Republican lawmakers from Minnesota are welcoming Democratic Gov. Tim Walz’s decision to step away from the 2026 gubernatorial race, while warning that serious questions about accountability remain unanswered.
Several members of Minnesota’s congressional delegation argue that Walz’s exit reflects mounting pressure over what they describe as years of unchecked waste, fraud, and mismanagement in state government programs.
Rep. Michelle Fischbach, a Republican who represents western Minnesota, said Walz’s announcement was inevitable given the scale of fraud uncovered during his tenure.
“Governor Walz choosing not to run again is the only acceptable outcome after widespread fraud was allowed to occur on his watch,” Fischbach said in a statement.
Fischbach, who previously served as Minnesota’s lieutenant governor and now sits on the powerful House Rules Committee, accused state leaders of failing to protect taxpayers.
“Under one-party rule, Minnesota became a magnet for fraud,” she said. “That failure of leadership has cost Minnesotans billions of dollars.”
Walz was first elected governor in 2018 and re-elected in 2022. In 2024, he briefly entered national politics as part of Vice President Kamala Harris’s unsuccessful presidential ticket. After that defeat, Walz initially signaled plans to seek a third term as governor before reversing course.
His decision comes as investigators continue to uncover large-scale fraud involving government assistance programs. According to lawmakers and oversight officials, Minnesota may have lost up to $9 billion through schemes tied to childcare centers, medical providers, food assistance programs, and other taxpayer-funded services.
Authorities say many of these operations allegedly billed the state for services that were never provided or exaggerated enrollment numbers, allowing fraud rings to siphon millions — and in some cases billions — from public programs.
Although Walz’s current term runs through January 2027, some Republicans argue that stepping aside from the race is not enough.
Rep. Pete Stauber said Minnesotans deserve full transparency and consequences.
“Not seeking re-election doesn’t erase what happened,” Stauber said. “Under Governor Walz, billions were lost to fraud, an $18 billion surplus disappeared, taxes rose by $10 billion, and taxpayer-funded benefits were expanded to illegal immigrants.”
Stauber went on to argue that Walz should consider resigning.
“If he’s unfit to run again, he’s unfit to continue serving,” he said.
Rep. Brad Finstad warned that reversing the damage would take years.
“The next governor will inherit a massive challenge,” Finstad wrote on X. “Rooting out systemic waste, fraud, and abuse will require real reform and strong leadership. Minnesota needs a governor who can restore trust and credibility.”
Despite Walz’s withdrawal from the 2026 race, Fischbach made clear that Republican oversight efforts will continue.
“The era of looking the other way is over,” she said. “We will keep investigating until taxpayers get real answers and every dollar is accounted for.”