Overview
- Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz announced Monday he will not seek a third term, saying he must devote his time to confronting wrongdoing and restoring trust in state programs.
- State and federal investigations remain active, with more than 90 people charged since 2022 and loss estimates under review that range from over $1 billion to as high as $9 billion.
- After viral footage by independent journalist Nick Shirley alleged problems at daycare centers, HHS froze federal child‑care payments to Minnesota, though state investigators later said the facilities reviewed were operating as expected.
- Congressional oversight is ramping up, with the House Oversight Committee holding a hearing this week and inviting Walz to testify next month.
- The open race is reshaping quickly, with reports that Sen. Amy Klobuchar is considering a gubernatorial bid and a crowded Republican field already featuring figures such as Lisa Demuth, Scott Jensen, Kristin Robbins, Chris Madel, Kendall Qualls and Mike Lindell.