Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who was also a Democratic vice-presidential candidate in 2024, has formally ended his pursuit of a third gubernatorial term just a few months after initiating his re-election campaign.
In a statement released on Monday, the 61-year-old governor acknowledged he believed victory was possible but emphasized that the political and social environment has become too taxing for him to devote the necessary energy to a campaign. He described the previous year as "extraordinarily difficult" for Minnesota.
Central to his decision are the persistent investigations into fraudulent activities within the state's child care programs. Walz highlighted how these issues have been manipulated as political weapons, specifically citing former President Donald Trump and his associates. He noted that the Trump administration's withholding of federal funds aimed at these programs has deepened divisions and slowed progress.
"Donald Trump and his allies – in Washington, in St. Paul, and online – want to make our state a colder, meaner place," Walz stated. He stressed that such political actions are designed to sow discord among Minnesotans by turning neighbors against one another. Ultimately, he warned that these tactics threaten the qualities that make Minnesota a desirable place for families to live and grow.
The decision marks a significant moment in Minnesota's political landscape as it prepares for upcoming elections, with Walz stepping away amidst complex challenges facing the state's social services and political unity.