Minnesota Governor to Deliver Keynote at Idaho Democratic Gala

Tim Walz will address the Frank & Bethine Church Gala in Boise next month.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is scheduled to deliver the keynote address at the Frank & Bethine Church Gala in Boise, Idaho on March 7. The event, hosted by the Idaho Democratic Party, is currently sold out, though additional tickets may be released. Walz recently ended his campaign for a third term as Minnesota governor amid pressure from members of his own party and criticism over allegations of widespread fraud in state-run social services programs.

Why it matters

Walz's appearance at the Idaho Democratic Gala is notable as he steps away from his gubernatorial campaign in Minnesota to address a high-profile event in another state. The allegations of fraud in Minnesota's social services programs have become a major political issue, with Walz and the state's attorney general scheduled to testify before a U.S. House committee on the matter.

The details

The Frank & Bethine Church Gala will be held from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Mountain Time on March 7 at the Boise Centre. Walz announced in early January that he would not seek a third term as Minnesota governor, citing the fraud allegations and pressure from members of his own party. The U.S. House Oversight Committee has called on Walz and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison to testify regarding the alleged fraud on March 4.

  • Walz announced in early January that he would not seek a third term as Minnesota governor.
  • The Frank & Bethine Church Gala will be held on March 7 in Boise, Idaho.
  • Walz and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison are scheduled to testify before the U.S. House Oversight Committee on March 4.

The players

Tim Walz

The current governor of Minnesota who is scheduled to deliver the keynote address at the Idaho Democratic Gala.

Keith Ellison

The Minnesota Attorney General who is scheduled to testify alongside Walz before the U.S. House Oversight Committee regarding allegations of fraud in the state's social services programs.

Frank & Bethine Church Gala

An annual event hosted by the Idaho Democratic Party that will feature Walz as the keynote speaker this year.

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What they’re saying

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

— Tim Walz, Governor of Minnesota (dailyfly.com)

What’s next

The U.S. House Oversight Committee will hear testimony from Walz and Ellison on March 4 regarding the alleged fraud in Minnesota's social services programs.

The takeaway

Walz's decision to step away from his gubernatorial campaign in Minnesota to deliver the keynote address at the Idaho Democratic Gala highlights the political challenges he is facing over the fraud allegations. The upcoming congressional testimony will be a key moment in determining the impact of the scandal on Walz's political future.