Wikipedia

Tim Walz

Timothy James Walz (/wɔːlz/ ⓘ WAWLZ; born April 6, 1964) is an American politician, former schoolteacher, and retired U.S. Army non-commissioned officer who has served as the 41st governor of Minnesota since 2019 and is the Democratic Party's nominee for vice president in the 2024 U.S. presidential election. He was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 2007 to 2019, and was the ranking member of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee from 2017 to 2019.

Tim Walz
Walz stands with the new Minnesota flag pinned to the lapel of his suit.
Walz in 2024
41st Governor of Minnesota
Assumed office
January 7, 2019
LieutenantPeggy Flanagan
Preceded byMark Dayton
Ranking Member of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee
In office
January 3, 2017 – January 3, 2019
Preceded byMark Takano (acting)
Succeeded byPhil Roe
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Minnesota's 1st district
In office
January 3, 2007 – January 3, 2019
Preceded byGil Gutknecht
Succeeded byJim Hagedorn
Personal details
Born
Timothy James Walz

(1964-04-06) April 6, 1964 (age 60)
West Point, Nebraska, U.S.
Political partyDemocratic
Spouse
​
(m. 1994)​
Children2
Residence(s)Governor's Residence
Eastcliff Mansion[1]
EducationChadron State College (BS)
Minnesota State University, Mankato (MS)
Signature
Military service
AllegianceUnited States
Branch/service
Years of service1981–2005
Highest rankCommand sergeant major
Unit1st Battalion, 125th Field Artillery Regiment[2]
Awards
Walz's voice
Walz speaks in opposition to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
Recorded November 15, 2017

Walz was born in West Point, Nebraska. After high school, he joined the Army National Guard and worked in manufacturing. He later graduated from Chadron State College in Nebraska before moving to Minnesota in 1996. Before running for Congress, he was a high school social studies teacher and football coach. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for Minnesota's 1st congressional district in 2006, defeating six-term Republican incumbent Gil Gutknecht.

Walz was reelected to the House five times before being elected governor of Minnesota in 2018. He was reelected in 2022, defeating Republican nominee Scott Jensen. During his second gubernatorial term, Walz pushed for and signed a wide range of legislation, including tax modifications, free school meals, bolstering state infrastructure, gun background checks, codifying abortion rights, and free college tuition for low-income families.

On August 6, 2024, Vice President Kamala Harris announced Walz as her running mate in the 2024 United States presidential election.

Early life and education

Timothy James Walz was born on April 6, 1964,[3] in West Point, Nebraska, to Darlene Rose Reiman,[4] a homemaker, and James F. Walz, a teacher, school superintendent, and U.S. Army veteran who served in the Korean War.[5][6] He is of German, Swedish, Luxembourgish, and Irish descent;[7][8] his great-great-grandfather Sebastian Walz emigrated from Kuppenheim, Germany to the United States in 1867,[9] and one of his grandmothers was Swedish American.[10] Walz was raised Catholic.[11]

Walz and his three siblings grew up in Valentine, Nebraska,[12] a rural community near Nebraska's northern border.[13][5] While Walz was in high school, his father was diagnosed with lung cancer.[12] After his father's diagnosis, his family moved to Butte, Nebraska, to be closer to his parents' relatives.[14] Walz graduated from Butte High School in 1982 with a class of 25 students.[15][12]

Walz's father died in January 1984.[16] He subsequently moved to Texas and then Arkansas where he built tanning beds in a factory.[5] During this period he also served in the Army National Guard.[5] Walz subsequently went to college to become a teacher like his father,[4] and earned a Bachelor of Science in social science education from Chadron State College in 1989.[5][17]

Early career

Teaching

After graduating from Chadron State College in 1989, Walz accepted a one-year teaching position with WorldTeach in Foshan No.1 High School, China.[18][5][19] After returning, Walz took a job teaching and coaching in Alliance, Nebraska, and in 1993 he was named Outstanding Young Nebraskan by the Nebraska Junior Chamber.[20] While working as a teacher, he met his wife, Gwen Whipple, a fellow teacher, and in 1994 the two married. Two years later they moved to Mankato, Minnesota, his wife's home state,[12] where he worked as a geography teacher and football coach at Mankato West High School.[5] The team had lost 27 straight games when he joined the coaching staff as a defensive coordinator.[21] Three years later, in 1999, the team won its first state championship.[22][23]

In 1999, Walz agreed to be the faculty advisor of Mankato West High School's first gay–straight alliance.[5] He and his wife also ran Educational Travel Adventures, which organized summer educational trips for high-school students to China.[24] Walz earned a Master of Science in educational leadership from Minnesota State University, Mankato, in 2001, writing his master's thesis on Holocaust education.[17][25] In March 2006, he took a leave of absence from teaching to focus full time on his congressional campaign.[26]

Military service

 
Walz during Army Basic Training, 1981

With his father's encouragement, Walz enlisted in the Army National Guard when he turned 17.[5][13] His father had served in the Korean War and paid for his education degree with the G.I. Bill,[13] and wanted his son to have the same opportunity.[13]

Walz served in the National Guard for 24 years after enlisting in 1981.[27] During his military career, he had postings in Arkansas, Texas, the Arctic Circle, New Ulm, Minnesota, and elsewhere.[27] He trained in heavy artillery.[27] During his service, he worked in disaster response postings following floods and tornadoes and was deployed overseas.[27] In 1989, he earned the title of Nebraska Citizen-Soldier of the Year.[28]

In August 2003, Walz deployed with the Minnesota National Guard to Vicenza, Italy, for nine months to serve with the European Security Force in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.[29][30] His decorations included the Army Commendation Medal and two Army Achievement Medals.[31][32] Walz attained the rank of command sergeant major near the end of his service[33] and briefly was the senior enlisted solider in the 1st Battalion, 125th Field Artillery Regiment.[34]

In February 2005, Walz submitted official documents to run for Congress and represent Minnesota there.[35] In March 2005, the Minnesota National Guard was told that there was a possibility of their deployment to Iraq within two years, while Walz said that month, "I do not yet know if my artillery unit will be part of this mobilization", and that he would continue his campaign to be elected to Congress.[36] Walz retired from military service in May 2005; he later explained that he wanted to focus on his campaign for Congress and did not want to violate the Hatch Act, which forbids some political activities by federal government employees.[35][36] According to the Minnesota National Guard, Walz retired before his unit was officially notified in July 2005 of their confirmed deployment to Iraq, with his unit mobilizing in September 2005 and moving to Iraq in March 2006.[37][38] During Walz' political career, he was criticized for the timing of his military retirement, while a National Guard colleague responded that when Walz retired, the unit's deployment was only a "rumor" and not yet confirmed.[39]

Walz' final military rank was master sergeant for retirement benefit purposes, since he did not complete required coursework to remain as command sergeant major; the downgrade of one rank was effective from the day before his military retirement, stated the National Guard.[27][35]

