Tim Walz ends reelection campaign for governor of Minnesota

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) - Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz will not seek reelection for a third term as governor. 

Walz, 61, in September said he'd be running for reelection in 2026 but on Monday he announced he was dropping out of the race, saying he can't give a political campaign his all after what he described as an "extraordinarily difficult year for our state." 

"Every minute that I spend defending my own political interest 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 want to prey on our differences," Walz said during a news conference on Monday at the Minnesota State Capitol. "So I’ve decided to step out of this race, and I’ll let others worry about the election while I focus on the work that’s in front of me for the next year."

Walz's announcement comes as he faces growing national criticism from President Donald Trump, among others, for his handling of fraud in Minnesota. Republican opponents have accused Walz of being slow to respond to the fraud.

"Donald Trump and his allies – in Washington, in St. Paul, and online – want to make our state a colder, meaner place," Walz said in a statement Monday morning. "They want to poison our people against each other by attacking our neighbors. And, ultimately, they want to take away much of what makes Minnesota the best place in America to raise a family."

According to political insider Blois Olson, Walz has also faced pressure from his Democrat colleagues to make a decision on his 2026 run.

Tim Walz's full statement on decision to drop out

What they're saying:

Walz released the following statement Monday morning about his decision to not seek reelection. He also read a similar statement during his Monday morning news conference but did not take any questions. 

"Good morning, and Happy New Year.

"Like many Minnesotans, I was glad to turn the page on 2025. It was an extraordinarily difficult year for our state. And it ended on a particularly sour note.

"For the last several years, an organized group of criminals have sought to take advantage of our state’s generosity. And even as we make progress in the fight against the fraudsters, we now see an organized group of political actors seeking to take advantage of the crisis.

"I won’t mince words here. Donald Trump and his allies – in Washington, in St. Paul, and online – want to make our state a colder, meaner place. They want to poison our people against each other by attacking our neighbors. And, ultimately, they want to take away much of what makes Minnesota the best place in America to raise a family. They’ve already begun by taking our tax dollars that were meant to help families afford child care. And they have no intention of stopping there.

"Make no mistake: We should be concerned about fraud in our state government. We cannot effectively deliver programs and services if we can’t earn the public’s trust. That’s why, over the past few years, we’ve made systemic changes to the way we do business.

"We’ve gone to the legislature time and again to get more tools to combat fraud. We’ve fired people who weren’t doing their jobs. We’ve seen people go to jail for stealing from our state. We’ve cut off whole streams of funding, in partnership with the federal government, where we saw widespread criminal activity. We’ve put new locks on the doors of our remaining programs, and we’ve hired a new head of program integrity to make sure those locks can’t be broken.

"All across the state, Minnesotans are hard at work on this problem. Advocates, administrators, investigators are on the front lines defending the integrity of our state’s programs, and I want to thank them for their efforts.

"There’s more to do. A single taxpayer dollar wasted on fraud is a dollar too much to tolerate. And while there’s a role to play for everyone – from the legislature to prosecutors to insurance companies to local and county government – the buck stops with me. My administration is taking fast, decisive action to solve this crisis. And we will win the fight against the fraudsters.

"But the political gamesmanship we’re seeing from Republicans is only making that fight harder to win.

"We’ve got Republicans here in the legislature playing hide-and-seek with whistleblowers.

"We’ve got conspiracy theorist right-wing YouTubers breaking into daycare centers and demanding access to our children.

"We’ve got the President of the United States demonizing our Somali neighbors and wrongly confiscating childcare funding that Minnesotans rely on.

"It is disgusting. And it is dangerous.

"Republicans are playing politics with the future of our state. And it’s shameful. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: We welcome ideas from anyone, in any party, who wants to help us continue to stay ahead of the criminals.

"And we welcome the involvement of the federal government. I’m grateful to the career professionals at the U.S. Attorney’s office and the FBI who are helping us win this fight.

"But I cannot abide the actions of the political leadership in Washington – these opportunists who are willing to hurt our people to score a few cheap points. They and their allies have no intention of helping us solve the problem – and every intention of profiting off of it.

