Minnesota could see historic changes in its state leadership if Governor Tim Walz is selected as Vice President Kamala Harris's running mate and their ticket wins in November.

According to Axios, state law mandates that Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan would ascend to the governorship if Walz were to step down, potentially making her the first female governor of Minnesota and the first Native American woman to lead a U.S. state.

Walz, who has recently gained national attention as a potential VP candidate, could retain his current position while campaigning. However, he may face pressure to resign if selected for the presidential ticket. This scenario would trigger a series of succession events that could reshape Minnesota's political landscape.

Potential For Historic Representation In Minnesota

If Flanagan becomes governor, it would mark a significant milestone in U.S. politics. As a member of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe, she is already the highest-ranking Native woman elected to an executive office in the country.

Flanagan's political career includes serving on the Minneapolis School Board, in the state House of Representatives, and as lieutenant governor since 2018.

One of Flanagan's notable accomplishments has been her role in establishing the nation's first Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives Office. This initiative addresses a critical issue affecting Native American communities across the United States.

The potential changes in Minnesota's leadership extend beyond the governor's office. If Flanagan were to become governor, State Senate President Bobby Joe Champion would be next in line for the lieutenant governor position. This would make him the first Black lieutenant governor in Minnesota's history.

Implications For State Senate Balance

Champion's elevation to lieutenant governor would have ripple effects on the state legislature. His departure from the Senate would leave the chamber evenly split between parties, with 33 senators on each side.

This deadlock would persist until a special election could be held to fill Champion's vacant seat in his Minneapolis district, which is considered safely Democratic.

The potential for a tied Senate raises questions about how legislative business would be conducted during the interim period. It could lead to increased pressure for bipartisan cooperation or potentially result in gridlock on key issues facing the state.

Minnesota's History In Presidential Politics

Walz's potential selection as a vice presidential candidate would continue Minnesota's tradition of involvement in national politics. The state has not had a representative on a major presidential ticket in four decades, making Walz's consideration noteworthy.

The governor recently gained attention for his criticism of former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, referring to them as "weird" guys during a television appearance. This comment has since been widely circulated by Democrats as a campaign talking point.

Historically, Minnesota politicians have played significant roles in presidential races. Former Vice President Walter Mondale, who served under President Jimmy Carter from 1977 to 1981, was the last Minnesotan on a major ticket. Prior to that, Hubert H. Humphrey served as vice president under Lyndon Johnson after their successful 1964 campaign.

Contrasting Views On Walz's Potential Candidacy

While Walz's potential candidacy has generated excitement among some Democrats, it has also drawn criticism from opponents. Former President Donald Trump has accused Walz of supporting the defunding of police departments, a claim that has been contested.

Trump specifically pointed to Walz's handling of the 2020 civil unrest in Minneapolis following the death of George Floyd. The former president stated:

So does the governor of Minnesota. He thinks defunding the police is good. He's actually said it. He gave the police very little protection. When they chased the police out of the precinct, do you remember that? He wouldn't send in the troops. I was responsible for sending in the National Guard. If I didn't send in the National Guard, I'll tell you, Minneapolis wouldn't even exist today. He wouldn't do it. We were calling him saying, 'Send in the Guard. Send in the Guard.' He wouldn't do it.

These comments highlight the ongoing debate surrounding law enforcement funding and public safety, which remains a contentious issue in American politics.

Conclusion

The potential selection of Governor Tim Walz as Vice President Kamala Harris's running mate could trigger significant changes in Minnesota's political landscape. Suppose their ticket wins in November, and Walz steps down.

In that case, Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan will become the state's first female governor and the first Native American woman to lead a U.S. state. This change would also lead to the appointment of Minnesota's first Black lieutenant governor. The scenario raises questions about the balance of power in the state Senate and continues Minnesota's history of involvement in national politics.