Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz announced Monday that he is ending his bid for reelection.
Why it matters: The reversal, which came amid mounting pressure from fellow Democrats, marks a major shake-up in Minnesota politics heading into the 2026 midterms.
The big picture: Walz, the 2024 Democratic vice presidential nominee, announced in September that he would run for an unprecedented third consecutive term as governor.
- But sagging approval ratings and intensified scrutiny into fraud in state safety net programs in recent months has fueled nerves among Democrats and calls for Walz to step aside.
Catch up fast: The Trump administration announced an immigration crackdown in the Twin Cities and multiple investigations into state programs after fresh coverage from conservative and national outlets brought renewed attention to the issue.
- Over the holidays, a conservative influencer's viral video alleging fraud by day care centers that receive government aid further fanned the controversy, leading the administration to announce a freeze of child care funding to the state.
- A top federal prosecutor recently estimated that the total stolen from over a dozen programs in recent years could surpass $9 billion.
What he's saying: In a statement announcing his decision, Walz defended his administration's actions, saying they "made systemic changes to the way we do business" in response to "an organized group of criminals [that] have sought to take advantage of our state's generosity."
- But he said that while he believes he could have succeeded in his bid, after consulting with his family, he "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."
State of play: Democrats have won every statewide office in Minnesota since 2006, and most political forecasts continue to rate next year's race in their favor.
- But Walz's perceived vulnerabilities had attracted a large field of could-be GOP challengers, including House Speaker Lisa Demuth and My Pillow CEO Mike Lindell.
What we're watching: Who jumps in the race for the DFL nomination, and how it reshapes the contours of the race.
- U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Attorney General Keith Ellison and Secretary of State Steve Simon are all seen as possible candidates.
Go deeper: Here's who's leading the Minnesota's GOP primary for governor
Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional context and a comment from Gov. Tim Walz.
