MINNEAPOLIS — Tim Walz has officially withdrawn from the 2026 Minnesota Governor’s race, stating he will focus on addressing state government fraud and criminal activity rather than seeking re-election.
In a statement released Thursday, Walz said: “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.”
The former governor also criticized Republican political tactics, stating that “Republicans are playing politics with the future of our state” and that they were “willing to hurt our people to score a few cheap points.”
Walz highlighted his administration’s actions against fraud, including firing employees who did not fulfill their duties and cutting off funding streams where criminal activity was widespread.