Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is facing renewed criticism over waste, fraud, and spending abuses as he prepares for a potentially tough reelection battle against GOP challenger Kristin Robbins. Robbins, who announced her candidacy in August, plans to focus on financial security, education, and economic development. She criticized Walz for leading the state into decline and emphasized combating fraud as a central campaign issue.

Robbins chairs the Legislature’s Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy Committee and vows to replace agency commissioners, including those at the Minnesota Department of Human Services, to improve internal controls and accountability. Her campaign aims to apply private-sector standards to state agencies.

Meanwhile, Acting U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson is investigating fraud within the Minnesota Housing Stabilization Program, with total fraud in state programs potentially exceeding $1 billion, including the Feeding Our Future case. Republicans also criticize Walz for presiding over a multibillion-dollar deficit and propose cutting wasteful spending rather than raising taxes or cutting essential services.

The Minnesota Senate Republican Caucus recently introduced a “Cut the Waste” plan, aiming to eliminate at least $600 million in fraudulent or unnecessary spending and prioritize taxpayer dollars for Minnesotans.

Additionally, Walz has been criticized for spending $430,000 in taxpayer money on legal services to prepare for congressional testimony earlier this year. Walz blamed Republicans for the expense, calling it “ridiculous” and accusing them of using the issue for political grandstanding. The legal costs were approved by a bipartisan legislative panel to cover services related to a House Oversight Committee hearing on sanctuary state governors.