Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Kamala Harris’ running mate, lost his home county to Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election.
The Democrat governor’s home county, Blue Earth County, flipped red.
Trump defeated Harris in Blue Earth County 49.6% to 48.3%.
Biden won the county 51% to 46% in 2020.
NEW: Donald Trump flipped Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz's home county of Blue Earth from blue to red, won by Biden in 2020 and now by Trump
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) November 6, 2024
From The National News Desk:
Walz gained popularity in Minnesota when he successfully flipped a Republican congressional seat to Democratic in 2006. Blue Earth County was Walz’s launching pad for his 12 years in Congress, representing Minnesota’s 1st Congressional District.
Walz, who marketed himself as a moderate, continued his winning streak when he decided to leave the House, winning against his Republican opponent by double digits in Minnesota’s 2018 gubernatorial race.
After his victory, Walz moved his family of four from their small hometown to the governor’s mansion in Saint Paul, Minnesota, the state capital. Soon after the transition, they sold their home in Mankato.
Walz, despite playing an active role in the Harris campaign, faced scrutiny this election season over past misstatements. CNN anchor Dana Bash asked Walz during an August interview about allegations that he lied about being deployed to an active war zone. The controversy prompted the Trump campaign to accuse Walz of violating the Stolen Valor Act.
It's worth noting that Blue Earth County is not just a flip…it's the county containing Mankato – Walz's hometown. https://t.co/DauCSUFkUH
— Jay Maynard (@JayMaynard) November 6, 2024
Although Harris won Minnesota, Trump performed exceptionally well in the North Star State.
Former President Trump didn't win Minnesota, but he trimmed his margin of defeat from about seven points to four. He also flipped four counties red from 2020, including Blue Earth County, which covers Mankato — Gov. Walz's old stomping grounds as a teacher and coach. @KARE11 pic.twitter.com/RV9G4tSpN0
— Danny Spewak (@DannySpewak) November 6, 2024
According to Decision Desk HQ, Harris took Minnesota 51.1% to 46.8%.
Joe Biden won Minnesota in 2020 by 7.12%…Kamala Harris picked the governor of Minnesota as her running mate and the margin is likely going to be cut by more than 50%
I mean, what an unbelievably disastrous presidential ticket pic.twitter.com/hwoyg2XsId
— Ian Miller (@ianmSC) November 6, 2024
Minnesota Reformer reports:
If Walz were to run for governor and win a third term, he could become the first Minnesotan to win three, four-year terms. (Minnesota governors served two year terms until 1963.)
Martin said he wasn’t sure whether Walz wants to run again for governor in 2026, but he would be difficult to beat.
“He would immediately be the frontrunner in that race, regardless of which Republican decided to run against him,” Martin said. “He has a great record of accomplishments here in Minnesota.”
Then there’s the question of 2028.
Walz was a little known Midwestern governor just a few months ago, but after a 100-day sprint of national media appearances where he called Trump and J.D. Vance “weird,” massive rallies, rope lines and high-dollar fundraisers, Walz is likely on a list of potential Democratic presidential candidates.
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