Update: Gov. Tim Walz Drops Out of 2026 Governor’s Race

St. Paul, MN (MinnesotaNow)- Governor Tim Walz is dropping out of this year's race for Governor.

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His office released a lengthy statement explaining his decision to end his re-election bid Monday morning. The Governor is planning to host a news conference at 11:00 Monday morning.

In the statement, Walz says in part, "as I reflected on this moment with my family and my team over the holidays, I came to the conclusion that I can’t give a political campaign my all."

Gov. Tim Walz Ends Bid for Re-Election

The Governor's statement references Minnesota's fraud scandals. Walz and his administration have faced fierce criticism for their handling of the $300 million Feeding our Future Fraud scandal and other fraud in state government programs.

“Make no mistake: We should be concerned about fraud in our state government. We cannot effectively deliver programs and services if we can’t earn the public’s trust. That’s why, over the past few years, we’ve made systemic changes to the way we do business," the Governor said.

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Walz also criticized President Donald Trump and his allies in Washington, St. Paul and online, saying they want to make Minnesota a "a colder, meaner place," and that they "have no intention of helping us solve the problem – and every intention of profiting off of it."

The Governor indicated he cannot defend his political interests and the people of Minnesota at the same time.

"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," the statement reads.

Walz was first elected to serve as Governor in 2018. He won re-election in 2022 and announced his bid for a third consecutive term in office this past September. 

Prior to being elected Governor, Walz represented Rochester and southern Minnesota in the House of Representatives from 2007 until he was sworn in as Governor in 2019. 

Report: MN Senator Could Launch Campaign for Governor

The Governor's announcement further raises the stakes for this year's election in Minnesota. Along with electing a new Governor, Minnesotans will also select a new Senator as Sen. Tina Smith announced last year she will not seek re-election.

KSTP's Tom Hauser is also reporting that a source close to Sen. Amy Klobuchar indicates she is likely to run for Governor this year.

Klobuchar reportedly met with Walz to discuss his political future on Sunday. She has served as a Senator since 2007.

Story updated to include statement from Gov. Tim Walz