Tim Walz May Drop His Reelection Bid as Soon as Today While Minnesota Fraud Scandal Deepens: Report

"Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is expected to abandon his bid for a third term as a widening fraud investigation tied to the state's welfare and child care programs brings him under intense scrutiny. Walz's office issued a late-night advisory promising he would discuss news of the day at an impromptu 11 a.m. press conference, according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune. Veteran Minnesota political analyst Blois Olson, citing sources, reported that Walz was likely to drop out of the 2026 #mngov race. Olsen added that the governor reportedly met with Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) on Sunday night."

"The governor has been under the microscope since allegations that billions of dollars in federally backed aid programs were siphoned off through organized fraud networks, cases that prosecutors say stretch back years. The controversy was renewed last month after independent journalist Nick Shirley published viral footage of taxpayer-funded day care centers that appeared largely empty while receiving substantial public funds. Federal authorities have since announced a broad operation aimed at identifying, arresting, and removing criminals who are defrauding the American people."

"Walz, in return, has argued that his administration has sought to tackle fraud, but Republicans have seized on the scandal. State representative Kristin Robbins, who chairs the Minnesota Fraud Committee and is running for governor, said warnings to Walz's administration went unheeded. They can't say they didn't know. We had a hearing on it. We gave them a list, and nothing has happened, she said."

Governor Tim Walz faces intense scrutiny and is expected to abandon his bid for a third term as a widening fraud investigation targets state welfare and child care programs. His office announced an impromptu 11 a.m. press conference following a late-night advisory. Reports indicate he met with Senator Amy Klobuchar and may exit the 2026 governor's race. Allegations claim billions in federally backed aid were siphoned through organized fraud networks over years. Viral footage showed largely empty taxpayer-funded day care centers receiving substantial funds. Federal authorities launched an operation to identify and arrest fraudsters. Critics say warnings went unheeded while the governor maintains efforts to tackle fraud.

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