ST PAUL, Minnesota — Gov. Tim Walz promised Wednesday night to do everything in his power to protect Minnesotans from the chaos that he believes President Donald Trump has unleashed on the country and the world.
During his annual State of the State address to a joint session of the Legislature, the Democratic governor stated that Minnesota is as strong as it has ever been, but it is a “moment of great uncertainty for our nation.” And he stated that this is not an accident, but rather the result of the Republican president’s decisions.
“The president of the United States has chosen – chosen! – to throw our economy into turmoil,” Walz informed the nation.
“Global markets are teetering on the brink of collapse,” said the politician. “Businesses across the country, including in Minnesota, are already laying off thousands of employees. Workers are paying more for basic necessities. And, if you haven’t checked your 401(k) in a while, don’t.
It was Walz’s first major speech to a statewide audience since the 2024 campaign, when he was Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate and the two lost to Trump and Vice President JD Vance. Democrats gave him frequent standing ovations, but Republicans responded with silence or polite applause.
“As governor, I will continue to do everything in my power to protect Minnesotans from getting hurt and continue to provide shelter from the storm for Minnesotans,” the state’s governor said.
Walz has stated that he will decide after the legislative session whether to seek a third consecutive four-year term as governor, a prize that no candidate has won since Minnesota switched to four-year rather than two-year gubernatorial terms after the 1962 election.
He is also frequently mentioned as a potential Democratic presidential candidate for 2028, and he has kept his name in the national spotlight by making frequent appearances on cable TV news, addressing similar issues to those he discussed Wednesday night.
And he traveled to Iowa, where the precinct caucuses are traditionally the first major test of the presidential campaign season, to begin his recent series of town hall meetings in Republican-held competitive districts, after House Speaker Mike Johnson advised GOP representatives to avoid town halls.
Walz’s most immediate task, however, is to work with the closely divided Legislature to pass a balanced budget for the next two years before it adjourns on May 19.
The House is tied 67-67, and Senate Democrats have a two-seat majority, so nothing can pass without bipartisan support. However, he stated that Republicans and Democrats have a history of working together in Minnesota, regardless of what happens in Washington.