Walz Exits 2026 Race, Sparking Swift Reaction From Minnesota Lawmakers

(KNSI) – Minnesota lawmakers are voicing their opinions after Governor Tim Walz announced he would no longer seek a third term.

Walz dropped the bombshell Monday morning in the face of a federal investigation that has allegedly uncovered an estimated $9 billion in fraud from 14 different welfare programs since 2018, the year Walz was elected to the office. It has been rumored that four-term Democrat U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar could run in his place.

Among the chorus of those releasing remarks in response was Minnesota Speaker of the House and Republican gubernatorial candidate Lisa Demuth of Cold Spring said, “If Democrats think they can sweep Minnesota’s fraud scandal away by swapping out Tim Walz, they are wrong. Every Democrat in Minnesota has spent years enabling criminals who stole our tax dollars, with still no meaningful accountability and no end in sight to the billions in fraud that still plagues nearly every government program imaginable, thanks to 16 years of Democrat control.”

Also seeking the Republican nomination to take Walz’s office is Chair of the Minnesota Fraud Prevention Committee Kristin Robbins, “Tim Walz and his staggering fraud could not outrun our investigations and the momentum we have in this race. Anyone Walz handpicks to run for governor will own the fraud and failures of this administration.”

Gubernatorial candidate, businessman and veteran, Kendall Qualls’ reaction was also swift, “Tim Walz’s two terms as governor have been a total failure for Minnesota as rampant fraud, out of control crime, key high prices and declining schools are holding Minnesota back. Walz is terrified to run on his record. But it doesn’t matter if the DFL props up Amy Klobuchar or any other candidate, they share the next 11 months contrasting Democrat failed policies.”

Minnesota House Republican Floor Leader Harry Niska also felt the theft of public funds disqualified the governor, “Minnesota’s fraud epidemic extends well beyond any one individual. It is the result of nearly two decades of Democrat governors, backed by their legislative allies, creating a culture of complacency that has cost Minnesotans and their families billions of dollars.”

U.S. House Republican Majority Whip Tom Emmer simply released a two-word statement, “Good riddance.”

Democratic responses have also poured in. Senator Klobuchar followed up from her X account with, “Governor Walz made the difficult decision to focus on his job and the challenges facing our state rather than campaigning and running for reelection. He has always dedicated his career to delivering for Minnesota and his impact will be felt for generations to come.”

Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan came to her boss’s defense, “Since his time as a teacher, Governor Walz has led with decency and compassion. Today’s decision reflects who he has always been: someone who puts Minnesotans first. I am proud to call him a friend and proud of all the work that has been done to make Minnesota the best place to raise a family.”

Minnesota DFL Party Chair Richard Carlbom summed up his feelings about the governor’s service, “Tim and Gwen Walz have served Minnesota with a deep commitment to servant leadership. We’re grateful for the years Governor Walz has spent in public service delivering for Minnesotans as a public-school teacher, National Guardsman, member of Congress, and as our Governor. We respect his decision not to seek a third term.”

Walz’s announcement caught the eye of those in the political realm from coast-to-coast. The Republican National Committee made a proclamation saying, “It’s been failure after failure for Tim Walz, so it’s no surprise he chickened out of running for re-election. Under Tampon Tim, billions in taxpayer dollars were stolen.”

Americans for Prosperity Minnesota Director Jake Coleman commended Governor Tim Walz for ending his reelection campaign, “Tim Walz made the right decision in ending his bid for a third term as governor. After making Minnesota synonymous with fraud and dysfunction, the only thing he should be focused on is cleaning up his mess before he leaves office. But the problem doesn’t start and stop with Gov. Walz. There are more people who need to be held accountable for this fraud.”

Senate Leadership Fund Communications Director Chris Gustafson wasn’t a fan of Walz’s work, “The systematic fraud overseen by Tim Walz and Minnesota Democrats has put the state’s open Senate seat squarely in play and provides yet another opportunity for Senate Republicans to expand their majority. While Democrats spent years ignoring the billions stolen from children and taxpayers, the brutal lear[n]ing lesson they receive from voters this fall will be impossible to ignore.”

Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin, from Minnesota, issued a statement that read in part, “I’ve known Tim Walz for a long time, and one thing has always been true about him, he entered public life for the right reasons and never lost sight of them. He doesn’t measure success by the number of elections won, but by classrooms strengthened, families supported, and communities that are better off because he fought for them.”

Democratic Governors Association Chair Andy Beshear said, “Governor Tim Walz has been a true leader who has delivered results that will make life better for Minnesota workers and families for years to come. He’s been a national leader in fighting for the middle class, ensuring free school meals, investing in public schools, and expanding access to affordable health care.”

The DFL party stated it will continue to focus on delivering results and running a fair, trusted process that earns the confidence of grassroots activists, candidates, and voters across Minnesota. That work begins with precinct caucuses on February 3rd, followed by local, congressional, and state conventions, including the DFL State Convention from May 29th to the 31st.

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