Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said Monday morning he will drop his re-election campaign for a third term leading the state. A press conference is scheduled for 11 a.m.
His decision comes as scrutiny over alleged fraud within state programs has mounted in recent weeks. The governor said he consulted with family over the holidays and concluded he couldn’t “give a political campaign my all” between now and the November election.
“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,” Walz said in a statement Monday morning. “So I’ve decided to step out of the race and let others worry about the election while I focus on the work.”
The governor will finish the current term, which expires in January 2027. Speculation will range from Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan to Congresswoman Angie Craig. Both are vying for the U.S. Senate being vacated by Sen. Tina Smith’s retirement. U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar is reportedly considering a run, according to numerous outlets.
Republicans have a number of candidates already in the mix, highlighted by House Speaker Lisa Demuth and State Rep. Kristin Robbins.
“I’m confident that a DFLer will hold this seat come November,” Walz said.
Read more:
Who could replace Gov. Walz as the DFL nominee for Minnesota governor? — Minnesota Reformer
Commentary: Walz made the right call for his party, and for Minnesota — Minnesota Reformer
What are we supposed to make of Tim Walz not running for a third term? — MinnPost
Calls for the governor to step out of the race or resign have increased in recent weeks. Last month, 98 mayors expressed concern over the fraud allegations.
Republican Sen. Keri Heintzeman of Grand Rapids joined 38 GOP lawmakers calling for his resignation on Jan. 2.
“Minnesotans deserve leadership that puts their needs first and owns up to challenges with honesty and humility,” Heintzeman said in a statement Friday. “This isn’t about partisanship; it’s about healing our state and ensuring a brighter future for families, students and taxpayers. The time has come to say, ‘enough is enough.’ We hope Gov. Walz will do the right thing and step aside gracefully.”
The Walz administration also faced backlash on the Iron Range after overpaying $2.7 million in mining royalties, which it sought to recollect and impacted local tax increases in some cities.
