Minnesota Governor Tim Walz says he's backing Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey who is seeking a third term as mayor.
In a statement released Thursday, Walz says Frey is a "partner" he trusts to deliver for Minneapolis.
“Jacob has helped make Minneapolis a national leader on issues like housing, and I've been proud to work with him to deliver funding to hire more police officers and fight violent crime," the governor said. "I am proud to support Mayor Frey's reelection so that we can continue working together to move Minneapolis into the future.”
WCCO Radio political analyst Blois Olson told the WCCO Morning News with Vineeta Sawkar that Walz understands policies coming out of Minneapolis shape a lot of the work done at the capitol. He also says Frey's challenger, DFL State Senator Omar Fateh, is far more progressive than Frey.
"Things like rent control, include a much different look at public safety, and then that becomes a Minneapolis problem," says Olson. "But look, it's our largest city, and that becomes a legislative issue. It becomes a reputation issue for the state. And I think that's one of the calculations of Governor Walz."
The endorsement comes after Frey failed to receive the Minneapolis DFL endorsement earlier this month, a process Frey is challenging.
Olson says the endorsement comes as Walz ponders whether he'll run for governor again, and that he knows issues in Minneapolis, dictate a lot of legislation in St. Paul
"Don't be fooled because Governor Walz also endorsed (Rep.) Ilhan Omar in the last week, and so he's playing the incumbent game," Olson explains. "Which is also the safe game. But he realizes that he can't totally moderate if he doesn't want to draw a challenger within his own party next year as well."
Frey also released a statement thanking Walz for his endorsement, and further tying the two together.
“Governor Walz has been a champion for the values that have made Minnesota a beacon of hope and national progress,” said Frey. “On everything from affordability to public safety, no one has done more for working families than Governor Walz. I am honored to have his endorsement and grateful for his partnership in making Minneapolis a safer and more affordable city for all.”