Governor Tim Walz (D) has ended his re-election campaign amid the state’s widespread fraud scandal.
“For the last several years, an organized group of criminals have sought to take advantage of our state’s generosity,” Walz’s announcement read. “And even as we make progress in the fight against the fraudsters, we now see an organized group of political actors seeking to take advantage of the crisis.”
“The political gamesmanship we’re seeing from Republicans is only making that fight harder to win,” the statement asserted, criticizing journalist Nick Shirley for “breaking into daycare centers and demanding access to our children.”
“But as I reflected on this moment with my family and my team over the holidays, I came to the conclusion that I can’t give a political campaign my all,” the governor added. “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.”
“So I’ve decided to step out of the race and let others worry about the election while I focus on the work,” Walz said, going on to warn, “If Republicans continue down this path of abusing power, smearing entire communities, and running their own fraudulent game at the expense of Minnesotans – we will fight back every step of the way.”
Chairman of the Democratic Governors Association (DGA), Governor Andy Beshear (D-KY), said Walz has been a “true leader” for Minnesota and a “national leader” in “fighting for the middle class, ensuring free school meals, investing in public schools, and expanding access to affordable health care.”
