Impromptu press conference scheduled amid swirling speculation and ongoing fraud controversy

St. Paul, Minnesota — January 5, 2026

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is widely expected to announce Monday that he will not seek a third term in the 2026 gubernatorial election, according to multiple reports citing sources close to the matter.

The Democratic governor has scheduled an 11 a.m. news conference at the State Capitol, where his office said he will "discuss the news of the day" and take questions from reporters. The unusually vague advisory came late Sunday evening, fueling intense speculation about Walz's political future.

Veteran Minnesota political analyst Blois Olson, citing unnamed sources, reported Sunday night that Walz is "likely to drop out of the 2026 #mngov race." Olson added that the governor met privately with U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) on Sunday to discuss his plans, noting that Klobuchar could emerge as a strong contender for the Democratic nomination if Walz steps aside.

Walz, who launched his reelection campaign in September 2025 with a video declaring his intent to continue serving, has faced mounting pressure in recent months. The governor has come under intense national scrutiny amid allegations of widespread fraud in state social service programs, particularly involving federal funds for child care and nutrition assistance in Minnesota's Somali community.

President Donald Trump and Republican critics have repeatedly highlighted the issue, with federal authorities investigating potential losses running into billions of dollars. Walz and his administration have pushed back, emphasizing efforts to combat fraud and accusing opponents of politicizing the probes.

Adding to the challenges, Walz has navigated a difficult political landscape following his role as the 2024 Democratic vice presidential nominee, as well as unrelated tragedies and conspiracy theories amplified by national figures.

No Minnesota governor has won a third consecutive term since the state adopted four-year terms in the 1960s, presenting an additional historical hurdle.

If Walz bows out, potential Democratic successors could include Klobuchar, Attorney General Keith Ellison, or Secretary of State Steve Simon. On the Republican side, candidates already in the field include state Rep. Kristin Robbins and former nominee Scott Jensen.

The governor's office has not commented on the reports ahead of the press conference. Local outlets, including FOX 9 and the Star Tribune, plan live coverage of the event.

The announcement, if confirmed, would mark a significant shift in Minnesota's 2026 race and open the door to a competitive open-seat contest in a state that has leaned Democratic in recent cycles.