(WHTM) – Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro is responding to the news that Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (D) will not run for re-election.

Walz’s announcement comes amid a fraud investigation into child care programs in the state.

“Every minute that I spend defending my own political interest 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 want to prey on our differences,” Walz said at the state capitol. “So I’ve decided to step out of this race, and I’ll let others worry about the election while I focus on the work that’s in front of me for the next year.”

Walz was selected over Shapiro to be Kamala Harris’ running mate in the 2024 presidential election.

“Governor Tim Walz is a good man and a friend who has committed his life to public service,” said Shapiro in a Monday morning social media post. “In the face of disgusting personal attacks against him and his family, Tim has shown resilience and commitment to improving the lives of the people he was elected to serve. Lori and I are sending our absolute best to Tim, Gwen, Hope, and Gus, and we are grateful for their service and their friendship.”

Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar is considering entering the Minnesota governor’s race, according to the Associated Press.

The Associated Press contributed to this report