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Walz Exits 2026 Minnesota Governor’s Race to Confront Expanding Welfare-Fraud Probes

Walz says he is stepping aside to focus on fraud investigations under intensifying federal scrutiny.

Overview

  • The governor said campaigning would detract from the response to the crisis and vowed to serve out his term after rejecting calls to resign.
  • HHS froze federal child-care payments to Minnesota following a viral video alleging daycare fraud, while state officials reported the reviewed centers were operating as expected.
  • Since 2022, more than 90 people have been charged in related schemes, and officials say losses could exceed $1 billion and possibly reach $9 billion.
  • Walz accused President Donald Trump and Republican critics of politicizing the scandal and targeting Minnesota’s Somali community.
  • Sen. Amy Klobuchar is seriously considering a run to succeed him, according to people close to her, as a crowded Republican field takes shape.