Political involvement

Walz volunteered for John Kerry's 2004 presidential campaign.[25] He was inspired to volunteer in the presidential election after he took a group of students to a George W. Bush rally in Mankato, and was angered by the security team's questioning of his students' politics after they saw a Kerry sticker on a student's wallet.[3] He was appointed the Kerry campaign's coordinator for his county as well as a district coordinator of Vets for Kerry.[40] In 2005, Walz completed the two-and-a-half-day campaigns and elections crash course at Camp Wellstone, a program run by Wellstone Action, the nonprofit organization Mark and David Wellstone created to carry on the work of their parents, Paul Wellstone and Sheila Wellstone.[41][42]

U.S. House of Representatives (2007–2019)

Elections

On February 10, 2005, Walz filed to run for the U.S. House of Representatives from Minnesota's 1st congressional district.[43][44] The congressional district consisted mostly of Republican-leaning independents.[45][46] He had no opponent for the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (DFL) nomination in the 2006 primary election.[47] In the general election, he faced six-term incumbent Republican Gil Gutknecht.[48] During the campaign, Walz accused Gutknecht of extending tax cuts to "Wall Street" and sought to align Gutknecht with President George W. Bush.[49][50] A centerpiece of Walz's campaign was opposition to the Iraq war, as the war's popularity was declining that year.[46] Walz won the election with 53% of the vote.[48] After his victory, Politico described Gutknecht as having been caught "off guard" and Walz as having "resolved never to get caught like that himself.... He packaged himself as a moderate from Day One, built an office centered on constituent service and carved out a niche as a tireless advocate for veterans."[51]

Walz was reelected in 2008 with 62% of the vote, becoming only the second non-Republican to win a second full term in the district. He won a third term in 2010 with 49% of the vote in a three-way race against Republican state representative Randy Demmer and independent former diplomat Steve Wilson.[52] Afterwards, he was reelected by comfortable margins in 2012 and 2014.[53] In 2016, Walz was narrowly reelected to a sixth term, defeating Republican Jim Hagedorn by 0.7% even as his district overwhelmingly voted for Donald Trump in the concurrent presidential election.[54] Following this, and as his district trended more Republican, Walz opted not to seek a seventh term in 2018 and instead ran for governor.[54]

Congressional tenure

 
Walz's 2006 Congressional portrait

Upon his swearing in at the beginning of the 110th Congress, Walz became the highest-ranking retired enlisted soldier ever to serve in Congress,[55] as well as only the fourth Democrat/DFLer to represent his district. The others were Thomas Wilson (1887–1889), William Harries (1891–1893), and Tim Penny (1983–1995).

In his first month in Congress, Walz was appointed to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, the Agriculture Committee, and the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee; Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued a special waiver exempting him from the order that barred most freshman members of Congress from serving on more than two committees.[56] That same year he was appointed to the Armed Services Committee.[57] In his first week as a legislator, Walz cosponsored a bill to raise the minimum wage, voted for stem cell research, voted to allow Medicare to negotiate pharmaceutical prices, and voiced support for pay-as-you-go budget rules, requiring that new spending or tax changes not add to the federal deficit.[58]

Even as he represented a district that had usually voted Republican, pundits described Walz's policy positions as ranging from moderate to progressive.[59] He voted to advance the Affordable Care Act out of the House.[60] As a congressman, he also met with the Dalai Lama and served on a commission monitoring human-rights in China.[61]

 
Walz, with Speaker Pelosi and Rep. Patrick Murphy, speaking on a spending bill, 2007

In January 2007, Walz opposed President Bush's plan to send an additional 21,500 troops to Iraq.[62] Although he opposed the war, he voted in favor of a bill in May 2007 that provided nearly $95 billion in funding for the war through September 30. Walz explained that his vote was to ensure the safety of American troops while also stating he would continue to negotiate a process to pull troops from Iraq.[63]

During the economic crisis in 2008, Walz repeatedly spoke out against using taxpayer money to bail out financial institutions; in late September, he voted against the $700 billion TARP bill, which purchased troubled assets from these institutions.[64] Walz released a statement after the bill's passage, saying, "The bill we voted on today passes the buck when it comes to recouping the losses taxpayers might suffer. I also regret that this bill does not do enough to help average homeowners, or provide sufficient oversight of Wall Street."[65][66] In December 2008, Walz voted against the bill that offered $14 billion in government loans to bail out the country's large automobile manufacturers.[67] In June 2009, he introduced a bipartisan resolution calling on the federal government to "relinquish its temporary ownership interests in the General Motors Company and the Chrysler Group, LLC, as soon as possible" and said that the government must not be involved in those companies' management decisions.[68]

Despite his votes against bailout bills that loaned taxpayer money to large banks and auto manufacturers, Walz did vote with his Democratic colleagues to support the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. As a member of the House Transportation Committee, he saw the stimulus bill as an opportunity to work "with his congressional colleagues to make job creation through investment in public infrastructure like roads, bridges and clean energy the cornerstone of the economic recovery plan".[69] Walz has focused heavily on job and economic issues important to the southern Minnesota district he represented in Congress, which has a mix of larger employers such as the Mayo Clinic and small businesses and agricultural interests. In July 2009, he voted for the Enhancing Small Business Research and Innovation Act, which he called "part of our long-term economic blueprint to spur job creation by encouraging America's entrepreneurs to innovate toward breakthrough technological advancements".[70][71] Walz also urged assistance for hog and dairy farmers who struggled with lower prices for their commodities in 2008 and 2009.[72]

Walz opposes using merit pay for teachers.[73] Voting in favor of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Walz pointed to its strong provisions in support of public school buildings.[74][75] He is on record supporting legislation to lower tuition costs.[76] In a February 12, 2009, speech, he said that the most important thing to do "to ensure a solid base for [America's] economic future ... is to provide the best education possible for [American] children."[77] Walz has received strong backing for these policies from many interest groups, including the National Education Association, the American Association of University Women, and the National Association of Elementary School Principals.[78]

 
Walz with members of the Minnesota National Guard at Anoka High School, 2017

Walz received a 100% rating from Planned Parenthood in 2012, from the American Civil Liberties Union in 2011, from the American Immigration Lawyers Association in 2009–2010, from the AFL-CIO in 2010, from the International Brotherhood of Teamsters in 2009–2010, and from the National Organization for Women in 2007. He also received single-digit ratings from the National Taxpayers Union, Citizens Against Government Waste, Americans for Tax Reform, and FreedomWorks. The United States Chamber of Commerce gave him a 25% rating in 2010.[79]

Walz was ranked the 7th-most bipartisan House member during the 114th Congress (and the most bipartisan member from Minnesota) in the Bipartisan Index created by the Lugar Center and the McCourt School of Public Policy, which ranks members of Congress by measuring how often their bills attract co-sponsors from the opposite party and how often they co-sponsor bills by members of the opposite party.[80][81]

Committee assignments

Caucus memberships

Commissions

Governor of Minnesota (2019–present)

Elections

2018

See also: 2018 Minnesota gubernatorial election
Walz campaigning in Bemidji, Minnesota, 2018

