Gov. Tim Walz (D-MN) is dropping his reelection bid for a third term as Minnesota governor, he announced on Monday, saying he cannot simultaneously wage a political campaign while confronting what he described as a serious fraud crisis facing the state.
“I came to the conclusion that I can’t give a political campaign my all,” Walz said during a press conference, hours after releasing a statement. “Every minute that I spend defending my own political interest 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’s decision comes as his administration faces intensifying scrutiny from both parties over its handling of exposed welfare fraud in Minnesota, including allegations that millions in taxpayer dollars were siphoned through fraudulent, largely Somali-run daycare centers. Federal authorities have expanded investigations into the state, and the Small Business Administration has cut off certain grant funding tied to the programs.
The controversy escalated after President Donald Trump rescinded temporary protected status for Somalis residing in the state, citing a City Journal report alleging that fraud proceeds were funneled to the Somali-based terrorist group al Shabaab. A viral YouTube investigation by independent journalist Nick Shirley further amplified attention on the issue, even as Walz administration officials said earlier inquiries produced no “findings of fraud.”
At Monday’s press conference, Walz accused Trump and Republicans of politicizing the scandal.
“I don’t want to mince words here,” Walz said. “Donald Trump and his allies in Washington and in St. Paul and online want to make our state a colder, meaner place.”
Walz acknowledged the seriousness of fraud allegations, saying public trust is essential for the state to deliver services effectively.
“A single taxpayer dollar wasted on fraud should be intolerable,” he said, arguing that his administration has taken “fast, decisive action,” including firing staff, cutting off funding streams, partnering with federal authorities, and hiring a new head of program integrity. “The buck does stop with me.”
Democratic National Committee Chairman Ken Martin praised Walz’s decision as consistent with his leadership style.
“Tim has never been about titles or ambition — he’s about the people,” Martin said, calling the decision “entirely consistent with who Tim is” and arguing that Walz has always viewed leadership as “using power to make a difference, not preserving it.”
Walz has faced mounting calls to testify before Congress over the issue, and the House Oversight Committee has asked him to appear in early February. His approval rating stood at 48% in a December 2025 poll, a four-year low, according to a local Minnesota outlet. Walz, who rose to national prominence as 2024 Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris’s pick for her running mate, has faced criticism and calls for resignation over how he has handled the reports of fraud.
Republican National Committee regional communications director Delanie Bomar called Walz’s record “failure after failure.”
“It’s no surprise he chickened out of running for reelection,” Bomar said, accusing Walz of presiding over “billions in taxpayer dollars” lost to fraud.
Despite previously announcing his reelection bid in September 2025 and facing no serious primary challengers, Walz said election-year politics would only complicate the work ahead.
“2026 is an election year, and election years have a way of ramping up the politics at a time when we simply can’t afford more of that,” he said.
“I’m passing on this race with zero sadness and zero regret,” Walz added. “I did not run for this job to have the job. I ran for the job to do the job. Minnesota has always come first and always will.”
Walz said he remains confident Democrats will retain the governorship in November and signaled he plans to remain active in public life beyond his term.
A YOUTUBER SCOOPED LEGACY MEDIA IN EXPOSING WALZ’S SOMALI FRAUD SCANDAL
Reports began circulating that Walz could drop his reelection bid late Sunday evening. Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), who reportedly met with Walz on Sunday, is reportedly considering entering the race, along with Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon.
“This is not about politics,” Walz said. “It’s about rising to meet the moment.”
