Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz announced Monday that he is ending his bid for reelection.
Why it matters: The reversal, which came amid mounting pressure from fellow Democrats, marks a major shake-up in Minnesota politics heading into the 2026 midterms.
The big picture: Walz, the 2024 Democratic vice presidential nominee, announced in September that he would run for an unprecedented third consecutive term as governor.
- But sagging approval ratings and intensified scrutiny into fraud in state programs in recent months has fueled nerves among Democrats and calls for Walz to step aside.
State of play: Democrats have won every statewide office in Minnesota since 2006, and most political forecasts continued to rate next year’s race in their favor.
- But Walz’s perceived vulnerabilities had attracted a large field of could-be GOP challengers, including House Speaker Lisa Demuth and My Pillow CEO Mike Lindell.
What we’re watching: Who jumps in the race for the DFL nomination, and how it reshapes the contours of the race.
- U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Attorney General Keith Ellison and Secretary of State Steve Simon are all seen as possible candidates.
Source: Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz ends campaign for reelection
