Walz Expected To Exit 2026 Minnesota Governor’s Race As Pressure Mounts

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is expected to announce on Monday that he will withdraw from the 2026 gubernatorial race, according to political insider Blois Olson, who cited sources familiar with the matter.

On Sunday afternoon, a spokesperson for the governor said Walz would hold an 11 a.m. news conference to take questions and “discuss the news of the day.” The governor’s office did not provide additional details about the planned appearance.

Walz is set to address his political future during that Monday morning event. Olson reported that the governor is likely to use the occasion to confirm he is stepping aside from the 2026 race. Walz has served as governor since January 2019 and was previously the Democratic nominee for vice president alongside Kamala Harris.

Later on Sunday, Olson reported that Walz was preparing to make a formal decision about his political future and would “likely drop out of the 2026 race.” Olson also said the governor met with Senator Amy Klobuchar earlier Sunday to discuss the move.

FOX 9 plans to broadcast the 11 a.m. news conference live on FOX 9 and FOX Local, allowing viewers to watch the announcement as it happens.

The expected decision comes as Walz has faced sustained national criticism, including from President Trump, over his handling of Medicaid fraud cases in Minnesota, perpetrated largely by Somali immigrants. Republican critics have accused the governor of responding too slowly to the issue and even ignoring the billion-dollar scheme.

Olson also reported that Walz has been under internal pressure from fellow Democrats to clarify whether he intends to seek another term in 2026.

As of late Sunday night, FOX 9 had not independently confirmed Olson’s report. The outlet said it contacted the governor’s office for comment but had not yet received a response.

Looking ahead, Olson said during FOX 9 News at 10 p.m. that Senator Amy Klobuchar is among the names being discussed as a potential contender for governor should Walz formally bow out. Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon was also mentioned as a possible candidate.