Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz abruptly dropped his bid for a third term on Monday, amid a growing fraud scandal hanging over his administration and allegations that billions of taxpayer dollars were swindled under his watch.
Walz, former Vice President Kamala Harris’ veep pick in 2024, had launched his campaign for a third term back in September before the massive Minnesota Somali daycare fraud story broke.
“In September, I announced that I would run for a historic third term as Minnesota’s Governor. And I have every confidence that, if I gave it my all, I would succeed in that effort,” Walz said in a statement.
“But as I reflected on this moment with my family and my team over the holidays, I came to the conclusion that I can’t give a political campaign my all,” he added.
“Every minute 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 prey on our differences.”
Now the scramble starts. Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) is viewed as top contender to jump into the race.
This story is developing…
Minnesota has to come first – always.
Today, I’m proud of the work we’ve done to make Minnesota the best place to live and raise kids.
I’ve decided to step out of the race and let others worry about the election while I focus on the work. pic.twitter.com/AYbvcOzyPI
— Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) January 5, 2026
FOX NEWS ALERT: Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has announced he will NOT SEEK reelection in 2026, after a massive billion-dollar Somali welfare fraud scandal exploded under his watch.
Bill Hemmer: “What a fall from grace this has been for him… What a remarkable two years in the… pic.twitter.com/o4VsAQBUD1
— RedWave Press (@RedWave_Press) January 5, 2026
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