Tim Walz's daughter Hope says family decision led him to drop out

Hope Walz said the family discussed and Governor Tim Walz decided not to seek re-election amid national criticism tied to a large fraud investigation that has prompted more than 90 charges.

Hope Walz spoke hours after Governor Tim Walz announced he would not seek re-election, saying the choice was discussed by the family over the holidays and reached as public attention grew. She described rising intensity on her social media and insults aimed at her younger brother as factors that influenced the decision. The announcement came while state and federal officials were investigating a large fraud scheme involving programs that served Minnesota’s Somali community. Officials have reported many charges and differing estimates about the scale of the losses. Key facts: - Hope Walz said the family collectively decided that Governor Tim Walz would step away from the 2026 re-election race. - She said increased online attacks on family members, including her brother, contributed to the choice. - The decision coincided with national criticism related to a fraud investigation affecting state social programs. - Prosecutors have charged more than 90 people, and estimates of total losses have varied from about $1 billion to figures cited as high as $9 billion. Summary: Walz is not seeking re-election, and his daughter framed the withdrawal as a family decision made amid growing public scrutiny tied to a broad fraud probe. The investigation has produced many charges and differing estimates of losses. Undetermined at this time.