Gov. Tim Walz on Monday officially dropped his bid for reelection in Minnesota, saying he could no longer devote himself fully to a political campaign.
In a nearly eight-minute speech without taking questions, Walz defended his administration’s efforts to combat welfare fraud, dismissed Republican critics as “opportunists,” and cited the political climate for his early departure.
“I came to the conclusion that I can’t give a political campaign my all,” Walz said. “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’s governorship will end Jan. 4, 2027. The former vice presidential pick under Kamala Harris in 2024 announced his reelection bid only four months ago. Harris made a post following the announcement, congratulating Walz for his leadership on Instagram.
“Tim has spent his life in public service putting Minnesotans first, leading with integrity, compassion, and a deep respect for working families. His decision to not seek reelection reflects that same selfless commitment to the people he serves. I want to thank him for his extraordinary leadership,” wrote Harris.
Although conservative YouTuber Nick Shirley and former Republican lobbyist David Hoch claimed credit for prompting his withdrawal, analysts said the signs were clear before their viral, but later debunked, video: a 49% approval rating, growing concern within his party, and 79% of Minnesotans viewing fraud as a major problem.
“Election years have a way of ramping up the politics at a time when we simply can’t afford more of that,” Walz said, a remark that stood out, given his recent reelection announcement.
Civil rights attorney Nekima Levy Armstrong criticized Walz’s decision as another instance of Democrats yielding to exaggerated Republican attacks.
“Watching Democrats repeatedly step aside under political and media pressure has become deeply dispiriting,” Armstrong said. “Not because controversy doesn’t matter, but because the party continues to treat it as fatal rather than something to confront and survive.”
State Sen. Judy Seeberger and Rob Kupec had previously voiced concerns about Walz seeking reelection, according to a Star Tribune report last November. “I have some concerns, and I’m not alone,” Seeberger said, a comment often interpreted as signaling a candidate’s vulnerable position.
Walz did not explicitly endorse another candidate, though he referenced what he described as threats facing Minnesota. “For the last several years, an organized group of criminals have sought to take advantage of this state’s generosity, and even as we make progress in the fight against the fraudsters,” he said, “we now see an organized group of political actors seeking to take advantage of a crisis.”
It remains unclear how Walz’s departure will reshape the gubernatorial race. Sen. Amy Klobuchar is reportedly considering a run to replace him. Armstrong said the move could open opportunities for Republicans to roll back some of Walz’s legislative achievements.
“Minnesota Democrats are now scrambling to put forward a viable gubernatorial candidate at the eleventh hour,” Armstrong said. “This mirrors the national chaos that followed Biden’s withdrawal and Kamala Harris stepping in late, an opening that helped pave the way for a Trump victory.”
Walz’s record includes enshrining abortion as a fundamental right, restoring voting rights for people previously incarcerated, legalizing cannabis with automatic expungements, and expanding labor protections.
Some of the state’s most prominent Democrats continue to support Walz’s decision.
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