Walz announced he would run for governor after Mark Dayton, the incumbent Democratic governor, chose not to seek a third term. On November 6, 2018, Walz was elected governor, defeating the Republican nominee, Hennepin County commissioner Jeff Johnson.[88]

2022

See also: 2022 Minnesota gubernatorial election

Walz sought reelection in 2022.[89] He won the August 9 Democratic primary and faced Republican nominee Scott Jensen in the November general election. On November 8, 2022, Walz defeated Jensen, 52.3% to 44.6%.[90][91]

Tenure

 
Tim Walz's swearing-in as Minnesota's 41st governor with his family by his side, 2019

Walz was sworn in as governor of Minnesota on January 7, 2019, at the Fitzgerald Theater in Saint Paul. Walz took the oath of office alongside incoming lieutenant governor Peggy Flanagan, Minnesota secretary of state Steve Simon, Minnesota state auditor Julie Blaha, and Minnesota attorney general Keith Ellison, all Democrats.[92] Walz spoke about education and healthcare reform in his inauguration speech.[93]

In 2023, Walz was named chair of the Democratic Governors Association, a high-profile position that involves supporting other governors in tight races.[94] He stepped down after being selected as Kamala Harris's running mate. Kansas Governor Laura Kelly succeeded him as chair.[95]

Police reform and protest response

See also: George Floyd protests in Minneapolis–Saint Paul

On May 26, 2020, the day after the murder of George Floyd, Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan demanded justice and called the video of Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin kneeling on George Floyd's neck "disturbing".[96] Walz elaborated, "The lack of humanity in this disturbing video is sickening. We will get answers and seek justice".[96] Walz first activated the Minnesota National Guard on 28 May, activating the entire state National Guard on 30 May. His decision was praised by Donald Trump at the time, and Trump later took credit for deploying the Guard.[97][98]

Political opponents and other groups criticized Walz's initial response to the widespread protests following Floyd's murder.[99][100] He later responded to the murder by ordering the Minnesota legislature to reconvene for special sessions on legislation for police reform and accountability.[101] After police reform failed to pass the first special session in June,[102] a second special session was held in July.[103] On July 21, the legislature passed significant police reform legislation.[104]

The new compromise law included a limited ban on police from using chokeholds so long as the officers are not at greater risk.[104] It banned the old warrior training program, which was regarded as dehumanizing people and encouraging aggressive conduct.[104] It required training peace officers to deal with people with autism or in a mental health crisis and de-escalation training for situations that could turn volatile.[104] It also created a special independent unit at the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension for investigations of fatal police encounters and a community relations advisory council to consult with the Police Officers Standards and Training Board on policy changes.[104] Walz signed the legislation into law on July 23, 2020.[105]

Abortion and reproductive rights

See also: Abortion in Minnesota

In January 2023, Walz signed the Protect Reproductive Options Act, which protects access to reproductive health care including abortion, contraception, and fertility treatments in Minnesota. Abortion is legal at all stages of pregnancy in Minnesota.[106] In April 2023, he signed the Reproductive Freedom Defense Act, which bans state agencies from "enforcing out-of-state subpoenas, arrest warrants, and extradition requests" for people who travel to Minnesota for legal abortion, and limits the release of related health records.[107][108]

Cannabis

 
Walz at the signing ceremony for House File 100 legalizing recreational cannabis. He was joined by Minnesota's 38th governor, Jesse Ventura.

Walz advocated for the legalization of recreational cannabis as governor of Minnesota.[109][110][111] As a candidate for governor in 2017, he said: "We have an opportunity in Minnesota to replace the current failed policy with one that creates tax revenue, grows jobs, builds opportunities for Minnesotans, protects Minnesota kids, and trusts adults to make personal decisions based on their personal freedoms."[112] In 2022, he proposed the creation of a Cannabis Management Office to develop and implement the "regulatory framework for adult-use cannabis" in Minnesota.[113][114] On May 30, 2023, he signed into law House File 100 to legalize recreational cannabis in Minnesota, which went into effect on August 1, 2023.[115][116]

Medical debt

In June 2024, Walz signed the Minnesota Debt Fairness Act. Among other things, the act prevents health care providers from denying medically necessary treatment because of outstanding medical debt and prevents medical debt from affecting credit scores.[117]

2023 legislative session

The 93rd Minnesota Legislature, in session from January to May 2023, was the first legislature to be fully Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party-controlled since the 88th Minnesota Legislature in 2013–2015. It passed several major reforms to Minnesota law, including requiring paid leave, banning noncompete agreements, cannabis legalization, increased spending on infrastructure and environmental issues, tax modifications, codifying abortion rights, universal free school meals, and universal gun background checks.[118] The Star Tribune called the session "one of the most consequential" ever in Minnesota; Walz called it the "most productive session in Minnesota history".[118] While Walz signed almost all legislation passed by the legislature, he vetoed a bill intended to increase pay for rideshare drivers, his first veto as governor, saying that it did not strike the right balance.[119][120]

2024 and Feeding Our Future fraud scheme

In June 2024, five employees of the Minnesota-based nonprofit Feeding Our Future were convicted of the largest COVID-related fraud scheme, valued at $250 million. A Minnesota state audit report that criticized the Walz administration's handling of the matter revealed that the Minnesota Department of Education failed to oversee the nonprofit and perform its due diligence, which Walz admits and has taken responsibility for.[121][122][123]

2024 vice presidential campaign

Main articles: Kamala Harris 2024 presidential campaign and 2024 Democratic Party vice presidential candidate selection
 
Walz and Kamala Harris together in March 2024, prior to the start of the Harris–Walz 2024 campaign

On July 22, 2024, Walz endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris after incumbent president Joe Biden withdrew from the 2024 presidential race.[124] Following a rapid vice-presidential selection process in which the Harris campaign also vetted Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, Illinois Governor J. B. Pritzker, and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro,[125] on August 6 Harris announced that she had chosen Walz as her running mate.[126][127][128]

The Democratic National Committee certified Walz's candidacy the same day it was announced.[129] His selection was praised by an ideologically diverse group of politicians, including progressive Democratic representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, centrist independent senator Joe Manchin, and moderate Republican former governor Larry Hogan.[130]

Walz is credited with first publicly describing Donald Trump and his running mate JD Vance as "weird". The term subsequently became a popular meme, especially with young people, and has been widely used by Democrats.[131][132][133][134] Within a day of Walz being named as Harris' running mate, his political opponents nicknamed him as "Tampon Tim" for his signing of a 2023 bill into Minnesota law that mandated that menstrual pads and tampons must be provided in public schools, free of charge, "to all menstruating students in restrooms regularly used by students in grades 4 to 12", while Walz' political supporters responded positively to the nickname and the bill he signed.[135]

Political positions

Walz has been described as holding both moderate and progressive policy stances.[136]

