Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced today that he is dropping out of the 2026 gubernatorial race, thus ending his bid for a third term. The story was first leaked yesterday by Minnesota political insider Blois Olson and later confirmed by Walz at a late-morning press conference. The governor met with U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar yesterday to discuss his plans and gauge her interest in a possible run.
The pressure on Walz to withdraw from the race had been mounting amid Republican pressure over numerous fraud cases involving state social service contracts. The scandal made national headlines and became the dominant issue in his reelection bid. Pressure had been building from state and national Democratic leaders for Walz to step down, as they feared his candidacy would drag down candidates in other races.
Governor Walz’s Announcement and Background
In his announcement, Walz said. “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.
“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. 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.
So, I’ve decided to step out of the race and let others worry about the election while I focus on the work. I know this news may come as a surprise. But I’m passing on the race with zero sadness and zero regret. After all, I didn’t run for this job so I could have this job. I ran for this job so I could do this job. Minnesota faces an enormous challenge this year. And I refuse to spend even one minute of 2026 doing anything other than rising to meet the moment. Minnesota has to come first – always.”
Walz was first elected to lead the state in 2018 and won reelection in 2022. Prior to being governor, Walz served 24 years in the Army National Guard and was a long-time coach and teacher in Southern Minnesota. In 2006, he successfully ran to represent Minnesota’s First Congressional District, serving in that capacity until his run for governor in 2018. And he served as Kamala Harris’ running mate in the 2024 Presidential election.
State of the Race
In Walz’s discussion with Klobuchar on Sunday, Klobuchar expressed interest in the position but said she had not made a final decision. If she did run, she would not jeopardize her Senate seat, as her term runs through 2030. Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon has also been rumored to be interested in the position.
There is some speculation that Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan might drop her bid for a Minnesota U.S. Senate seat now that Walz has stepped aside. She has not commented on her intentions, but she is embroiled in a tough race with Second District Congresswoman Angie Craig for the Senate seat. Candidates on the Republican side in the gubernatorial race include Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth, Dr. Scott Jensen, the party’s 2022 candidate; MyPillow founder Mike Lindell; state Rep. Kristin Robbins; and U.S. Army veteran Kendall Qualls.
Contributing Factor
Also weighing heavily on Walz’s mind this year was the June deaths of Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark as a result of an assassination. The alleged assassin, Vance Boelter, also shot Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette. The Hoffmans survived, and Walz tried unsuccessfully to enact additional gun control measures in the state. He was further stung by outlandish Republican conspiracy theories that suggested he was involved in the shootings.
