Hope Walz comments after her father exits the Minnesota governor’s race due to claims of a billion-dollar Somali fraud scandal.

The daughter of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz shared insights into her father’s decision to step back from the campaign for re-election in 2026 due to increasing backlash related to a significant fraud issue within the state’s social safety net, particularly concerning Somali aid.

Hope Walz mentioned that the family discussed his decision over the holidays, emphasizing it was a mutual choice. “He started thinking about running again as things changed quickly over the past month,” she noted during her appearance on a podcast shortly after her father’s announcement.

She reflected on the rise of intense criticism on social media, which seemed to impact her father’s determination. “I think he felt it was important to evaluate what was best for both the state and our family,” she said, implying that the situation prompted a fair decision.

Walz’s unexpected withdrawal from the gubernatorial race is closely tied to ongoing fraud allegations that have emerged across the state’s aid programs. Hope pointed out her father’s belief that stepping out would, in some sense, remove his campaign as a target for further scrutiny.

Additionally, she expressed that he feels the weight of the blame due to his prominent position and remarked that, for reasons she speculated on, President Trump has a significant dislike for him.

Hope suggested that her father’s popularity during his previous campaign contributed to the scrutiny he now faces. He has acknowledged that some claims regarding the fraud have merit, indicating that those allegations have been strategically manipulated against him.

Her remarks came in the wake of Trump’s Thanksgiving message, where he accused Walz of allowing a massive influx of Somali immigrants to change the character of Minnesota and used derogatory language against him.

Concerns around the fraud are serious, with estimates suggesting losses could exceed $1 billion, with some officials claiming it could be over $9 billion. The fraudulent schemes have involved individuals establishing fake charities to obtain state funds meant for assisting vulnerable populations.

As recent events unfolded, it was apparent that until the announcement, Walz was widely considered a leading candidate as November approaches. Historically, Democrats have maintained a strong presence in Minnesota elections since 2006.