PODCAST: Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz drops out of 2026 gubernatorial race

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz says he is dropping his reelection campaign amid increased criticism over his handling of fraud in the state.

Walz initially announced his run for a third term as governor in September, but says he reevaluated the decision over the holidays.

“I came to the conclusion that I can’t give a political campaign my all. 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,” he said. “So I’ve decided to step out of the race and let others worry about the election while I focus on the work.”

He held a news conference after announcing he’d end his reelection bid. He took no questions, though he said he’d answer some on Tuesday while providing an update on the state’s new paid family leave program.

The two-term Democrat and former vice presidential candidate has faced scrutiny in the last several months over his handling of Medicaid fraud, which has cost the state as much as $9 billion, according to a top prosecutor. Walz has stated that his administration is taking aggressive measures to prevent future fraud.

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