U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar announced Tuesday that she is entering the race for governor of Minnesota, following Gov. Tim Walz’s decision not to seek a third term amid mounting scrutiny over a large-scale fraud scandal involving state-administered programs.
Klobuchar, a Democrat who has represented Minnesota in the U.S. Senate since 2007, said her decision was driven by what she described as a need for “steady leadership” at the state level.
“These times call for leaders who can stand up and not be rubber stamps of this administration, but who are also willing to find common ground and fix things in our state,” she said, per Fox News.
“I’m running for everyone who wants more affordable healthcare, for every student, farmer, dreamer, and builder,” she said, alleging the Trump administration “relishes division” and chaos. “And I’m running for every Minnesotan who wants ICE and its abusive tactics out of the state we love.”
Her announcement comes as Minnesota officials continue to face criticism over failures in oversight connected to alleged misuse of taxpayer funds tied to federal nutrition, health care, and social service programs.
Klobuchar referenced the scandal, saying she will “fix what’s wrong,” adding, “I don’t like fraud or waste in government.”
The fraud investigations began drawing national attention in 2021, when federal authorities started examining irregularities in pandemic-era child nutrition programs.
In September 2022, the U.S. Department of Justice announced charges in the Feeding Our Future case, alleging that defendants exploited COVID-era waivers to steal hundreds of millions of dollars intended to feed low-income children. The case has since grown into one of the largest pandemic fraud prosecutions in the country, with dozens of defendants charged, multiple guilty pleas, and several convictions secured.
Subsequent probes expanded beyond food programs. Between 2023 and 2025, federal and state investigators identified alleged fraud in additional areas, including Medicaid billing, autism treatment services, housing assistance, and home health care programs. State and federal audits repeatedly cited oversight failures, delayed enforcement actions, and weaknesses in Minnesota’s monitoring of nonprofit and contractor compliance.
In 2024 and 2025, Minnesota agencies moved to suspend or restructure several high-risk programs, while lawmakers ordered additional audits and hearings. The Trump administration has ramped up the fraud investigations, with prosecutors indicating that investigations remain ongoing.
Also, President Trump announced on Wednesday he ordered a new position created within the Justice Department to focus strictly on fraud.
“I am pleased to nominate Colin McDonald to serve as the first ever Assistant Attorney General for National FRAUD Enforcement, a new Division at the Department of Justice, which I created to catch and stop FRAUDSTERS that have been STEALING from the American People. My Administration has uncovered Fraud schemes in States like Minnesota and California, where these thieves have stolen Hundreds of Billions of Taxpayer Dollars,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
“Colin McDonald is a very Smart, Tough, and Highly Respected AMERICA FIRST Federal Prosecutor who has successfully delivered Justice in some of the most difficult and high stakes cases our Country has ever seen. Together, we will END THE FRAUD, and RESTORE INTEGRITY to our Federal Programs. Congratulations Colin — STOP THE SCAMS!”
Walz announced earlier this month that he would not run for re-election in 2026, ending speculation about his political future as investigations and audits related to the fraud case continue. While Walz has not been charged with wrongdoing, the scandal has become a dominant issue in state politics and is expected to play a central role in the upcoming governor’s race.
Klobuchar, who previously served as Hennepin County attorney and Minnesota attorney general, emphasized her experience in law enforcement and government accountability, pointing to her background as she prepares to campaign statewide. She has not yet outlined a detailed policy platform but is expected to focus on public safety, economic issues, and restoring confidence in state government.
Several other candidates are also expected to enter the race, setting up a competitive primary and general election as Minnesota voters prepare to choose new leadership after Walz’s departure.
