Governor Abandons Reelection – Calls it QUITS

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz abruptly abandoned his third-term bid after scandals exposed billions in stolen child nutrition funds and his rush to blame a federal agent for a fatal shooting.

Story Snapshot

Walz withdraws from 2026 reelection amid Feeding Our Future fraud scandal involving 90 charged in theft of funds meant for children.
Governor prematurely accused ICE agent in Minneapolis shooting of Renee Good, demanding state control before facts emerged.
Approval ratings plunged to low 40s as TPS suspension for Somalis eroded immigrant support and past lies resurfaced.
Walz shifts focus to “defending Minnesota against criminals,” but critics see exit as admission of failure.
Conservative voices demand he leave politics entirely after riots, COVID snitch lines, and military embellishments.

Walz Announces Withdrawal Amid Mounting Scandals

Tim Walz announced his third-term run in September 2025, then withdrew over the holidays into early 2026. He cited the need to concentrate on prosecuting criminals rather than campaigning. Feeding Our Future fraud dominates headlines, with 90 individuals charged for stealing funds designated for children’s meals. State oversight failures under Walz allowed billions in fraudulent payments, draining taxpayer resources. GOP-led probes intensify scrutiny on his administration.

Walz’s approval ratings sank to the low 40s by early 2026, per Fluence polls. Half of DFL voters opposed his third term. This decision clears the primary field but exposes Democratic vulnerabilities ahead of 2026 midterms. Republicans, including House Fraud Committee members, seize the moment to highlight years of incompetence.

Feeding Our Future Fraud Exposes Oversight Failures

Federal investigators charged 90 people in the Feeding Our Future scheme, which siphoned funds from child nutrition programs. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph Thompson alleged over $9 billion in fraudulent state payments. Walz labeled this claim defamation and attacked Thompson, asserting a Democratic administration would fire him for speculation. Attorney General Keith Ellison faces co-testimony with Walz on February 10, 2026.

Minnesota taxpayers bear the economic brunt, with billions lost to scams under lax Democratic oversight. Common sense demands accountability; facts align with conservative critiques that prioritize fiscal responsibility over excuses. This scandal reinforces patterns of waste in blue states.

Premature Blame in Minneapolis ICE Shooting

Renee Good died in a recent Minneapolis shooting during an ICE operation. Walz rushed to blame the federal agent before investigation details emerged. He demanded Minnesota take over immigration enforcement from federal authorities. This stance echoes his support for 2020 riots and opposition to law and order.

Walz’s interference undermines federal operations and prioritizes anti-ICE narratives over facts. Conservative values emphasize rule of law and due process, which Walz’s actions repeatedly violate. The incident symbolizes his failed approach to public safety.

Past Controversies Fuel Calls for Walz’s Exit

Walz’s record includes embellished military service claims, retiring from the National Guard to avoid Iraq deployment while inflating his rank to Command Sergeant Major. During COVID, he launched a snitch line for reporting neighbors. In 2020 George Floyd riots, he delayed National Guard deployment; reports claim his wife enjoyed the chaos.

Suspension of Temporary Protected Status for Somalis under Trump eroded his immigrant base. As Kamala Harris’s 2024 VP pick, Walz’s lies and sophomoric campaign contributed to defeat. David Krayden calls him a “political clown” and “walking embarrassment” who must leave Minnesota politics.

Political Fallout and DFL Pivot

DFL leaders like Richard Carlbom and Ken Martin court influencers after 2024 losses to rebuild for midterms. They bypass legacy media for youth and swing voters. GOP contrasts Walz’s failures with figures like JD Vance, positioning for gains. Walz fatigue grips Minnesota; his governorship ends in 2026 amid probes.

Short-term, withdrawal shields Walz from primary fights but amplifies fraud exposure. Long-term, it damages DFL on immigration and law enforcement, boosting Republican narratives rooted in accountability and American priorities.