Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced Monday his withdrawal from the upcoming gubernatorial race, ending his pursuit of an unprecedented third term amidst mounting political pressure and a sprawling fraud investigation that has drawn national attention. The Democratic governor, who previously served as Kamala Harris’s running mate in the 2024 presidential election, stated his decision stemmed from a need to prioritize governing over campaigning during what he described as an ‘extraordinarily difficult’ period for the state.
The announcement follows intensified scrutiny from Republican critics, including former President Donald Trump, regarding the administration of Minnesota’s social safety net programs. Federal prosecutors estimate that fraudulent activities within state programs, particularly Medicaid, have resulted in approximately $9 billion in losses.
Walz defended his administration’s response, emphasizing ongoing measures to combat systemic fraud while accusing political opponents of exploiting the crisis. ‘For the last several years, an organized group of criminals have sought to take advantage of our state’s generosity,’ Walz stated. He specifically criticized the Trump administration’s recent decision to withhold federal childcare funding, characterizing it as a politically motivated attack that harms Minnesota families.
The funding freeze originated from allegations made by a conservative YouTuber claiming Somali-operated nurseries misused public funds. While state officials have challenged these allegations, and CBS News found no evidence of fraud upon reviewing public records, the controversy has intensified Minnesota’s status as a focal point in national immigration debates. The state hosts the largest Somali immigrant population in the U.S., a community frequently targeted by Trump’s immigration policies.
Walz concluded that continuing his campaign would divert attention from addressing both the fraud crisis and what he perceives as politically cynical attacks. ‘Every minute I spend defending my own political interests would be a minute I can’t spend defending the people of Minnesota,’ he stated, confirming his decision followed consultations with family and advisors.