Tim Walz announced Monday that he is abandoning his bid for a third term, a decision that immediately reshapes Minnesota’s political landscape and opens the door for a potential run by Amy Klobuchar, according to people briefed on conversations between the two Democrats.

Walz and Klobuchar met Sunday in Minnesota, where the governor informed her of his decision and she confirmed her interest in seeking the office. For Walz, who was the Democratic nominee for vice president in the 2024 election, the move marks an abrupt end to a short-lived rise on the national stage.

In a statement, Walz said a widening scandal involving fraud in Minnesota’s social services programs had convinced him that continuing a campaign would distract from his duties as governor.

“I came to the conclusion that I can’t give a political campaign my all,” Walz said. “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.”

Walz is scheduled to discuss his decision further at a news conference Monday.

Klobuchar did not respond to requests for comment, but her interest immediately jolts a race that had already drawn an unusually strong Republican field, including Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth and MyPillow chief executive Mike Lindell, a close ally of President Donald Trump. Republicans have not won a statewide race in Minnesota since 2006, yet party leaders have expressed confidence that this year’s contest could break that streak.

Democrats, meanwhile, had grown increasingly uneasy about Walz remaining at the top of the ticket as the fraud scandal intensified and drew national attention. The governor has faced sharp criticism over his administration’s oversight of state-run programs and its failure to prevent widespread theft.

Republicans have seized on the issue, making fraud their central campaign theme. Some have accused Walz and other Democrats of ignoring warning signs because Somali Americans are an influential Democratic voting bloc, an allegation Walz has repeatedly called baseless.

“Even as we make progress in the fight against the fraudsters, we now see an organized group of political actors seeking to take advantage of the crisis,” Walz said.

The controversy has also attracted attention from Washington. The Trump administration has repeatedly highlighted the scandal and threatened to cut federal funding for Minnesota safety-net programs. Over the weekend, the White House announced that the Department of Justice would send additional personnel and resources to the state to “crush Minnesota’s fraud epidemic.”

Republicans signaled Monday that Walz’s exit would not soften their attacks.

“Minnesota’s fraud epidemic extends well beyond any one individual,” said state Rep. Harry Niska, a Republican. “It is the result of nearly two decades of Democrat governors, backed by their legislative allies.”

Walz, 61, is a former public-school teacher who served 12 years in Congress before becoming governor. He had openly questioned last year whether Minnesotans wanted him to pursue a third term, but the continuing scandal ultimately made the decision for him.

If Klobuchar enters the race and wins, it would trigger a cascade of political consequences. Her departure from the Senate would leave one of Minnesota’s two U.S. Senate seats vacant. Walz’s lieutenant governor, Peggy Flanagan, is already running for the seat held by Senator Tina Smith, who is not seeking re-election, setting up a crowded and volatile Democratic reshuffle.

Ken Martin, the chair of the Democratic National Committee and a former Minnesota party leader, praised Walz’s decision, calling it consistent with his character.

“Tim has always believed that leadership isn’t about preserving your own power,” Martin said, “it’s about using it to make a difference.”

With Walz stepping aside, Minnesota’s governor’s race has been blown wide open, transforming what once looked like a steady re-election campaign into one of the most unpredictable political battles of the year.