Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz says he is dropping re-election bid

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said in a statement Monday that he is ending his re-election bid and will not seek a third term

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said in a statement Monday that he is ending his re-election bid and will not seek a third term.

Walz, the 2024 Democratic vice presidential nominee, cited heightened attention on fraud allegations in Minnesota, adding that "the political gamesmanship we’re seeing from Republicans is only making that fight harder to win."

"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," he said. "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," Walz said.

The surprise announcement, coming just months after Walz had confirmed he planned to run again, sends a political shock wave through the state and creates a key vacancy at the top of its government. Walz faced no serious primary threat and had been the favorite to win re-election later this year.