Julie Blaha, Minnesota state auditor, won't seek re-election in 2026

Minnesota State Auditor Julie Blaha has announced she won't be seeking a third term in office.

In a video posted to X on Thursday morning, Blaha said she has accomplished her goals to "rebuild an office that was under attack and protect Minnesotans' rights to make decisions in their local communities."

Blaha, a Democrat, first took office in 2019. The former union leader and educator won re-election in 2022 against Republican Ryan Wilson, who criticized her for not stopping the Feeding Our Future scandal sooner.

The scheme, in which several nonprofit leaders conspired to steal $250 million in child nutritional funds, was dubbed the largest pandemic fraud case in the country by the U.S. Attorney's Office, and has led to dozens of convictions.

Blaha argued she did all she could to halt it, and said it's the duty of the legislative auditor to lead such investigations.

"Minnesota has a strong and effective Office of the State Auditor," Blaha said. "I'm proud of what we've accomplished, and confident the Office is ready to welcome its 20th State Auditor."  

Her term runs through Jan. 4, 2027.

"Auditor Blaha has been such a positive force for Minnesotans. Her enthusiasm for the often overlooked and underappreciated areas of our government has been palpable, invaluable and a true joy to witness," said DFL Chair Richard Carlbom. "If you enjoy your running water, paved roads, and open schools, you should thank Julie Blaha — preferably by complimenting her State Fair crop art entries, but a simple 'thank you' works too."
 

Soon after Blaha's announcement, Minnesota State Rep. Dan Wolgamott, DFL-St. Cloud, declared he is going to run for the seat next year.

"At a time when corruption is on the rise and faith in our public institutions is dwindling, I'll work on behalf of every Minnesotan to be their local government watchdog," Wolgamott said. "I'll work to address fraud in public spending, and to provide clarity on what's happening with our money." 

Wolgamott previously served as the House's speaker pro tempore in 2022, and was named the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association's Legislator of the Year in 2023. That same year, he pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor count of driving while intoxicated and was given a stayed sentence.

"I take full responsibility for my actions, and I ask for your forgiveness," Wolgamott said in a statement after he was charged in Kanabec County. "I will continue to do the work I need to ensure nothing like this ever happens again, and that my actions live up to the trust you have placed in me."