Overview
- Walz confirmed he is leaving the race for a third term and will focus on running the state rather than continuing an intensive campaign.
- The decision follows weeks of pressure tied to probes into suspected misuse of federal funds for child care and other social assistance programs.
- Republicans, including President Donald Trump, have used the scandal to attack Walz, with rhetoric at times referencing Minnesota's Somali-American community and unproven claims about money reaching Al Shabaab.
- Minnesota officials say many allegations have been exaggerated or disproved, though the investigations remain active and politically charged.
- Democrats now weigh replacements for the ticket, with potential contenders including Amy Klobuchar, Keith Ellison, and Steve Simon, none of whom has declared.