Minnesota’s Governor Tim Walz has abruptly dropped his bid for a third term, stepping aside as his administration faces mounting scrutiny over a massive fraud scandal involving state welfare programmes.
Walz, a Democrat and former running mate of Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election, announced on Monday, January 5th, that he would no longer seek re-election despite launching his campaign in September.
In a statement, Walz said the decision followed discussions with his family and advisers. While expressing confidence he could win, he argued that campaigning would distract from confronting what he described as criminal exploitation of public funds.
The fraud—estimated at a minimum of $1 billion and possibly as high as $9bn (€7.7 billion) according to federal prosecutors—was particularly prevalent among Minnesota’s Somali community, where investigators say individuals set up fraudulent non-profit organisations to access state funding for childcare, food assistance, and services for the homeless.
Walz’s exit reshapes Minnesota’s political landscape. Senator Amy Klobuchar is widely seen as the leading Democratic figure who could enter the race, alongside other potential contenders including Attorney General Keith Ellison and Secretary of State Steve Simon. Republicans are also eyeing the open seat, with figures such as House Speaker Lisa Demuth and businessman Mike Lindell mentioned as possible candidates.