"Which brings me to this: 2026 is an election year. And election years have a way of ramping up the politics at a time when we simply can’t afford more politics.

"In September, I announced that I would run for a historic third term as Minnesota’s governor. And I have every confidence that, if I gave it my all, I would succeed in that effort.

"But as I reflected on this moment with my family and my team 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.

"So I’ve decided to step out of the race and let others worry about the election while I focus on the work.

"I know this news may come as a surprise. But I’m passing on the race with zero sadness and zero regret. After all, I didn’t run for this job so I could have this job. I ran for this job so I could do this job. Minnesota faces an enormous challenge this year. And I refuse to spend even one minute of 2026 doing anything other than rising to meet the moment. Minnesota has to come first – always.

"That’s what I believe servant leadership demands of me. And as an optimist, I will hold out some hope that my friends on the other side of the aisle will consider what servant leadership demands of them in this moment. We can work together to combat the criminals, rebuild the public’s trust, and make our state stronger. But make no mistake: If Republicans continue down this path of abusing power, smearing entire communities, and running their own fraudulent game at the expense of Minnesotans – we will fight back every step of the way.

"I’m confident that a DFLer will hold this seat come November. I’m confident that I will find ways to contribute to the state I love even after I’ve left office next January. But there will be time to worry about all that later.

"Today, I’m proud of the work we’ve done to make Minnesota America’s best place to live and raise kids – from our new paid leave policy to our child tax credit to our free lunch program.

"And I’m doubly proud of the incredible team we’ve put together to make that vision a reality. Thank you to every member of my staff, and every state employee, who’s part of this fight. We need you on the job to tackle the important work ahead.

"Most of all, I want Minnesotans to know that I’m on the job, 24/7, focused on making sure we stay America’s best place to live and raise kids. No one will take that away from us. Not the fraudsters. And not the President. Not on my watch."

Who is Tim Walz? 

Local perspective:

Walz was elected governor of Minnesota in 2018 and reelected in 2022 after serving several years as U.S. Representative for Minnesota’s First Congressional District. Before that, he was a teacher, coach and member of the Army National Guard. 

He was Kamala Harris' running mate in the 2024 presidential election. He's continued to build up his national profile since they lost the presidential election, especially as a sharp critic of President Trump. 

As governor, Walz has touted his accomplishments that include providing free school meals to all students in Minnesota, protecting reproductive freedom, cutting taxes for the middle class, and expanding paid leave for workers, among other policies. 

Walz was born in Nebraska and after high school, he enlisted in the Army National Guard. He graduated from Chadron State College with a social science degree in 1989. He then spent a year teaching abroad before returning home to serve full-time in the National Guard and teach high school, as well as accept a coaching position. 

Walz is married to Gwen Walz. They moved to Mankato, Minnesota, where they both worked at Mankato High School, where he taught social studies and helped coach the Mankato West football team. 

He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2006, representing Minnesota’s First Congressional District, and was reelected for another five terms before running for governor of Minnesota. 

Tim and Gwen Walz have two children, Hope and Gus Walz. 

Who is running for Minnesota governor in 2026?

What's next:

It's unclear who may seek to run on the Democratic ticket for Minnesota governor, with some speculation that U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota) may throw her hat in the ring, according to political insider Blois Olson. A source close to Klobuchar also told this to The Associated Press.

A source close to Klobuchar told FOX 9 she has received a lot of calls encouraging her to run for governor. She is considering it, but she hasn't made a final decision. 

Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan on Monday said she is not running for governor and is focused on her U.S. Senate campaign. 

READ MORE: Minnesota governor’s race: Potential Democratic contenders after Walz's exit

Meanwhile, former Rep. Dean Phillips posted on social media on Monday that he has "no intention to run for Minnesota governor or U.S. Senate."

"But I stand at the ready to assist common sense candidates committed to reducing the cost of living, improving education and public safety, addressing corruption, and restoring competency in governance," Phillips added.

