Bulwark Takes BREAKING: Tim Walz Drops Out of MN Governor’s Race
Jan 5, 2026
Lauren Egan, a seasoned political reporter, joins Jonathan Cohn, a policy journalist, to dissect the fallout from Governor Tim Walz’s stunning exit from Minnesota's governor race. They explore the implications of a major fraud scandal that drove Walz's decision, revealing a decade-long pattern of issues in social programs. The discussion touches on how this impacts the Democratic party's credibility, potential candidates like Amy Klobuchar, and the broader political landscape, underscoring the necessity for transparency and accountability.
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Walz Exits Amid National Scandal
- Tim Walz is withdrawing from the Minnesota governor's race amid a large fraud scandal that became a national story.
- His exit reshapes Minnesota politics and may open an opportunity for Amy Klobuchar to run for governor.
Ten-Year Pattern Of Social-Service Fraud
- Jonathan Cohn traces the fraud pattern back to 2015 with overbilling by social service providers escalating during COVID.
- He notes one food charity was prosecuted for $150–$200 million, and investigators now suspect broader fraud possibly reaching billions.
Community Ties Intensify Political Fallout
- The fraud story became a potent political weapon because many implicated charities served Minnesota's Somali community.
- That combination amplified right-wing narratives about immigrants and welfare, intensifying scrutiny of Walz's administration.