Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, the 2024 Democratic vice presidential nominee, announced Monday that he will not seek a third term after all, opening up the gubernatorial race in the blue-leaning state.
Walz’s decision to reverse course and drop out of the race comes as he faces scrutiny over a statewide fraud scandal regarding social service programs that has drawn attacks from President Donald Trump and other Republicans. Walz alluded to those pressures in a statement Monday.
“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.”
