Overview

• At a Columbia, South Carolina, convention the governor urged Democrats to "be a little meaner" toward President Trump, branding him a "bully" and "wannabe dictator."
• He warned that Trump represents an "existential threat" and said Democrats must fiercely push back to protect democratic norms.
• On a tour of early-voting states, Walz joined Maryland Gov. Wes Moore—who has ruled out a 2028 presidential bid—to test campaign themes ahead of the 2028 primaries.
• While he has not decided on a third gubernatorial run in 2026, Walz has signaled interest in launching a presidential campaign in 2028.
• South Carolina party chair Christale Spain plans to press for the state to retain first-in-the-nation primary status in 2028 as Democrats seek to regain footing.