Minnesota Republican Kristin Robbins is withdrawing her candidacy for governor, leaving a significant gap as the contest to succeed Tim Walz continues to unfold.
Robbins, who serves as the chair of the House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Committee, announced her decision on Friday after ten months of campaigning.
According to Robbins, entering the race was straightforward: “We could not allow Tim Walz to have a third term in Minnesota. He’s destroyed our state.” She believes her work on the fraud committee helped to expose Walz’s issues, prompting him to exit early.
Walz’s announcement in January to forgo reelection came amid a fraud scandal tarnishing his administration. Following that, Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar jumped into the race, quickly gaining traction as a leading figure in her party.
Robbins noted that Klobuchar’s entry reshaped the dynamics of the race. “Once Senator Klobuchar became the anointed candidate, the establishment rallied around her, making it harder for me,” she stated, acknowledging the reality of the political landscape.
She emphasized her decision to step back was prudent, expressing her desire to find alternative ways to serve Minnesota.
Robbins plans to dedicate her efforts to wrapping up the current legislative session, particularly her investigations into fraud. “I know where the bodies are buried,” she remarked, highlighting ongoing concerns about undetected fraud.
With Robbins’ exit, the Republican primary candidates now include Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth, healthcare executive Kendall Qualls, MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell, and a few others.
Robbins has indicated that she will not endorse any of the remaining candidates, stating, “That will be up to the voters to decide.”
Despite concluding her campaign, Robbins reflected positively on her experiences over the past months, expressing gratitude for meeting a diverse group of Minnesotans. “I am just so grateful and so privileged,” she said.
Looking forward, Robbins believes genuine solutions will arise not from the state’s capital but from local communities, indicating her commitment to engaging with citizens at that level.