Abortion

Walz supports a legal right to abortion,[73] and has a 100% rating from Planned Parenthood.[79] The National Right to Life Committee, an anti-abortion organization, gave him a rating of zero.[79] In an interview with CNN's Kaitlin Collins in March 2024, Walz said "my neighboring states have tried to criminalize women getting health care" and characterized their policies as "a health care crisis," adding that states need to "trust women to make their own health care decisions" and to "understand that abortion is health care." Elsewhere in the interview, he said "I think old white men need to learn how to talk about this a little more. And I think the biggest thing is: listen to women."[137][138] At a campaign rally with Vice President Harris in August 2024, Walz said "Some of us are old enough to remember when it was Republicans who were talking about freedom. It turns out now what they meant was that the government should be free to invade your doctor's office. In Minnesota, we respect our neighbors and their personal choices that they make. Even if we wouldn't make the same choice for ourselves, there's a golden rule, 'Mind your own damn business.'"[139]

Guns

 
Walz signing a bill to increase penalties for individuals who facilitate gun straw purchases, 2024[140]

Walz is a gun owner, and supports increased regulations on firearms. While in Congress, Walz was a strong supporter of gun rights and was endorsed by the NRA Political Victory Fund (NRA-PVF) multiple times, receiving an A grade from the organization.[141][142] Following the Parkland high school shooting in 2018, he denounced the NRA in a Star Tribune opinion piece, and announced that he would donate the equivalent of all of the campaign contributions the NRA-PVF had given him—$18,000—to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund.[143] As governor, Walz expressed support for gun regulation.[144] In 2023, he signed into law a public safety bill that establishes universal background checks and red-flag laws in Minnesota.[145]

Israel–Hamas war

Walz condemned Hamas's October 7 attacks in Israel and ordered flags to be lowered to half staff in the following days.[146] After the 2024 Minnesota Democratic presidential primary, in which 19% of voters cast "uncommitted" ballots, Walz took a sympathetic view toward those doing so to protest President Biden's handling of the war in Gaza, calling them "civically engaged".[147]

Of the protests against U.S. funding of the war in Gaza, Walz said: "This issue is a humanitarian crisis. They have every right to be heard... These folks are asking for a change in course, they're asking for more pressure to be put on… You can hold competing things: that Israel has the right to defend itself, and the atrocities of October 7 are unacceptable, but Palestinian civilians being caught in this... has got to end." Walz also said he supports a ceasefire in Gaza.[148]

Labor and workers' rights

 
Walz talking with workers at the Massman Automation manufacturing plant, 2024

In 2023, Walz signed a law banning captive audience meetings and non-compete clauses.[149][150] The law also mandates paid sick leave for employees and increases safety inspections and ergonomics requirements to reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries for warehouse, meatpacking, and healthcare facility workers.[149][150] It also grants workers some of the strongest protections against wage theft.[149][150] In October 2023, Walz joined the striking United Auto Workers' picket line.[151] He is a former member of two teachers' unions, the National Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers.[152]

LGBT rights

Walz supports LGBTQ rights, including federal anti-discrimination laws on the basis of sexual orientation.[73] In a 2009 speech, he called for an end to the Don't ask, don't tell policy. Walz voted in favor of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act and the Sexual Orientation Employment Nondiscrimination Act. In 2007, he received a 90% grade from the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest LGBT rights organization.[79] In 2011, Walz announced his support for the Respect for Marriage Act.[153] As governor, Walz has signed a number of bills that support the LGBTQ community. In 2023, he signed bills that banned the practice of conversion therapy and protected gender-affirming care in Minnesota.[154]

Veterans' issues

 
Walz greeting President Joe Biden, 2023

Having served 24 years in the Army National Guard, as a freshman in Congress Walz was given a rare third committee membership when he was assigned to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.[155]

Walz was the lead House sponsor of the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act, which directs the Veterans Administration to report on veteran mental health care and suicide prevention programs. It also gives the VA permission to provide incentives to psychiatrists who agree to join the VA medical system.[156]

Personal life

Walz and his wife, Gwen (born 1966), married on June 4, 1994.[18] The couple underwent fertility treatment at the Mayo Clinic for seven years before their children were born in 2001 and 2006.[157][158] They lived in Mankato, Minnesota, for nearly 20 years before moving to Saint Paul with their two children upon Walz's election as governor.[159] As of 2024, Walz has a modest financial stature, with him owning no businesses and listing no other income besides his governor salary and his wife's educator salary—a total of $166,000 reported in their 2022 tax returns. This places him amongst the least wealthy candidates to run for vice president.[160] Raised Catholic, Walz left the Church when he married his wife and is now a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.[11][161][162][163]

On September 23, 1995, Walz was arrested on a driving under the influence charge in Dawes County, Nebraska.[164] He pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of reckless driving, and his driver's license was suspended for 90 days. He stopped drinking alcohol after the incident.[5][165][166]

Walz's brother, Craig, died in 2016 after being struck by a falling tree during a storm while on a camping trip. Craig's son, who was also hit by the tree, survived but suffered severe injuries.[167][168]

Walz and his wife sold their home when they moved into the Minnesota governor's residence in 2019. According to financial disclosures made while he was in Congress, which a spokesperson for his 2024 campaign confirms, they have owned no stocks or securities. Their pensions are their only noteworthy asset.[169]

Walz owns a restored International Scout off-road vehicle.[170] The Walz family has a dog named Scout and a cat named Honey.[171]

Walz still speaks some Mandarin Chinese from the time he spent teaching in China.[172]

Electoral history

2006 United States House of Representatives elections in Minnesota, District 1
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic (DFL) Tim Walz 141,622 53.7 −
Republican Gil Gutknecht (incumbent) 126,487 47.1 −13
2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Minnesota, District 1
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic (DFL) Tim Walz (incumbent) 207,748 62.5 +9.5
Republican Brian J. Davis 109,446 32.9 −
Independence Gregory Mikkelson 14,903 4.5 −
2010 United States House of Representatives elections in Minnesota, District 1
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic (DFL) Tim Walz (incumbent) 122,390 49.4 −13.1
Republican Randy Demmer 109,261 44.1 +11.2
Independence Steven Wilson 13,243 5.3 +0.8
2012 United States House of Representatives elections in Minnesota, District 1
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic (DFL) Tim Walz (incumbent) 193,211 57.5 +8.1
Republican Allen Quist 142,164 42.3 −1.8
2014 United States House of Representatives elections in Minnesota, District 1
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic (DFL) Tim Walz (incumbent) 122,851 54.2 −3.3
Republican Jim Hagedorn 103,536 45.7 +3.4
2016 United States House of Representatives elections in Minnesota, District 1
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic (DFL) Tim Walz (incumbent) 169,076 50.4 −3.8
Republican Jim Hagedorn 166,527 49.6 +3.9
2018 Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party gubernatorial primary
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic (DFL) Tim Walz 242,832 41.60%
Democratic (DFL) Erin Murphy 186,969 32.03%
Democratic (DFL) Lori Swanson 143,517 24.59%
Democratic (DFL) Tim Holden 6,398 1.10%
Democratic (DFL) Olé Savior 4,019 0.69%
Total votes 583,735 100%
2018 Minnesota gubernatorial election[173]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic (DFL) Tim Walz/Peggy Flanagan 1,393,096 53.84% +3.77%
Republican Jeff Johnson/Donna Bergstrom 1,097,705 42.43% −2.08%
Grassroots Chris Wright/Judith Schwartzbacker 68,667 2.65% +1.07%
Libertarian Josh Welter/Mary O'Connor 26,735 1.03% +0.11%
n/a Write-ins 1,084 0.04% 0.00%
Total votes 2,587,287 100.0% N/A
Democratic (DFL) hold
2022 Minnesota gubernatorial election[174][175]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic (DFL) Tim Walz/Peggy Flanagan (incumbent) 1,312,311 52.27% –1.57%
Republican Scott Jensen/Matt Birk 1,119,911 44.61% +2.18%
Legal Marijuana Now James McCaskel/David Sandbeck 29,435 1.17% N/A
Grassroots—LC Steve Patterson/Matt Huff 22,604 0.90% –1.75%
Independence Hugh McTavish/Mike Winter 18,156 0.72% N/A
Socialist Workers Gabrielle Prosser/Kevin Dwire 7,240 0.29% N/A
n/a Write-ins 1,026 0.04% 0.00%
Total votes 2,510,683 100.0%
Democratic (DFL) hold

