Tim Walz Likely to Exit 2026 Minnesota Governor’s Race, Reports Say

By Michael Phillips | WIBayNews

As of January 5, 2026, Tim Walz has not officially withdrawn from the 2026 Minnesota governor’s race. But mounting evidence suggests that announcement may be imminent.

Multiple credible reports from January 4 indicate Walz is expected to use a scheduled press conference on Monday, January 6, to announce he will not seek a third term. The reporting traces back to respected Minnesota political analyst Blois Olson of WCCO Radio, whose sources say Walz has already made his decision and recently met with Amy Klobuchar ahead of the announcement.

Major Minnesota outlets—including FOX 9, KARE 11, Bring Me The News, and Audacy/WCCO—have echoed the reporting, lending significant weight to the speculation.

An Unprecedented Third Term—and Growing Pressure

Walz announced his reelection bid in September 2025, aiming for an unprecedented third consecutive term under Minnesota’s modern four-year gubernatorial system. No governor has successfully achieved that milestone.

Since then, however, his administration has faced intensifying scrutiny over major fraud allegations tied to state-managed programs, including Medicaid and publicly funded food assistance initiatives. Republicans have seized on those controversies as evidence of systemic mismanagement, while Democrats have grown increasingly cautious about defending a politically vulnerable incumbent.

Sources familiar with Walz’s thinking suggest the cumulative pressure—political, administrative, and reputational—has made a third-term campaign increasingly untenable.

What Happens if Walz Steps Aside

If Walz confirms his exit on January 6, the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party would be thrust into a wide-open contest with no clear heir apparent.

Potential or frequently mentioned Democratic contenders include:

• Amy Klobuchar, whose statewide popularity and fundraising ability would instantly reshape the race if she entered.
• Steve Simon, often cited as a steady institutional favorite. Former U.S. Rep.
• Dean Phillips, who gained national attention during his 2024 presidential run.

Notably, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan—once considered a natural successor—is now pursuing a U.S. Senate bid, removing a key internal option for the DFL.

Republicans Smell Opportunity

On the Republican side, the field is already crowded and energized. GOP candidates are campaigning heavily on fraud prevention, public safety, cost-of-living pressures, and accountability, arguing that Walz-era governance has left Minnesota vulnerable to abuse and waste.

Declared or active Republican contenders include:

• Lisa Demuth, widely viewed as a frontrunner.
• Kristin Robbins, chair of the House Fraud Prevention Committee.
• Scott Jensen, the GOP’s 2022 nominee.
• Mike Lindell, a high-profile outsider with strong national name recognition.

Republicans have not won a statewide election in Minnesota since 2006, but party strategists believe a Walz withdrawal—combined with ongoing fraud revelations—could finally crack the DFL’s long-standing advantage.

A Defining Moment for Minnesota Politics

For now, Walz remains officially in the race. But politically, the clock is ticking. If Monday’s press conference confirms the reports, Minnesota politics will enter a volatile new phase—one with major implications not just for the governor’s mansion, but for control of policy, budgets, and public trust in state government.

WIBayNews will continue monitoring developments closely following the January 6 announcement.