Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota said on Monday that he was abandoning his bid for re-election to a third term, and Senator Amy Klobuchar, a fellow Democrat, is considering seeking the office, two people briefed on conversations between the two politicians said.
Mr. Walz and Ms. Klobuchar met on Sunday in Minnesota, where he informed her of his plans and she confirmed her interest in running to succeed him. For Mr. Walz, the Democratic nominee for vice president in the 2024 election, the departure caps a brief rise in national politics.
Mr. Walz said a widening scandal over fraud in social services programs in Minnesota had persuaded him to drop out of the race. Mr. Walz had been criticized for his administration’s oversight of the programs, and its failure to prevent widespread fraud.
“I came to the conclusion that I can’t give a political campaign my all,” Mr. Walz said in a statement. “Every minute I spend defending my own political interests would be a minute I can’t spend defending the people of Minnesota against the criminals who prey on our generosity and the cynics who prey on our differences.”
Mr. Walz has scheduled a news conference on Monday where he is expected to discuss his decision.
Ms. Klobuchar did not respond to requests for comment on Monday morning.
Tyler Pager is a White House correspondent for The Times, covering President Trump and his administration.
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