Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has ended his bid for re-election in the 2026 gubernatorial race, stepping aside amid intense scrutiny over a sprawling fraud scandal that has engulfed state social services programs and drawn national political attention.
Walz, a two-term Democratic governor and former vice presidential nominee on the 2024 Democratic ticket, announced his decision on Monday, saying that he could not devote the time necessary to run a campaign while also confronting what he described as a serious crisis facing the state. The governor’s withdrawal comes less than four months after he had formally launched his bid for a third term.
In a brief statement delivered at the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul, Walz acknowledged the challenges Minnesota has faced amid allegations of fraud within state welfare and childcare programs. “Every minute that I spend defending my own political interests would be a minute I can’t spend defending the people of Minnesota against the criminals who prey on our generosity and the cynics who want to prey on our differences,” Walz said. “So I’ve decided to step out of this race, and I’ll let others worry about the election while I focus on the work that’s in front of me for the next year.”
The scandal has centred on alleged widespread abuse of state and federal funds in programs including childcare, Medicaid and other social services, with prosecutors suggesting potential losses to fraud could be in the billions of dollars. A viral video by an online influencer highlighting suspicious day-care operations in Minnesota helped fuel national media coverage and prompt federal actions, including the freeze of federal funds tied to some of the implicated programs.
Walz said he remains committed to addressing fraud and protecting residents, but insisted he could not effectively balance campaign responsibilities with the demands of his office during what he termed an “extraordinarily difficult year” for the state. He also sharply criticised political opponents for what he described as attempts to capitalise on the controversy, saying their rhetoric sought to “poison our people against each other.”
The governor’s departure reshapes the political landscape in Minnesota, a traditionally competitive state. His exit has prompted speculation about potential successors, including U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, who is considering entering the race, though she has not yet announced a formal campaign. Other state Democrats and Republicans are expected to step forward as the field realigns ahead of the November 2026 election.
Reactions to Walz’s announcement have cut across party lines. Andy Beshear, chair of the Democratic Governors Association, praised Walz as “a national leader in fighting for the middle class” and expressed confidence that Minnesota will elect another strong Democrat in 2026. Meanwhile, Republican critics framed Walz’s decision as inevitable given what they describe as mismanagement and prioritised fraud issues under his administration.
President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly criticised Walz’s handling of the scandal and linked it to broader political attacks, seized on the announcement as a political victory, saying the decision “reflects the will of Minnesotans who want accountability.”
