Gov. Tim Walz drops out of 2026 Minnesota governor’s race amid criticism over his handling of fraud
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said he is abandoning his re-election campaign due to growing criticism over his handling of fraud in the state.
Walz initially announced his candidacy for a third term as governor in Septemberbut said he re-evaluated the decision over the holidays.
“I have come to the conclusion that I cannot give my all in a political campaign. Every minute I spend advocating for my own political interests would be a minute I cannot spend defending Minnesotans against the criminals who take advantage of our generosity and the cynics who take advantage of our differences,” he said. “So I have decided to withdraw from the race and let others worry about the election while I focus on work.”
He made his announcement Monday morning before a press conference scheduled for 11 a.m.
How to watch
- What: Gov. Tim Walz holds a news conference after announcing he will not run for re-election.
- When: 11:00 a.m. CT
- How to watch: Watch in the live player above.
The two-term Democrat and former vice presidential candidate has faced scrutiny in recent months for his handling of Medicaid fraud, which cost the state up to $400. 9 billion dollarsaccording to a senior prosecutor. Walz said his administration was taking aggressive steps to prevent future fraud.
“Across the state, Minnesotans are working hard on this issue. Advocates, administrators and investigators are on the front lines defending the integrity of our state’s programs, and I want to thank them for their efforts,” Walz said. “There is still much to be done. One taxpayer dollar wasted on fraud is one dollar too many to tolerate. And while everyone has a role to play – from the legislature to prosecutors to insurance companies to local and county governments – the buck stops with me. My administration is taking swift and decisive action to solve this crisis. And we will win the fight against fraudsters.
Walz has also been the target of attacks from President Trump. On Thanksgiving, Mr. Trump used a insult for people with intellectual disabilities to describe Walz on his Truth Social platform. During a press briefing Sunday, Trump called Walz a “very stupid, low IQ governor.”
Over the weekend, Mr. Trump reposted a conspiracy theory video alleging that Walz was behind the political project. assassination from Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman.
Hortman, Walz’s close friend and political ally, was murdered in her home alongside her husband on June 14. The man accused of killing them both, as well as wounding Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette, faces multiple federal chargesincluding two counts of murder.
Walz denounced the president’s post, calling it “dangerous and depraved behavior.”
Walz, a former congressman and teacher, was first elected governor in 2018. During his tenure, he made several progressive victoriesspurred in part by a once-a-decade DFL trio in the Legislature. During the months of the 2023 legislative session, he successfully passed free school meals for all, legalized recreational marijuana use, and created a state program for paid family and medical leave.
“I’m confident a DFL player will fill this seat come November. I’m confident I’ll find ways to contribute to the state I love even after I leave office next January. But there will be time to worry about all that later,” he said.
A source close to Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar said she is considering a run for governor but has not yet made a decision.
Walz added that he leaves the race with “zero sadness and zero regrets.”
“Above all, I want Minnesotans to know that I am on the job, 24/7, to ensure we remain the best place in America to live and raise children. No one is going to take that away from us. Not the fraudsters. And not the president. Not on my watch,” he said.
This story will be updated.
