Tim Walz says he’d 'rather eat glass' than take Amy Klobuchar’s Senate seat if she is elected
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA: Governor Tim Walz said he would “rather eat glass” than take over Amy Klobuchar’s Senate seat if she wins, making a joking but pointed remark as he walked to the podium at a press conference.
Walz commented when asked about filling Klobuchar’s Senate seat, which he could appoint if she resigns.
Walz, who announced earlier this year that he won’t run for re-election amid a social services fraud controversy, has also been in the spotlight for criticizing federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota.
Tensions rose after the deaths of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti during operations involving federal agents, drawing attention and political debate as the November election approaches. The 2026 general election in Minnesota, including the governor’s race, is scheduled for Tuesday, November 3.
Tim Walz rejects Amy Klobuchar Senate appointment
Walz made a joking but pointed comment, saying he would “rather eat glass” than fill Klobuchar’s Senate seat if she wins.
He explained the remark came after a reporter asked whether he would consider finishing Klobuchar’s term, using the phrase to show he has no interest in the job.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz says he would rather "eat glass" when asked if he would fill Sen. Amy Klobuchar's Senate seat if she were to be elected governor. pic.twitter.com/L33wPMEsKE
— FOX 9 (@FOX9) February 17, 2026
Klobuchar entered the governor’s race in late January and is seen as the front-runner to succeed Walz. If she wins, either she or Walz would appoint a temporary replacement to her Senate seat until a special election is held.
Minnesota governor race heats up amid immigration protests
Klobuchar launched her run for governor after a major federal immigration enforcement push in Minnesota, known as “Operation Metro Surge,” which drew intense criticism and sparked protests following the deaths of two US citizens during federal agent operations.
“Minnesotans, we’ve been through a lot,” Klobuchar wrote on X (formerly Twitter) with her campaign announcement. “And I believe this moment calls for grit, resilience, and faith in each other.” She added, “I believe we must stand up for what’s right. And fix what’s wrong.”
Minnesotans, we’ve been through a lot.
— Amy Klobuchar (@amyklobuchar) January 29, 2026
And I believe this moment calls for grit, resilience, and faith in each other.
I believe we must stand up for what’s right. And fix what’s wrong.
Today, I’m announcing my candidacy for Governor. pic.twitter.com/yVnbvmMyxO
On the other side, Walz has spent weeks publicly clashing with the Trump administration over its immigration enforcement strategy, which brought thousands of federal agents into the state and drew widespread criticism.
The federal enforcement operation caused large protests after two Minnesota residents were killed during immigration enforcement in Minneapolis. Walz and Klobuchar spoke out against the deaths and asked for federal agents to be scaled back or removed.
Recently, the Trump administration announced it would draw down most of the agents in Minnesota, though a smaller security force is expected to remain for a time.