Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz announced Monday that he will not seek reelection to a third term as scrutiny intensifies over a wide-ranging welfare fraud scandal in the state.
Walz said he chose to step aside from the race to focus on governing rather than campaigning, according to a report by CNN.
The decision follows a deepening federal investigation into alleged misuse of taxpayer-funded child care programs in Minnesota. While Walz has not been accused of wrongdoing, Republicans have blamed his administration and state Democrats for oversight failures tied to the fraud.
JUST IN: Tim Walz drops out of Minnesota governor race
— Kalshi (@Kalshi) January 5, 2026
The Trump administration has demanded that Minnesota officials provide details by January 9 on child care providers and parents receiving federal funds. The probe traces back to investigations launched during the Biden administration.
Walz met over the weekend with senior Democrats, including Sen. Amy Klobuchar, who is weighing a potential run for governor. Walz is scheduled to address the decision at a press conference Monday in St. Paul.
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TIPP Staff
TIPP Staff
