Adam Schwarze, a former Marine and Navy SEAL, argues Minnesota Republicans can seize an open U.S. Senate seat amid fallout from a large state fraud investigation and criticism of Gov. Tim Walz’s response. Schwarze says Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan is politically weakened by ties to Walz and by progressive rhetoric, and he points to rising GOP engagement at local caucuses. He also cites reports that the fraud could total between $9 billion and $19 billion and calls for greater accountability.
Minnesota Senate Race: Former Navy SEAL Sees GOP Opening Amid Fraud Scandal and ‘Stolen Valor’ Claims
Republican Senate candidate and military veteran Adam Schwarze (left) is ripping "stolen valor Walz" for claiming credit for cracking down on the rampant fraud in Minnesota while he says the Walz administration has mishandled the abuse.(Getty Images)
Adam Schwarze, a former Marine infantryman and Navy SEAL officer, says Republicans have a rare opportunity to win Minnesota's open U.S. Senate seat amid public anger over a large state fraud investigation and criticism of Gov. Tim Walz’s handling of the matter.
Candidate Frames Race Around Fraud, Accountability and Ideology
In an interview with Fox News Digital, Schwarze — one of several Republicans vying for the GOP Senate nomination — said the combination of the fraud probe and what he called the Democratic Party’s embrace of socialist policies creates a high-stakes environment for November’s election. With no incumbent defending the seat, he argued Republicans have a “20-year opportunity” to flip a seat that could affect control of the U.S. Senate.
Minnesota GOP Senate candidate Adam Schwarze calls on Gov. Tim Walz's Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan to suspend her Senate campaign.
Accusations and Campaign Rhetoric
Schwarze criticized Gov. Walz’s response to the scandal, calling it embarrassing to Minnesotans and accusing the administration of trying to shape the narrative rather than take accountability. He has repeatedly used the phrase 'Stolen Valor Walz' to underscore his claim that Walz seeks credit without adequately addressing the crisis.
'Everybody outside of Minneapolis is angered and embarrassed that Minnesota is internationally known [for] fraud,' Schwarze said, adding that the controversy will influence voter turnout in November.
On Peggy Flanagan and the Broader Political Context
Schwarze contrasted his candidacy with that of Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, the leading Democratic contender, asserting she is politically harmed by her association with the Walz administration and by the broader controversy. He also accused Flanagan of running as a socialist, noting her endorsements from Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren.
Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan speaks at the United Center on the first day of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Ill., on Aug. 19, 2024.
At a recent event with Sanders, Flanagan framed the political moment as a fight between large corporate interests and ordinary people and criticized policies supported by the Trump administration. Flanagan characterized the Trump-era agenda as corrupt and argued her campaign is about defending working Minnesotans.
Military Service and Election Pitch
Schwarze emphasized his 10 years as an infantry Marine and 11 years as a Navy SEAL officer as qualifications he believes would make him competitive statewide. He declared, in campaign remarks, that 'Navy SEALs are seven for seven in general elections,' using the comment to frame his electability and mission-driven approach.
Allegations, Numbers and Local Reaction
Schwarze has pointed to media reports and claims about the scale of the fraud — citing figures in the range of $9 billion to $19 billion — and said the lack of firings or clear accountability in the Walz administration reflects poor leadership. He told Fox News Digital he has seen increased Republican engagement at local caucuses and rising registrations in areas that typically lean Democratic.
Disclosure: The allegations described above are claims made by the candidate and reported in interviews. Fox News Digital reported Schwarze’s statements and reached out to Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan for comment.
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