Meanwhile, around a dozen Republicans have already announced they're running in the race for governor. Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth, MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell, Rep. Kristin Robbins, former federal prosecutor Chris Madel, former Minnesota GOP Chair David Hann and former executive Kendall Qualls, are among those running for governor as Republicans.

Minnesota has leaned Democratic in presidential and statewide races. Walz won his second term by nearly 8 percentage points in 2022. 

Reaction to Walz not seeking reelection

Dig deeper:

Politicians and others are releasing statements following Walz's announcement. Here's a sampling: 

READ MORE: Walz not seeking reelection: Politicians and leaders react

Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan said: "Since his time as a teacher, Governor Walz has led with decency and compassion. Today's decision reflects who he has always been - someone who puts Minnesotans first. I am proud to call him a friend and proud of all the work that has been done to make Minnesota the best place to raise a family."

U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota) said: "Governor Walz made the difficult decision to focus on his job and the challenges facing our state rather than campaigning and running for reelection. He has always dedicated his career to delivering for Minnesota and his impact will be felt for generations to come - from providing school breakfast and lunches to our kids to passing gun safety legislation to maintaining our state’s AAA bond rating. He is a true public servant."

U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum (D-Minnesota) said: "I spoke with Governor Tim Walz earlier today and thanked him for his two decades of public service. Since our time serving together in Congress, Tim has been a dear friend and trusted colleague. It has been a privilege to work alongside him on behalf of all Minnesotans. He is making our state and country a stronger and better place to live and raise a family. 

"As governor, Tim Walz has successfully led our state through challenging times and has reminded us that we are One Minnesota by enacting historic reforms that have benefited all. Together with the legislature, Governor Walz ushered in a universal paid family and medical leave program, made the largest investment in our infrastructure in state history, adopted a universal free school meals program, protected Minnesotans’ reproductive freedom in the wake of the Dobbs decision, and signed a nation-leading climate law that will help our state reach 100% clean energy by 2040. When his administration discovered fraudulent activity, he took decisive action by establishing the centralized fraud investigative unit of the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to hold criminals accountable for violating the public trust. 

"It is no secret that President Trump feels threatened by Governor Walz’s effective leadership, as evidenced last weekend by his outrageous lies and attacks on Governor Walz over the assassination of Melissa and Mark Hortman. These attacks are shameful and beneath the Office of the President. If Trump and Republicans continue down their path of abusing power, attacking individuals and entire communities, and running their own fraudulent games at the expense of Minnesotans — we will continue to fight back.

"I thank Governor Walz for his outstanding public service and look forward to continuing our work together during the second legislative session of the 119th Congress. As we celebrate the New Year, I wish Tim, Gwen, Hope, and Gus the very best in the next chapter of their lives."

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro released the following statement on social media: "Gov. Tim Walz is a good man and a friend who has committed his life to public service. In the face of disgusting personal attacks against him and his family, Tim has shown resilience and commitment to improving the lives of the people he was elected to serve. Lori and I are sending our absolute best to Tim, Gwen, Hope, and Gus, and we are grateful for their service and their friendship."

Minnesota DFL Party Chair Richard Carlbom released the following statement via email: "Tim and Gwen Walz have served Minnesota with a deep commitment to servant leadership. We’re grateful for the years Gov. 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. True to form, he is choosing to spend the remainder of his term focused on governing, improving lives, and standing up for Minnesota."

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said on social media: "Because of Governor Walz, Minnesotans have paid family leave and free school meals.We have rights and freedoms that our neighbors don't.Thank you, Governor, for everything you have done for our city and our state."

Democratic Governors Association Chair Gov. Andy Beshear released the following statement: "Governor Tim Walz has been a true leader who has delivered results that will make life better for Minnesota workers and families for years to come. He’s been a national leader in fighting for the middle class, ensuring free school meals, investing in public schools, and expanding access to affordable health care. As DGA Chair he helped grow our historic momentum and lay the foundation for big wins over the last two years. Above all, as a veteran, educator, coach, and member of Congress, he’s also a great example of a public servant always working hard for the people of his state.

