Name: Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz ends reelection bid over fraud scandal
Uploaded: 2026-01-06T01:36:59.934Z
Duration: 2 min 1 s
Description: Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz says he is dropping his reelection campaign amid increased criticism over his handling of fraud in the state. Jonah Kaplan reports.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz says he is dropping his reelection campaign amid increased criticism over his handling of fraud in the state. Jonah Kaplan reports.

Minnesota

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has announced he will not seek reelection, citing the ongoing fallout from a multibillion dollar fraud scandal involving the state's social programs. The scandal, which led to federal charges against 98 individuals, has significantly impacted Walz's political standing and prompted further federal investigations.

With Walz stepping aside, both Democratic and Republican fields for the governor's race are opening up. Prominent Democrats and Republicans, including Senator Amy Klobuchar and businessman Mike Lindell, are now seen as potential contenders as the state addresses the repercussions of the fraud case.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz ends reelection bid over fraud scandal

A surprise announcement from the Great Lake State there today. Tim Walls, the 2024 Democratic vice presidential nominee, ended his run for reelection as governor of Minnesota, quite likely ending his political career as well. It is the latest fallout from the widening fraud scandal in that state and Jonah Kaplan's all over it. It's a stunning turnaround for the man who almost became vice president. 18 months ago, Kamala Harris saw Tim Walls from the Midwest as a political asset. Today, a multibillion dollar fraud scandal in Minnesota makes him a midterm liability. So I've decided to step out of this race and I'll let others worry about the election while I focus on the work that's in front of me for the next year. For months, Walls, Minnesota's governor since 2019, has defended his work protecting the state's social programs after federal prosecutors charged 98 people of defrauding them. According to investigators, the suspects, mostly Somalis, billed taxpayers for meals, counseling and support that never actually happened. An earlier CBS News investigation also uncovered how the fraudsters spent millions of taxpayer dollars on luxury trips, luxury cars and wire transfers overseas. It appears that the people at the highest levels of responsibility in the government of the state of Minnesota looked the other way. CBS News has learned that the Trump administration has deployed hundreds of federal agents to further investigate ongoing cases of fraud. With Walls out of the race, some Democrats, like Congresswoman Angie Craig, a leading candidate for U. S. Senate, are hoping they can change the narrative. What I think we need to do at this point is take an aggressive approach to making sure that we're addressing the issues. And I think that's what today was about looking ahead. Mike Lindell, the my pillow guy close to President Trump. He's among the Republicans vying for the Republican nomination for Minnesota governor and for the Democrats. Well, now it's open season. But if she declares the front runner, Tony, Minnesota Senator A. B. Klobuchar

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Breakdown