Democrat Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s approval in his own state has fallen to a record low - a level that’s beneath that of Republican President Donald Trump, results of a new survey of voters reveal.
Walz’s 39% voter approval in the blue state is the lowest of his tenure as governor and nearly half the 65% approval he enjoyed in May of 2020, according to a new KARE 11-Minnesota Star Tribune-U of M Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication Minnesota Poll conducted June 8-10.
Walz’s popularity is down 10 percentage points, when his net approval dipped into negative territory for the first time. More than half (53%) disapprove of Gov. Walz, according to the latest statewide survey.
Meanwhile, 41% of Minnesotans voiced approval of President Donald Trump in June, the survey finds.
The governor’s mishandling of the rampant social program fraud in his state is, in large part, fueling his unpopularity, as KARE 11 reports:
“Fraud in Minnesota’s social service programs is an important topic for a majority of voters, according to the new Minnesota Poll. The survey found 54% said they are very concerned about the level of fraud in state programs, 27% are somewhat concerned, 12% said they are not too concerned, 6% said they’re not at all concerned, and 2% said they’re not sure.”
“Handling of fraud could present an opening for Republicans in the midterm elections,” the story reports, noting that more Minnesotans trust Republicans (45%) than trust Democrats (38%) to reduce fraud in their state. Another 3% said they weren’t sure who to trust.
Walz, who was Kamala Harris’ running mate in Democrats’ failed presidential ticket in the 2024 elections, is not seeking a third term as governor in November’s election.
