Gov. Tim Walz: 'I’ve Decided To Step Out Of The Race' In 2026

ST. PAUL, MN — Gov. Tim Walz announced Monday that he will not seek a third term as Minnesota governor.

In a statement released Monday morning, Walz said he decided to step aside after reflecting with his family and senior staff over the holidays, saying the demands of a political campaign would interfere with his ability to focus on governing as Minnesota confronts widespread fraud investigations and heightened political tensions.

“So I’ve decided to step out of the race and let others worry about the election while I focus on the work,” Walz said.

Walz acknowledged that he announced plans in September to seek a third term but said circumstances have changed.

“Every minute I spend defending my own political interests would be a minute I can’t spend defending the people of Minnesota,” he said.

The announcement comes as Minnesota continues to face fallout from several large-scale fraud cases tied to state-administered programs, including the roughly $300 million Feeding Our Future child nutrition scheme, one of the largest pandemic-era fraud cases in the country.

Federal prosecutors have said the scheme involved dozens of fraudulent sites and led to numerous indictments and convictions for wire fraud, money laundering, and related charges.

Walz said his administration has taken steps to combat fraud, including cutting off funding streams, firing employees, cooperating with federal investigators, and hiring a new head of program integrity.

“The buck stops with me,” Walz said. “My administration is taking fast, decisive action to solve this crisis.”

Walz also sharply criticized Republicans and President Donald Trump, accusing them of politicizing fraud investigations, targeting immigrant communities, and contributing to the federal freeze of child care funding to Minnesota.

The governor said stepping aside will allow him to focus exclusively on governing through the remainder of his term, which ends in January 2027.

“I didn’t run for this job so I could have this job. I ran for this job so I could do this job,” Walz said.

Earlier reporting Sunday night by political insider Blois Olson said sources expected Walz to announce a decision Monday and that he was “likely to drop out” of the race. Olson also reported that Walz met privately with U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar ahead of the announcement.

Meanwhile, political insider Michael Brodkorb said multiple sources told him Klobuchar is “very likely” to run for governor and could announce her decision quickly. Brodkorb added that Democrats he spoke with believe a Klobuchar candidacy would unify and energize the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party ticket.

The Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party praised Walz’s decision in a statement Monday.

“Tim and Gwen Walz have served Minnesota with a deep commitment to servant leadership,” DFL Chair Richard Carlbom said. “We’re grateful for the years Governor Walz has spent in public service delivering for Minnesotans as a public-school teacher, National Guardsman, member of Congress, and as our Governor. We respect his decision to not seek a third term.”

The Republican Party of Minnesota also weighed in before Walz’s decision became official, urging supporters to prepare for the upcoming election cycle.

“With speculation swirling about the political future of Tim Walz it is more important than ever to have strong candidates for Governor and the legislature so we can take back our state,” the party said in a social media post.

Walz said he is confident a DFL candidate will retain the governor’s office in 2026 and said he plans to remain engaged in public service after leaving office.

“Today, I’m proud of the work we’ve done to make Minnesota America’s best place to live and raise kids,” Walz said. “And most of all, I want Minnesotans to know that I’m on the job, 24/7, focused on the work ahead.”