Minnesota gubernatorial candidate Kendall Qualls, who is a U.S. Army veteran and businessman, humorously compared the U.S. detention of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro to Governor Tim Walz’s decision to exit the race for a third term. “I’m not sure who’s more thrilled, Minnesotans or Venezuelans. Might be a competition,” Qualls remarked during an appearance on “Fox & Friends First.”
Walz announced on Monday that he is stepping back from the race amid substantial backlash regarding his management of a significant welfare fraud issue in the state. Various entities, including daycare centers and nonprofits, are alleged to have exploited state policies, resulting in an estimated $9 billion loss to taxpayers.
Qualls characterized Walz’s time as governor over the past two terms as a failure, stating, “His tenure has been an absolute disaster. The first term will be remembered for the destruction of Minneapolis, and the second term will go down in history for the fraud we’re witnessing today. For two decades, the state’s economy has been in decline, especially during his administration.”
He further emphasized that Minnesota represents a centrist state. Political outsiders like himself, who transitioned from military service to entrepreneurship, are a reflection of the American dream, he argued. “I’ve learned that, no matter one’s beginnings, you can change your circumstances in this country. There’s always a way out,” he noted.
Fox News Digital reached out to Walz’s office but did not receive an immediate response.
