Walz says he'd consider running for president if asked

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D), the Democratic vice presidential candidate for the 2024 cycle, said he would consider running for president in 2028.

In an interview with The New Yorker published Sunday, Walz said a friend told him, "Never turn down a job you haven’t been offered" when asked about a possible presidential run.

"I’m also, though, not arrogant enough to believe there’s a lot of people that can do this," Walz said.

When pressed further, he said, “I’ll do whatever it takes. I certainly wouldn’t be arrogant enough to think that it needs to be me."

Walz said he does not have ambition for higher elected office, but added, "you should have a desire to do it if you're asked to serve."

Walz also discussed his views on former Vice President Kamala Harris's loss to President Trump in November. He said he disagreed with those who said the outcome of the election would have been different if former President Biden had dropped out of the presidential race earlier than he did.

"I don’t think it works that way," he said. "I think, as a party, we just need to do a better job of connecting.”

As Democrats wrestle over how to rein in Trump weeks into his first term, Walz said it's “naive” to search for compromise with the president.

“He’s not interested in finding common ground with us. He sees us as an impediment and an obstacle, and I think he’ll continue to move to remove those obstacles the best he can," Walz said of Trump.

He also criticized Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, a fellow Minnesotan, saying Hegseth “really worries" him due to his "revolting views" on women.

Hegseth has previously said women should not serve in combat roles in the military, but he walked those comments back during his Senate confirmation hearing.

Last week, Walz's spokesperson said the governor won’t seek the open Senate seat being vacated by outgoing Sen. Tina Smith (D).

Walz “loves his job as Governor and he’s exploring the possibility of another term to continue his work to make Minnesota the best state in the country for kids," according to his spokesperson, Teddy Tschann.