ST. PAUL, Minn. (Diya TV) — Democratic Gov. Tim Walz announced Monday that he is ending his bid for a third term, a stunning move that reshapes Minnesota politics and sets off a scramble to replace a governor who once stood on the national stage as his party’s 2024 vice presidential nominee.
Walz said he decided after weeks of reflection, citing mounting political distractions tied to welfare fraud investigations and relentless attacks from President Donald Trump and national Republicans. His exit opens the door for Sen. Amy Klobuchar, a longtime Minnesota Democrat, who is now weighing a run for governor.
Walz, a two-term governor, said he remains confident he could win reelection. Still, he said the political climate would prevent him from fully focusing on governing.
“Every minute I spend defending my own political interests would be a minute I can’t spend defending the people of Minnesota,” Walz said in a statement.
The decision comes as Republicans spotlight investigations into fraud involving Minnesota safety net programs, including child care services. Federal prosecutors began probing the cases years ago, but new disclosures and viral social media videos have drawn renewed attention. Authorities say the alleged scams may be far larger than previously known.
Walz acknowledged failures in oversight but said he has taken steps to address the issue. The state recently appointed a director of program integrity and shut down a housing program linked to fraud.
“The buck stops with me,” Walz said. “A single taxpayer dollar wasted on fraud is a dollar too much.”
Republicans have seized on the investigations as a national issue. Trump and his allies have used the cases to argue that social service programs invite abuse. Some attacks have focused on the Somali immigrant community, since several defendants are of Somali descent. Walz strongly rejected those claims. He accused Republicans of demonizing immigrants and fueling division.
“We’ve got the president of the United States demonizing our Somali neighbors,” Walz said, calling the rhetoric dangerous and racist.
Walz’s exit immediately raised questions about who will lead Democrats in the 2026 governor’s race. Sen. Amy Klobuchar is now seriously considering a run, according to people familiar with the discussions.
One person said Klobuchar is “almost certain” to enter the race and met with Walz over the weekend. Another said she has not made a final decision. Klobuchar, who ran for president in 2020, has served in the Senate since 2007. Democratic leaders and donors view her as a strong candidate who could avoid a divisive primary. One person familiar with the talks said Walz would not have dropped out unless he believed Klobuchar would step in.
Minnesota leans Democratic statewide. Republicans have not won a statewide election there since 2006. Walz won reelection in 2022 by about eight points. Even so, Democrats worried that the fraud issue could hurt downballot races if it dominated the campaign.
Democrats currently defend a narrow one-seat majority in the state Senate and aim to retake the House, where Republicans hold a slim edge. Around a dozen Republicans have already entered the governor’s race. They include MyPillow founder Mike Lindell, a close Trump ally, and several current and former state lawmakers.
Walz leaves office with a long list of policy achievements. He helped enact protections for abortion rights, legalized recreational marijuana, and expanded paid family and medical leave. Minnesota also launched free school meals for all students under his leadership. A former teacher, coach, and National Guard veteran, Walz gained national attention during the 2024 campaign as Kamala Harris’ running mate. His blunt attacks on Trump energized Democrats, though the ticket ultimately lost.
Democratic leaders praised Walz’s service. Democratic Governors Association Chair Andy Beshear called him “a national leader” and said the party remains confident about holding the governor’s office. His departure ensures that Minnesota’s 2026 governor’s race will draw national attention from both parties.
