The sweeping Minnesota Fraud scandal that has rocked the state government has now claimed a major political casualty. On Monday, Gov. Tim Walz announced he is abandoning his bid for a third term.
He claims the growing political and administrative fallout from what federal prosecutors have described as one of the largest COVID-era welfare fraud schemes in U.S. history has destroyed his chances. The decision places Minnesota Fraud and Tim Walz at the center of a national debate over oversight, accountability, and public trust.
Tim Walz Steps Aside Amid Minnesota Fraud
Gov. Tim Walz, who launched his re-election campaign in September, said the political storm surrounding the fraud investigations had reached a point where he could no longer balance campaigning with governing.
“The political gamesmanship we’re seeing from Republicans is only making that fight harder to win,” Walz said in a statement.
“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.”