See also

References

  1. ^ Steil, Alex (July 23, 2023). "Walz, family move into Eastcliff". Minnesota Daily. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved August 6, 2024.
  2. ^ Williams, Linsey (2020). "Once in the Guard, always ready to serve". Minnesota National Guard. United States Army. Archived from the original on December 30, 2022. Retrieved July 27, 2024.
  3. ^ a b Jackson, Jazzmine; Callaghan, Peter (July 24, 2024). "Who is Tim Walz, one of Kamala Harris' top contenders for Vice President?". MinnPost. Archived from the original on August 6, 2024. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  4. ^ a b "Butte girl is wed today in church rite". Norfolk Daily News. August 9, 1955. p. 4. Archived from the original on August 6, 2024. Retrieved July 28, 2024.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Coolican, J. Patrick (October 14, 2018). "Tim Walz's campaign for Minnesota governor aiming to bridge the great divide". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on February 24, 2023. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  6. ^ "Harris and Walz attack Trump in first rally as Democratic ticket". BBC News. August 6, 2024. Archived from the original on August 7, 2024. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
  7. ^ Roberts, Duncan (August 8, 2024). "US vice president hopeful Tim Walz's Luxembourg heritage". Luxembourg Times. Retrieved August 8, 2024. that makes Walz 50% German, 25% Swedish and 12.5% Luxembourgish and Irish
  8. ^ "Tim Walz has Luxembourgish heritage". RTL. August 8, 2024. Retrieved August 8, 2024.
  9. ^ "Aus dieser deutschen Stadt kommt Tim Walz' Ururopa". Die Welt (in German). Archived from the original on August 7, 2024. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
  10. ^ "Tim Walz: Den "svenska" vänsterpolitikern från Minnesota". Dagens Nyheter (in Swedish). August 6, 2024. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
  11. ^ a b Londoño, Ernesto; Nagourney, Adam (August 7, 2024). "Tim Walz's Extraordinarily Ordinary Life". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved August 8, 2024.
  12. ^ a b c d Morton, Joseph (November 8, 2018). "Tim Walz, a Nebraska native, elected governor of Minnesota". Omaha World-Herald. Archived from the original on August 6, 2024. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  13. ^ a b c d Bakst, Brian (October 27, 2022). "Minnesota governor hopefuls take small-town roots into big-time showdown". Minnesota Public Radio. Archived from the original on August 6, 2024. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  14. ^ "CSC graduate elected to Congress". Chadron State College. November 14, 2006. Archived from the original on July 28, 2024. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  15. ^ Freedman, Samuel G. (April 25, 2007). "Congressman, Teacher, Soldier, and He's Back in Town for a Visit". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on July 29, 2024. Retrieved July 28, 2024.
  16. ^ "Obituaries". The Peru Stater. Peru State College. Summer 1984. p. 5. Archived from the original on August 7, 2024. Retrieved August 6, 2024. James F. Walz ('52) passed away in January in O'Neill, Neb., after a lingering illness. He spent his career as a teacher, coach and school administrator.
  17. ^ a b "Tim Walz's Biography". Vote Smart. Archived from the original on September 26, 2022. Retrieved September 26, 2022.
  18. ^ a b Liang, Annabelle (August 7, 2024). "Tim Walz: Chinese internet discovers that Harris's VP pick taught in China". BBC News. Archived from the original on August 7, 2024. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
  19. ^ Friedrichsen, Shaun; Friedrichsen, Kathryn (November 22, 2023). "Blast From The Past". The Alliance Times-Herald. Archived from the original on July 31, 2024. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
  20. ^ Morton, Joseph (November 25, 2006). Minnesota Democrat taps his roots. Omaha World-Herald. Retrieved August 9, 2024.
  21. ^ Pengelly, Martin (August 7, 2024). "The Tim Walz cheat sheet: 10 things to know about Harris's VP pick". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Archived from the original on August 7, 2024. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
  22. ^ Smith, Cam (January 8, 2019). "New Minnesota governor Tim Walz was a state champion football coach at Mankato (Minn.) West HS". USA Today High School Sports. Archived from the original on July 28, 2024. Retrieved July 27, 2024.
  23. ^ Lewis, Alec (August 6, 2024). "Tim Walz, Kamala Harris' running mate, had success as former Minnesota HS football coach". The New York Times. Archived from the original on August 7, 2024. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
  24. ^ Case, Charles (January 30, 2007). "The Accidental Politician". The Hill. Archived from the original on July 29, 2024. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
  25. ^ a b Lapin, Andrew (August 7, 2024). "Tim Walz wrote a master's thesis on Holocaust education, just as his own school's approach drew criticism". Jewish Telegraphic Agency. Retrieved August 8, 2024.
  26. ^ Felker, Edward (June 16, 2007). "Walz's run for Congress was financially risky". Post Bulletin. Archived from the original on August 7, 2024. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
  27. ^ a b c d e Bakst, Brian (October 3, 2018). "'Citizen Soldier' Walz Honed Leadership in Uniform". Minnesota Public Radio. Archived from the original on July 11, 2021. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
  28. ^ Kilgore, Ed (August 6, 2024). "In Tim Walz, Kamala Harris Has Her Super-Normie Running Mate". Intelligencer. Archived from the original on August 7, 2024. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
  29. ^ LaPorta, James (August 7, 2024). "Tim Walz's military record under scrutiny as he joins Kamala Harris on Democratic ticket - CBS News". CBS News. Retrieved August 8, 2024.
  30. ^ Britzky, Haley (August 7, 2024). "Vance reopens line of attack into Walz's military record as two veterans now vie to be vice president". CNN. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
  31. ^ Nieberg, Patty (July 29, 2024). "Here are the four military veterans Kamala Harris might pick for VP". Task & Purpose. Archived from the original on August 6, 2024. Retrieved July 30, 2024.
  32. ^ a b c d Once a soldier... always a soldier: Soldiers in the 113th Congress (PDF). Association of the United States Army. 2013. pp. 100–101. Archived (PDF) from the original on August 6, 2024. Retrieved July 30, 2024.
  33. ^ Olson, Rochelle (October 16, 2022). "GOP opponent who never served criticizes Gov. Tim Walz's exit from National Guard". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on July 29, 2024. Retrieved July 29, 2024.
  34. ^ Dickstein, Corey (August 6, 2024). "Walz credits National Guard service with sharpening leadership skills he hopes to use as vice president". Stars and Stripes. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
