Breaking: Tim Walz Ends Reelection Bid, Takes Aim at President Trump

Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz announced Monday that he will not seek reelection later this year, abruptly ending what had been an initial bid for a third term.

Walz, 61, claimed in a public statement that he could not devote the necessary focus to another political campaign, arguing that the demands of governing amid controversy required his full attention.

The decision comes after weeks of mounting national backlash over Walz’s handling of widespread fraud in Minnesota’s government programs, an issue that has drawn sharp scrutiny from lawmakers, watchdog groups, and media outlets, as KMSP in Minneapolis previously reported.

“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,” Walz said in a lengthy statement.

“So I’ve decided to step out of the race and let others worry about the election while I focus on the work,” Walz added.

While attempting to strike a statesmanlike tone, Walz also took a swipe at President Donald Trump, vowing to finish out his final term with what he described as renewed intensity.

“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.”

Walz is scheduled to hold a news conference at 11 a.m. Monday, where further details are expected.

The announcement marks a stunning reversal of political fortune. Just over a year ago, Walz stood on the national stage as the Democratic Party’s nominee for vice president. By this time next year, Walz and former Vice President Kamala Harris are expected to be private citizens—an outcome few Democrats anticipated during the last election cycle.