"No matter who decides to run or how much national Republicans want to spend, the DGA remains very confident Minnesotans will elect another strong Democratic governor this November."

DNC Chair Ken Martin's statement: "I’ve known Tim Walz for a long time, and one thing has always been true about him: He entered public life for the right reasons and never lost sight of them. Tim has never been about titles or ambition — he’s about the people. His North Star has always been showing up and doing the work that actually makes their lives better.

"Today’s decision is entirely consistent with who Tim is. Tim has always believed that leadership isn’t about preserving your own power — it’s about using it to make a difference for as many people as possible. He doesn’t measure success by elections won, but by classrooms strengthened, families supported, and communities that are better off because he fought for them. That kind of leadership is rare, and it’s exactly what our country needs more of right now.

"In the months ahead, Tim will continue doing what he’s done throughout his career: standing up to Donald Trump, defending Minnesota’s values, and fighting for working people, while creating the opportunity for new leadership to give everything they have to the next chapter ahead. This selfless choice speaks volumes about his character.

"I’m deeply grateful to Governor Walz for his integrity, his humility, and his unwavering commitment to Minnesota. Thank you for carrying the torch, knowing when to pass it on, and always putting Minnesota first. He has my full respect, my friendship, and my continued support, today and always."

Sen. Tina Smith (D-Minnesota) said: "Governor Walz’s decision to not seek re-election is what it looks like when leaders put the interests of the people before politics. Tim’s career has been defined by getting results for Minnesotans, doing the right thing, and always putting people first. In the face of an unprecedented and coordinated attack on Minnesota by President Trump and his administration, the Governor is once again doing the right thing. I’m grateful for Governor Walz’s service and I will always support him."

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison's statement: "Tim Walz is a remarkable leader, and Minnesota has benefitted immensely from the compassion he brought to his decades of public service. Tim banished hunger from Minnesota classrooms, signed universal background checks into law, and passed paid family leave. He built a record of standing up for people who need it - from the LGBTQ+ community to working-class families to teachers and more. Tim’s legacy is one of putting people first and delivering for Minnesotans in every corner of our state, and that’s a legacy to be damn proud of. 

Tim led Minnesota through some of the greatest challenges faced by any governor in living memory. I have had the privilege of serving Minnesotans alongside Tim for almost 20 years. We were elected to Congress together, and then to statewide office. It has been an honor to call Tim my governor, my colleague, and my friend, and I am extremely grateful for all he has done on behalf of Minnesota."

House DFL Leader Zack Stephenson's statement: "Governor Walz has dedicated his life to public service — as a public school teacher, a National Guard member, Congressman for the First Congressional District, and Governor. He has been an exceptional public servant, and he deserves our gratitude. 

"Governor Walz led our state ably through COVID-19 and the murder of George Floyd, two of the most difficult moments in our state’s history. He signed balanced budgets, worked to find compromise in divided government, and — working with Melissa Hortman and Kari Dziedzic — signed historic legislation into law in 2023 that will benefit Minnesotans for generations to come. 

"And when the Legislature was facing our most challenging moment ever with the murder of Melissa and Mark Hortman and shooting of John and Yvette Hoffman, Governor Walz mobilized every available resource to help us navigate an unprecedented tragedy. I will forever be personally grateful to him for his leadership in those moments. 

"Governor Walz set out an inspirational vision to make Minnesota the best state in the nation for children and families, and the lives of countless Minnesotans will be better because he chose to serve. Thank you, Governor."

Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy (DFL-St. Paul) said: "I want to thank Governor Walz for his years of dedicated service to Minnesota. His leadership has steered the state through some of the most difficult challenges in our history, through COVID and civil unrest, through chaotic, hostile presidencies, the assassinations of June 14 and murder at Annunciation, and he has met those moments for the well-being of Minnesotans.