  35. ^ a b c Horton, Jake; Cheetham, Joshua (August 8, 2024). "What we know about military records of Walz and Vance". BBC News. Retrieved August 9, 2024.
  36. ^ a b Herb, Jeremy; Britzky, Haley (August 8, 2024). "Vance reopens line of attack into Walz's military record as two veterans now vie to be vice president". CNN. Retrieved August 9, 2024.
  37. ^ Lawrence, Quil (August 8, 2024). "Vance accused Walz of 'stolen valor.' What to know about Walz's military record". NPR. Retrieved August 9, 2024.
  38. ^ Bergey, Brock (August 7, 2024). "Digging deeper into Governor Walz's military service record". KTTC. Retrieved August 9, 2024.
  39. ^ Lamothe, Dan; Boburg, Shawn; Horton, Alex (August 7, 2024). "Tim Walz's military record, National Guard departure get new scrutiny". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on August 8, 2024. Retrieved August 8, 2024.
  40. ^ Spieler, Matthew (December 21, 2006). "The 'Everyman' Image of Rep.-elect Walz". CQ Politics. Washington, DC. Archived from the original on April 9, 2024. Retrieved July 30, 2024.
  41. ^ Kroll, Andy (September–October 2013). "Wellstone's Revenge: How Minnesota Democrats Took Their State Back". Mother Jones. San Francisco, CA: The Center for Investigative Reporting. Archived from the original on July 31, 2024. Retrieved July 30, 2024.
  42. ^ Lapin, Andrew (August 6, 2024). "How a tragic twist in Minnesota's 'Jewish Senate seat' helped Tim Walz break into politics". Jewish Telegraphic Agency. Retrieved August 8, 2024.
  43. ^ Green, Joshua (January 1, 2006). "Company, Left". The Atlantic. ISSN 2151-9463. Archived from the original on July 29, 2024. Retrieved July 29, 2024.
  44. ^ Britzky, Haley; Herb, Jeremy (August 7, 2024). "Vance reopens line of attack into Walz's military record as two veterans now vie to be vice president". CNN. Retrieved August 8, 2024.
  45. ^ Ed Felker (November 16, 2006). "Walz stays mum on choice for No. 2 House leader". Archived from the original on April 10, 2021. Retrieved November 16, 2006.
  46. ^ a b Norris, Michele (November 3, 2006). "Minnesota House Seat May Depend on War Issues". NPR. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
  47. ^ "Vote totals in races for which final results were not available Tuesday night: U.S. Congress". Star Tribune. Minneapolis, MN. September 14, 2006. p. B7. Archived from the original on August 6, 2024. Retrieved July 31, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  48. ^ a b "MPR: Campaign 2006: U.S. Congress: 1st District: Tim Walz". minnesota.publicradio.org. Retrieved August 8, 2024.
  49. ^ Bonorden, Lee (December 28, 2005). DFL hopeful accuses Gutknecht of extending tax cuts to wealthy. The Austin Daily Herald. Retrieved August 9, 2024.
  50. ^ Gutknecht is out as voters send Walz to Congress. The Albert Lea Tribune. November 8, 2006. Retrieved August 9, 2024.
  51. ^ James Hohmann (October 14, 2010). "Tim Walz confident about survival". Politico. Archived from the original on February 11, 2012. Retrieved August 17, 2012.
  52. ^ James Hohmann (October 14, 2010). "Walz confident about survival". politico.com. Politico. Retrieved August 8, 2024.
  53. ^ "Democrat Tim Walz re-elected to Congress in southern Minnesota, defeating GOP's Jim Hagedorn". Star Tribune. Associated Press. November 4, 2014. Archived from the original on November 8, 2014. Retrieved November 8, 2014.
  54. ^ a b Londoño, Ernesto; Nagourney, Adam (August 7, 2024). Tim Walz’s Extraordinarily Ordinary Life. The New York Times. Retrieved August 8, 2024.
  55. ^ "Minnesota Congressman Tim Walz to Deliver Democratic Radio Address". walz.house.gov (Press release). Archived from the original on April 25, 2007. Retrieved May 17, 2007.
  56. ^ "Walz Receives Rare Third Committee Appointment". walz.house.gov (Press release). January 18, 2007. Archived from the original on January 31, 2007. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
  57. ^ "Minnesota delegation has its say on Iraq resolution". MPR. February 16, 2007. Archived from the original on August 7, 2024. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
  58. ^ Fischenich, Mark (January 7, 2007). "Walz eager to dig into legislative issues". Mankato Free Press. Community Newspaper Holdings, Inc. Archived from the original on September 9, 2012. Retrieved January 12, 2007.
  59. ^ King, John; Zeleny, Jeff; Gangel, Jamie; Lee, MJ; Strauss, Daniel; Krieg, Gregory; Holmes, Kristen; Klein, Betsy (August 6, 2024). "Harris picks Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate". CNN. Archived from the original on August 7, 2024. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
  60. ^ Cabral, Sam (August 6, 2024). "Who is Tim Walz, Kamala Harris' pick for vice president?". BBC. Archived from the original on August 6, 2024. Retrieved August 6, 2024.
  61. ^ a b O’Brien, Connor; Bazail-Eimil, Eric (August 6, 2024). "How Tim Walz could help Harris connect with veterans". Politico. Archived from the original on August 7, 2024. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
  62. ^ Democrat Walz to respond to Bush address. Star Tribune. January 13, 2007. Retrieved August 9, 2024.
  63. ^ Voerding, Brian (May 25, 2007). Walz break rank, supports war funds. The Winona Daily News. Retrieved August 9, 2024.
  64. ^ "On Concurring in Senate Amendment With An Amendment: H R 3997 To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide earnings assistance and tax relief to members of the uniformed services, volunteer firefighters, and Peace Corps volunteers, and for other purposes". govtrack.us. Archived from the original on July 11, 2024. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
  65. ^ Davis, Don (September 28, 2008). "Bailout splits Minnesota lawmakers". Pine Journal. Archived from the original on February 8, 2023. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
  66. ^ "Walz Votes Against Bailout Plan". walz.house.gov (Press release). September 29, 2008. Archived from the original on October 13, 2008. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
  67. ^ "Roll Call 690 | Bill Number: H. R. 7321". clerk.house.gov. December 10, 2008. Archived from the original on August 7, 2024. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
  68. ^ "Walz Introduces Resolution Calling for Exit Strategy of the Federal Government's Ownership of Car Companies". walz.house.gov (Press release). June 26, 2009. Archived from the original on August 4, 2009. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
  69. ^ "Walz Votes to Create Millions of Jobs Through House Economic Recovery Plan". walz.house.gov. January 28, 2009. Archived from the original on January 29, 2009. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
  70. ^ "Rep. Tim Walz Votes to Create Small Business Jobs, Spur Economic Growth". walz.house.gov. Archived from the original on September 2, 2009. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
