Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz abruptly dropped his bid for a third term as governor on Monday, amid a growing fraud scandal in which allegedly billions of dollars worth of taxpayer dollars were swindled under his watch.
Walz (D), former Vice President Kamala Harris’ veep pick in 2024, had launched his campaign for a third term back in September. No Minnesota governor has been elected three times since their terms were extended to four years in the 1960s.
“In September, I announced that I would run for a historic third term as Minnesota’s Governor. And I have every confidence that, if I gave it my all, I would succeed in that effort,” Walz said in a statement.
“But 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,” he added.
“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.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) is viewed as top contender to jump into the race.
This is a developing story. Please check back for more information.
