Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota briefly stepped away from his national campaign duties to make a rare public appearance in his home state on Wednesday.
As reported by Axios, Walz attended a September 11 commemoration event in St. Paul, marking his first official outing as governor in over a month.
The National Day of Service and Remembrance volunteer event at St. Paul's Roy Wilkins Auditorium saw hundreds of people gather to pack meals for those in need. Governor Walz addressed the crowd, expressing gratitude for their continued dedication to honoring the day. "Thanks for continuing to make it not just another day on the calendar," Walz told the attendees.
Since joining the national Democratic ticket as a vice presidential candidate last month, Walz's schedule has been dominated by campaign-related activities. This shift has resulted in a noticeable decrease in his public appearances within Minnesota.
Prior to Wednesday's event, Walz's only other local public appearance since early August was a brief campaign stop at the State Fair on September 1. This stands in stark contrast to his previous schedule as governor. For instance, in September 2022, when Walz was running for re-election, he participated in at least eight events during the first 11 days of the month.
The demands of a national campaign have led to a more tightly orchestrated press strategy, limiting opportunities for local media to engage with the governor on state matters.
While Walz's presence in Minnesota has diminished, his national profile has grown significantly. This week alone, the governor has held multiple events across three states - Arizona, Nevada, and Texas. Additionally, he has been engaging with media outlets beyond Minnesota's borders, conducting interviews with swing state radio stations and making appearances on national networks such as ABC and MSNBC.
Despite his focus on campaign activities, Walz's state office maintains that day-to-day operations in Minnesota continue as usual. Staff members are handling routine matters, with the governor receiving regular briefings and providing input on key decisions.
In Walz's reduced local presence, Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan has taken on a more prominent role, attending events that would typically feature both officials. This includes activities such as greeting students during the first week of school.
The governor's packed campaign schedule and limited availability have created challenges for Minnesotans seeking information on current state affairs. Local press has had limited opportunities to question Walz directly about ongoing issues, such as the search for a permanent chief of the state's cannabis agency.
The last time Walz engaged in an extended press conference with local media was on August 2, just days before he was announced as the vice presidential pick. This reduction in direct communication has made it difficult for residents to hear from their governor on pressing state matters.
With less than eight weeks remaining until the election, it's unlikely that Minnesotans will see much of Governor Walz in person until after November 5. The campaign trail demands and security considerations associated with a national ticket have significantly altered the governor's public presence in his home state.
Governor Tim Walz's rare appearance at a September 11 commemoration event in St. Paul marked his first official state outing in over a month. His schedule has been dominated by national campaign activities, resulting in fewer local appearances and limited engagement with Minnesota media. While state operations continue under staff management, Walz's reduced presence has posed challenges for local communication on state issues. The governor's focus on campaign duties across multiple states reflects the demands of his new role as a vice presidential candidate, with a return to regular state appearances unlikely until after the November election.