  71. ^ "Roll Call 486 | Bill Number: H. R. 2965". clerk.house.gov. Archived from the original on November 10, 2020.
  72. ^ "Walz Urges Swift Action to Assist Dairy Producers". walz.house.gov (Press release). Archived from the original on March 25, 2009. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
  73. ^ a b c "Tim Walz's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)". Vote Smart. Archived from the original on October 30, 2010. Retrieved July 12, 2010.
  74. ^ "Walz Will Vote to Create or Save 3.5 Million Jobs Through Recovery Act". walz.house.gov (Press release). Archived from the original on September 2, 2009. Retrieved August 8, 2024.
  75. ^ "Walz Leads Fight in House to Restore Education Funding to Recovery Package". walz.house.gov (Press release). Archived from the original on September 2, 2009. Retrieved August 8, 2024.
  76. ^ "Rep. Walz Announces New Program to Make College More Affordable". walz.house.gov. Archived from the original on September 2, 2009. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
  77. ^ "Project Vote Smart — Representative Timothy J. 'Tim' Walz — School Funding". Vote Smart. February 12, 2009. Retrieved July 12, 2010.[permanent dead link]
  78. ^ "Representative Timothy J. 'Tim' Walz — Interest Group Ratings". Vote Smart. May 14, 2010. Archived from the original on July 5, 2011. Retrieved July 12, 2010.
  79. ^ a b c d "Representative Timothy 'Tim' J. Walz's Special Interest Group Ratings". Vote Smart. Archived from the original on November 7, 2018. Retrieved March 13, 2019.
  80. ^ a b c d Mannweiler, Laura (August 6, 2024). "What to Know About Gov. Tim Walz, Kamala Harris' Running Mate". US News & World Report. Archived from the original on August 6, 2024. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
  81. ^ "McCourt School Bipartisan Index" (PDF). The Lugar Center. March 7, 2016. Archived (PDF) from the original on April 12, 2019. Retrieved April 30, 2017.
  82. ^ "EMS Caucus". National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians. Archived from the original on January 29, 2020. Retrieved March 23, 2017.
  83. ^ "Membership". palazzo.house.gov (Press release). Archived from the original on August 13, 2016. Retrieved June 18, 2016.
  84. ^ "Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus 114th Congress". sportsmenslink.org. Archived from the original on June 9, 2016. Retrieved June 18, 2016.
  85. ^ "Congressional Veterans Jobs Caucus Members". manchin.senate.gov. Archived from the original on June 11, 2016. Retrieved June 18, 2016.
  86. ^ "Members". LGBT Equality Caucus. Archived from the original on April 2, 2017. Retrieved March 23, 2017 – via house.gov.
  87. ^ "Membership". Congressional Arts Caucus. Archived from the original on June 12, 2018. Retrieved March 13, 2018.
  88. ^ Coolican, J. Patrick (November 6, 2018). "Tim Walz defeats Jeff Johnson in high-stakes election for Minnesota governor". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on January 29, 2020. Retrieved November 6, 2018.
  89. ^ "Gov. Walz makes it official: He's running for a second term". MPR News. Minnesota Public Radio. October 19, 2021. Archived from the original on October 20, 2021. Retrieved December 6, 2021.
  90. ^ Kaul, Greta (November 9, 2022). "How Walz won Minnesota governor's contest against Jensen in charts". MinnPost. Archived from the original on November 9, 2022. Retrieved November 9, 2022.
  91. ^ "Minnesota Governor Election Results". The New York Times. November 8, 2022. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on November 9, 2022. Retrieved November 9, 2022.
  92. ^ Frost, Evan (January 7, 2019). "Photos: The Walz Administration takes oath of office". MPR News. Minnesota Public Radio. Archived from the original on January 8, 2019. Retrieved January 10, 2019.
  93. ^ Van Berkel, Jessie (January 8, 2019). "Tim Walz sworn in as Minnesota's next governor". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on January 10, 2019. Retrieved January 10, 2019.
  94. ^ Schneider, Elena (December 3, 2023). "'Time to Be Bold': Advice for Democrats from a Quietly Powerful Governor". Politico. Archived from the original on August 4, 2024. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
  95. ^ "DGA Announces Kansas Governor Laura Kelly As Chair". Democratic Governors Association. August 7, 2024. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
  96. ^ a b Murphy, Esme (May 26, 2020). "'I Can't Breathe!': Video Of Fatal Arrest Shows Minneapolis Officer Kneeling On George Floyd's Neck For Several Minutes". WCCO-TV. Archived from the original on May 26, 2020. Retrieved August 24, 2020. While lying facedown on the road, Floyd repeatedly groans and says he can't breathe.
  97. ^ Bruggeman, Lucien; Faulders, Katherine. "Despite new criticism, Trump told Walz in 2020 he was 'very happy' with his handling of George Floyd protests". ABC News. Retrieved August 8, 2024.
  98. ^ Dale, Daniel (July 1, 2020). "Fact check: Minnesota governor, not Trump, called out the National Guard". CNN. Retrieved August 8, 2024.
  99. ^ Bierschbach, Briana (May 29, 2020). "Gov. Tim Walz laments 'abject failure' of riot response". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on March 31, 2022. Retrieved March 30, 2022.
  100. ^ Pugmire, Tim (October 13, 2020). "GOP report slams Walz for response to unrest". MPR News. Minnesota Public Radio. Archived from the original on September 26, 2022. Retrieved March 30, 2022.
  101. ^ "Walz calls special session on police accountability, bonding". MPR News. Minnesota Public Radio. June 10, 2020. Archived from the original on June 11, 2020. Retrieved August 24, 2020.
  102. ^ "Special Session Ends With No Police Reform Bills". KNSI. Associated Press. June 21, 2020. Archived from the original on June 23, 2020. Retrieved August 24, 2020.
  103. ^ Nelson, Tim (July 20, 2020). "Special session enters second week with little accomplished". MPR News. Minnesota Public Radio. Archived from the original on July 22, 2020. Retrieved August 24, 2020.
  104. ^ a b c d e Bakst, Brian (July 21, 2020). "Legislature passes policing bill, ends special session". MPR News. Minnesota Public Radio. Archived from the original on July 21, 2020. Retrieved August 24, 2020.
  105. ^ Van Oot, Torey (July 23, 2020). "Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz signs police accountability bill sparked by George Floyd's death". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on July 23, 2020. Retrieved August 24, 2020.
  106. ^ Cummings, Caroline (January 31, 2023). "Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz signs 'PRO Act' protecting abortion access into law - CBS Minnesota". CBS News. Archived from the original on August 7, 2024. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
