Tim Walz Bows Out of 2028 Presidential Race, MAGA Celebrates Retreat of ‘Radical Leftist’

On July 17, 2025, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, the Democratic vice-presidential nominee in 2024, officially ruled out a 2028 presidential run during a podcast interview with Minnesota Public Radio. “I am doing all I can to help build the party and make sure whoever that person is wins,” Walz said, emphasizing his focus on supporting future Democratic candidates rather than pursuing the White House himself. The announcement, echoed in earlier statements to local media, ends speculation about the 61-year-old governor’s ambitions after his high-profile loss alongside Vice President Kamala Harris to President Donald J. Trump in 2024.

Walz’s decision sent shockwaves through political circles, with MAGA supporters on X erupting in celebration, seeing it as a retreat by a “radical leftist.” posted, “WINNING  Gov Tim Walz announces he’s OFFICIALLY not running for president in 2028 anymore,” while noted, “Tim Walz confirms he will not run for President in 2028.”Walz’s announcement comes amid lingering controversy over his governance and ties to a June 2025 shooting of Minnesota lawmakers. Conservative influencers, including Laura Loomer and Mike Cernovich, falsely linked Walz to the suspect, Vance Luther Boelter, a former appointee to the Governor’s Workforce Development Board in 2019, baselessly claiming Walz “ordered a hit” on political rivals.

A Minnesota Star Tribune fact-check clarified that Walz had no personal relationship with Boelter, who was appointed to a 60-member advisory board and voted for Trump, per Boelter’s roommate. Walz’s spokesperson told CBS Minnesota that governors do not personally vet such appointees, and Boelter’s term ended in 2023. Despite no evidence of involvement, the accusations, amplified by posts like