Update (0950ET):

The Wall Street Journal has confirmed our earlier report that left-wing Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, embattled by alleged Somali-linked welfare fraud in his state, has ended his bid for a third term.

"As I reflected on this moment with my family and my team over the holidays, I came to the conclusion that I can't give a political campaign my all."

"Every minute I spend defending my own political interests would be a minute I can't spend defending the people of Minnesota against the criminals who prey on our generosity and the cynics who prey on our differences."

"So I've decided to step out of the race and let others worry about the election while I focus on the work."