Walz: Fraud focus influenced exit decision

Gov. Walz unsure of future career plans

Gov. Tim Walz discussed his decision to end his reelection campaign, and he also stated he is unsure what his future career holds. FOX 9's Corin Hoggard has more. 

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) - Gov. Tim Walz announced Monday he will not seek re-election. On Tuesday, he took questions to explain why and cited personal reasons and a focus on family safety.

Walz's decision and future plans

What we know:

Walz stated that his decision to step back from the governor's race was made with his family and emphasized it was the right choice for them. He mentioned that the heightened focus on fraud in recent months influenced his decision, but he remains committed to addressing vulnerabilities in Minnesota's social service system.

What they’re saying: "The buck stops with me. I'm accountable for this," said Walz, acknowledging the fraud issues that occurred during his tenure. He rejected calls to resign and expressed confidence in his plan to address these challenges.

Walz's next steps

What we know:

Although Walz has not committed to any specific plans after his term ends, he expressed interest in returning to teaching geography, a field he finds joy in.

Why you should care: With 12 months remaining in office, Walz aims to leave a positive legacy, partly by focusing on improving the guardrails around Minnesota's social services. His actions during this period could significantly impact the state's future.

What we don't know:

Details about Walz's specific plans after leaving office remain uncertain. The final amount of fraud during his tenure is still being determined.