responded with measured rhetoric, saying, “If I think I could offer something … I would certainly consider that, I’m also, though, not arrogant enough to believe there’s a lot of people that can do this.” This reflects his attempt to balance openness to higher office while avoiding appearing overly ambitious so soon after electoral defeat.

“Well, I had a friend tell me, ‘Never turn down a job you haven’t been offered,'” – Tim Walz

Walz and Harris reportedly ended their campaign on good terms, though they have had limited contact since November 2024. While Walz has expressed concerns about policies under the Trump administration, particularly regarding Medicaid cuts and LGBTQ rights, he frames his political future in terms of service rather than personal advancement. Fox News Digital sought additional comments from Walz’s office regarding his potential presidential aspirations but did not receive an immediate response, leaving voters to speculate about his true intentions for 2028.