Kamala Harris’ former running mate Tim Walz has ended his bid for a third term as Minnesota governor, abruptly stepping back from electoral politics less than two years after appearing on a national ticket. Walz’s decision follows mounting scrutiny over a sprawling social services fraud scandal that has dominated headlines in his state and drawn intense partisan fire.

“Minnesota has to come first - always. Today, I’m proud of the work we’ve done to make Minnesota the best place to live and raise kids,” he wrote online. “I’ve decided to step out of the race and let others worry about the election while I focus on the work.”

The Democrat, who served as Harris’ vice-presidential choice during the 2024 campaign, had only recently launched a re-election effort but said he could not justify devoting time to a bruising race while Minnesota confronts deep challenges. In a written statement, he framed the move as a choice to prioritize governing over politics.

The governor’s exit comes as conservatives seize on allegations that fraudsters exploited state-funded nutrition and child care programs, with a viral video reigniting controversy around oversight failures. Walz has pushed back, accusing right-wing media personalities of distorting the scandal and targeting Somali-American communities with sensational claims.

“For the last several years, an organized group of criminals have sought to take advantage of our state’s generosity. 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,” Walz said.

Walz first surged into the national spotlight when Harris tapped him as her running mate in August 2024, elevating the down-to-earth Midwestern politician from regional figure to face of the party’s ticket. A former teacher, football coach, and National Guard veteran, he was seen as a pragmatic progressive able to connect with rural voters and working-class Midwesterners.

After losing the general election, Walz returned to the governor’s office in St. Paul, where he continued to champion expansive social programs and voting rights while navigating divided government.

The decision will reshape Minnesota’s political landscape.