Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz made a rare appearance in his home state on Wednesday, stepping off the national campaign trail to attend a September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance event in St. Paul.
Axios reported that the event marked his first public appearance in Minnesota in over a month as he continues to campaign as the Democratic vice-presidential nominee. Walz's visit to Minnesota comes as his focus has shifted toward national politics, with limited opportunities for local engagements.
The September 11 event was held at St. Paul's Roy Wilkins Auditorium, where Walz joined volunteers in packing meals for the hungry in honor of the day of remembrance.
In brief remarks, Walz thanked those participating in the service, saying, "Thanks for continuing to make it not just another day on the calendar."
His presence at the event highlighted a break in what has otherwise been a busy campaign schedule across several key battleground states.
Since being tapped as Vice President Kamala Harris' running mate in early August, Walz has spent much of his time crisscrossing the country.
He has made stops in critical states like Arizona, Nevada, and Texas, focusing on rallies, fundraisers, and national media interviews. His heavy national schedule has meant fewer appearances in Minnesota, leaving Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan to handle many day-to-day responsibilities at the state level.
Prior to his nomination, Walz was a frequent presence in local Minnesota events and press conferences.
However, since joining the national ticket, his local visibility has diminished. His last significant press engagement in Minnesota was on August 2, just before his vice-presidential candidacy was officially announced.
Walz's only other recent appearance in Minnesota was on September 1 at the Minnesota State Fair, where he briefly spoke with journalists, answering just two questions before returning to the campaign trail.
By contrast, during his re-election campaign for governor in 2022, Walz had participated in at least eight local events by this time in the year.
His absence from Minnesota politics has been felt, though his state office assures residents that he remains engaged in critical decisions. "It's basically business as usual, with staff running day-to-day operations and the governor getting frequent briefings and weighing in on key decisions," said a spokesperson for the governor’s office.
With Walz's focus on national issues, Flanagan has stepped in to manage many of the ceremonial and administrative duties that Walz would typically oversee. Most recently, she greeted students during the first week of school, a task Walz had previously handled himself.
While she has taken on a more prominent role in state affairs, Minnesotans are still looking to Walz for updates on key issues such as the search for a permanent head of the state's cannabis agency.
Walz's involvement in state governance, though remote, remains ongoing. He continues to receive regular briefings and offer input on various state matters, ensuring that his leadership presence is still felt, albeit from a distance.
As the November 5 election approaches, Walz is not expected to make many more appearances in Minnesota. His campaign priorities lie primarily in other regions of the country, where his presence is seen as crucial to securing Democratic wins in battleground states.
Despite his reduced physical presence in the state, Walz remains a prominent figure in Minnesota politics. His dual role as governor and vice-presidential candidate has led to a balancing act, with his duties on the national stage often taking precedence over local concerns.
For many Minnesotans, Walz's campaign represents a significant departure from the hands-on approach they had come to expect during his governorship. However, with the election just weeks away, the focus on national politics is unlikely to shift anytime soon.
