Who is Tim Walz? A Comprehensive Look at Vice Presidential Candidate and Minnesota's 41st Governor

Tim Walz is an American politician, former teacher, and retired US Army non-commissioned officer who became Minnesota's 41st governor in 2019. Walz was born in West Point, Nebraska, on April 6, 1964. His journey from a small-town boy to governor of the state of Minnesota to vice-presidential running mate for Kamala Harris reflects his commitment to public service and community.

Early Life and Background

He was born in West Point, Nebraska, on November 16, 1963, to Darlene Rose and James F. Walz, a public school administrator. Walz was brought up in the tradition of rural people working hard and helping out in their community. He graduated from Butte High School in 1982 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in social science education at Chadron State College in 1989. He later earned a Master of Science in educational leadership from Minnesota State University, Mankato, in 2001.

Military Service

At 17, Walz joined the Army National Guard, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. Walz served for 24 years, including postings in Arkansas, Texas, the Arctic Circle, and New Ulm, Minnesota, where he trained in heavy artillery and disaster response. He deployed overseas in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and earned the Army Commendation Medal, two Army Achievement Medals, and more. He retired in 2005 as a master sergeant.

Teaching Career

Upon graduating, Walz took a job teaching with WorldTeach in China; when he returned, he taught and coached in Alliance, Nebraska, where he met his wife, Gwen Whipple. The couple moved to Mankato, Minnesota, in 1996, where Walz taught geography and coached at Mankato West High School. He led the school's football team to the first state championship in school history in 1999 and served as faculty advisor for the school's first gay-straight alliance.

Political Career

U.S. House of Representatives

Walz won his first election to the United States House of Representatives in 2006, representing Minnesota's First Congressional District, and served six terms before retiring in 2022. He worked on issues such as agriculture, armed services, veterans' affairs, and was known for his hard work, especially on veterans' issues. He garnered numerous awards for his veterans' work.

Governor of Minnesota

Walz was elected in 2018 and re-elected in 2022 as the 41st governor of Minnesota. In office, he has: delivered universal free school meals to students; protected reproductive freedom; expanded voting rights; set the state on a path to 100 percent clean electricity by 2040; enacted tax cuts for the middle class; and expanded paid leave for Minnesota workers.

Political Stance and Future Moves

Political Views

On the political spectrum, Walz's agenda tilts left. He's long been an ardent supporter of LGBTQ+, signing an executive order banning conversion therapy and supporting gender-affirming care; he's been a consistent advocate for reproductive rights and environmental initiatives and gun control; and his administration has expanded voting rights and organized economic assistance for working families.

Future Political Moves

And with the announcement that he is the running mate of the vice president Kamala Harris for the 2024 presidential election, his policies and management style will be subject to greater national scrutiny. His liberal policy stance is likely to mobilize the Democratic base while also drawing fire from the Republican right. Politico has reported that Walz's liberal policy agenda will be in the spotlight in the coming election.

Personal Life

Tim Walz and his wife, Gwen, live in Mankato in a house with their two children, Hope and Gus, and remain active in the community. Walz's commitment to public service continues, as it has for 27 years.

Legacy and Impact

His long arc from Mankato to the US Congress, and then the Minnesota governor's office, and now the vice-presidential nomination, reflects a small-town ethos of public service, community, and progressive values. His work in education, the military, and politics has changed Minnesota and the nation.