US EditionTim Walz, Democrats' 2024 vice presidential candidate, says he will not run for a third term as Minnesota governor
Walz cited an 'extraordinarily difficult year' with federal funding freezes and political attacks amid a $110 million childcare fraud probe, prompting his withdrawal from the race.
- On Monday, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced he will not seek a third term to focus on alleged fraud in the state's welfare system rather than run a campaign.
- Amid intensified investigations, federal scrutiny preceded Walz's decision, with national criticism targeting Minnesota's handling of fraud allegations.
- Authorities say the fraud involved fake charities and child‑care providers and the Walz administration says it has cut funding streams, added new locks, and is working with the U.S. Attorney's office and the FBI.
- Walz's decision immediately reshapes the 2026 governor's race, prompting speculation that U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar may run while Democratic leaders praised his record and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey thanked him for expanding paid leave and school meals.
- Given his national profile, Walz's prominence as former 2024 vice‑presidential running mate raises the stakes as Minnesota faces an enormous challenge with ongoing investigations and disputes over federal childcare funding.
330 Articles
330 Articles
Walz made the right call for his party, and for Minnesota
Gov. Tim Walz announces he will step down from the 2026 gubernatorial election Monday, Jan. 5, 2026 at the Minnesota State Capitol. (Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer)The moment Gov. Tim Walz was cooked was little remarked upon at the time, but in retrospect illustrates how he and his administration were sleeping through an enveloping crisis. At the late 2024 budget forecast, he said disability and autism services were driving state gover…
The Billings Gazette
Walz drops bid for a third term
MINNESOTA
Amid Fraud Scandal, Walz Won’t Seek Third Term As Minnesota Governor
By Fred Lucas , The Daily Signal | January 05, 2026 Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz announced Monday he will drop his bid for a third term as governor after his state has been rocked by a fraud scandal. He also admitted “the buck stops with me” regarding the massive welfare fraud scandal, while also taking shots at President Donald Trump. Walz was the 2024 Democratic nominee for vice president on a ticket when Vice President Kamala Harris became the De…
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