"The work we accomplished together since 2023 has invested in Minnesotans’ household budgets, their schools, hospitals and communities, and protected their rights in ways that will improve the lives of every person in this state for generations. Just this week, more than 10,000 new parents, people recovering from illness or caring for a loved one are accessing the strongest paid leave program in America.

"I appreciate that Governor Walz recognizes the political moment we’re facing. The threats posed by the Trump administration were already dire, and now that he has weaponized his entire government against our state, they are existential. Minnesotans aren’t having it.

"Our challenges are compounded by the Minnesota Republicans who embrace Trumpism or are too afraid to call out the cruel harm he is doing. I’m confident Minnesotans will see that the only effective way to fight those forces is electing leaders at every level who will fight back against a corrupt oligarchy and serve the people." 

YouTuber Nick Shirley, whose video on alleged fraud at Minnesota day cares went viral in December, posted on X on Monday saying "I ended Tim Walz."

READ MORE: YouTuber Nick Shirley: 'I ended Tim Walz’ after governor ends reelection bid

Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth (R-Cold Spring) said, "If Democrats think they can sweep Minnesota’s fraud scandal away by swapping out Tim Walz, they are wrong," Demuth said.

"Every Democrat in Minnesota has spent years enabling criminals who stole our tax dollars, with still no meaningful accountability and no end in sight to the billions in fraud that still plagues nearly every government program imaginable thanks to 16 years of Democrat control."

"We need transformational change across state government. That only comes with a Republican governor."

"I will deliver that for Minnesotans, no matter who the Democrats decide to run."

Gubernatorial candidate Kristin Robbins, a Republican and chair of the Minnesota Fraud Prevention Committee, said, "Tim Walz and his staggering fraud could not outrun our investigations and the momentum we have in this race. He knows he will lose in November, and would rather give up than take responsibility.

"Anyone Walz handpicks to run for governor will own the fraud and failures of this administration.

"Our campaign is building the coalition necessary to stop the fraud, protect our kids, and make Minnesota prosper. As Governor, I will dismantle the years of fraud Democrats allowed and ensure our tax dollars work for Minnesotans."

Republican Governors Association Communications Director Courtney Alexander's statement: "After presiding over one of the biggest fraud scandals in history it’s no wonder that Tim Walz is being forced to drop his re-election bid. Walz’s failed leadership is emblematic of Minnesota Democrats’ agenda and whoever Democrats choose to replace Walz with at the top of the ticket will need to defend years of mismanagement and misplaced priorities. 

"National Democrats selected Walz as their Vice Presidential nominee and potential future presidential candidate, pinning all their hopes and dreams on him. Now, Walz will exit office disgraced, and taxpayers - robbed. This scandal isn’t just reflective of Minnesota Democrats: it is the banner of the Democrat Party nationally, and it’s clear voters have had enough."

House Republican Floor Leader Harry Niska's statement: "Minnesota’s fraud epidemic extends well beyond any one individual. It is the result of nearly two decades of Democrat governors, backed by their legislative allies, creating a culture of complacency that has cost Minnesotans and their families billions of dollars.

"Swapping out one failed Democrat for another will not fix the broken system they built. Fixing fraud requires a full housecleaning, not simply a new face running the same machine that has already lost billions."

Rep. Tom Emmer (R-Minnesota) said: "Tim Walz is doing Minnesotans a favor by dropping out of his re-election bid. You won’t be missed, Timmy!"

President Trump on Walz

Trump's comments:

In a post on Truth Social, President Donald Trump said: 

"Minnesota's corrupt governor will possibly leave office before his term is up but, in any event, will not be running again because he was caught, redhanded, along with Ilhan Omar, and others of his Somali friends, steaming tens of billions of taxpayer dollars. I feel certain the facts will come out, and they will reveal a seriously unscrupulous, and rich, group of ‘slimeballs.' Governor Walz has destroyed the state of Minnesota, but others, live Governor Gavin Newscum, JB Prtizker and Kathy Hochul, have done, in my opinion, an even more dishonest and incompetent job. No one is above the law!" 

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