  107. ^ WCCO Staff (April 27, 2023). "'It's a good day for freedoms': Walz signs bills on reproductive freedom and trans refuge, ban on conversion therapy". CBS News. Archived from the original on August 7, 2024. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
  108. ^ Cummings, Caroline (February 7, 2023). "Minnesota House committee advances bill protecting abortion providers, patients from out-of-state legal action". CBS News. Archived from the original on April 13, 2024. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
  109. ^ Faircloth, Ryan (March 12, 2019). "Gov. Walz lights into MN Republicans for killing recreational marijuana bill". St. Paul Pioneer Press. Archived from the original on December 1, 2020. Retrieved January 11, 2023.
  110. ^ Pugmire, Tim (August 26, 2019). "Walz wants state to be ready to roll on legal marijuana". MPR News. Minnesota Public Radio. Archived from the original on January 11, 2023. Retrieved January 11, 2023.
  111. ^ Jaeger, Kyle (January 9, 2023). "Minnesota's Governor Wants People To Sign A Marijuana Petition Asking Lawmakers To Put Legalization On His Desk". Marijuana Moment. Archived from the original on January 11, 2023. Retrieved January 11, 2023.
  112. ^ "Rep. Tim Walz Wants Recreational Marijuana Legalized In Minnesota". Southern Minnesota News. September 7, 2017. Archived from the original on January 22, 2019. Retrieved January 11, 2023.
  113. ^ "Gov. Walz calls for recreational marijuana legalization in Minnesota". KMSP-TV. January 26, 2022. Archived from the original on January 11, 2023. Retrieved January 11, 2023.
  114. ^ "Governor Walz, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan Announce Plan to Protect Minnesotans' Health and Safety". mn.gov (Press release). St. Paul, Minnesota. January 26, 2022. Archived from the original on January 11, 2023. Retrieved January 11, 2023.
  115. ^ Ahmed, Trisha (May 30, 2023). "Minnesota governor signs bill legalizing recreational marijuana starting in August". Associated Press. Retrieved July 16, 2023.
  116. ^ Jaeger, Kyle (May 30, 2023). "Minnesota Governor Signs Marijuana Legalization Bill Into Law". Marijuana Moment. Archived from the original on July 16, 2023. Retrieved July 16, 2023.
  117. ^ Sandberg, Diane (June 17, 2024). "Gov. Walz signs legislation to help Minnesotans with medical debt burdens". kare11.com. Retrieved August 8, 2024.
  118. ^ a b Bierschbach, Briana; Van Berkel, Jessie (May 21, 2023). "Minnesota Legislature wrapping work on one of the most consequential sessions in state history". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on May 21, 2023. Retrieved May 21, 2023.
  119. ^ Nesterak, Max (May 25, 2023). "Gov. Walz issues first veto, blocks bill setting minimum wage for Uber and Lyft drivers". Minnesota Reformer. Archived from the original on June 2, 2023. Retrieved June 8, 2023.
  120. ^ Olson, Rochelle; Harlow, Tim (May 25, 2023). "Gov. Walz vetoes rideshare bill, his first veto in five sessions". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on June 5, 2023. Retrieved June 8, 2023.
  121. ^ Masters, Clay (June 17, 2024). "Gov. Walz responds to audit critical of administration's handling of Feeding Our Future fraud". MPR News. Archived from the original on August 6, 2024. Retrieved August 6, 2024.
  122. ^ "Minnesota Department of Education: Oversight of Feeding Our Future: Special Report" (PDF). Office of the Legislative Auditor. State of Minnesota. June 13, 2024. Archived (PDF) from the original on July 24, 2024. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
  123. ^ Chan, Melissa (June 13, 2024). "Major failures by Minnesota's Education Department helped lead to largest Covid fraud scheme in the nation, audit says". NBC News. Archived from the original on August 6, 2024. Retrieved August 6, 2024.
  124. ^ Epstein, Reid J. (July 22, 2024). "Six Key Democratic Governors Endorse Kamala Harris". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on August 5, 2024. Retrieved August 6, 2024.
  125. ^ Alcindor, Yamiche; Tsirkin, Julie; Shabad, Rebecca (August 1, 2024). "Harris campaign has met with 6 potential VP picks as the selection process nears its end". NBC News. Archived from the original on August 1, 2024. Retrieved August 1, 2024.
  126. ^ Ferguson, Dana (August 6, 2024). "Harris taps Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate". NPR. Archived from the original on August 6, 2024. Retrieved August 6, 2024.
  127. ^ Korte, Gregory; Wingrove, Josh (August 6, 2024). "Harris Taps Minnesota's Walz in Appeal to Blue-Collar Workers". Bloomberg News. Retrieved August 8, 2024.
  128. ^ Samuels, Ben (August 6, 2024). "Kamala Harris Taps Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as Running Mate in 2024 Election". Haaretz. Retrieved August 8, 2024.
  129. ^ Nazzaro, Miranda (August 6, 2024). "Harris, Walz officially certified as Democratic nominees for president, vice president". The Hill. Retrieved August 6, 2024.
  130. ^ Pager, Tyler; Wang, Amy B.; Rodriguez, Sabrina (August 7, 2024). "Harris chooses Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as VP pick". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved August 8, 2024.
  131. ^ Amiri, Farnoush (August 6, 2024). "How Tim Walz became beloved by young voters with a message that the GOP is 'weird'". Associated Press. Washington, D.C. Archived from the original on August 6, 2024. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
  132. ^ "'JD Vance is fu****': Tim Walz memes take over Internet as Harris announces VP pick". The Times of India. August 6, 2024. Archived from the original on August 7, 2024. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
  133. ^ Akers, Mary Ann; Racker, Mini (August 6, 2024). "Meet Tim Walz, Harris' VP Pick Who First Called Trump 'Weird'". The Daily Beast. Archived from the original on August 7, 2024. Retrieved August 6, 2024.
  134. ^ Chávez, Steff; Fontanella-Khan, James (August 6, 2024). "Kamala Harris chooses Tim Walz as running mate in US presidential election". Financial Times. Archived from the original on August 7, 2024. Retrieved August 7, 2024. 'These are weird people on the other side,' Walz said in one MSNBC appearance. 'My God, they went after cat people — good luck with that. Turn on the internet and see what cat people do when you go after 'em. It would be funny if it wasn't so sad,' he said in another
  135. ^ Multiple sources:
  136. ^ Beauchamp, Zack (August 6, 2024). "The left loves Tim Walz. Can he unite the Democrats?". Vox. Archived from the original on August 7, 2024. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
  137. ^ Campuzano, Eder (March 15, 2024). "Gov. Tim Walz says 'old white men need to learn' how to talk about abortion, reproductive health". Star Tribune. Retrieved August 8, 2024.
  138. ^ "The Source with Kaitlan Collins, transcript". CNN. March 14, 2024. Retrieved August 8, 2024.
  139. ^ Montanaro, Domenico (August 7, 2024). "Takeaways from Tim Walz's introduction to the national stage". NPR. Retrieved August 8, 2024.
  140. ^ Staff, KQDS (June 3, 2024). "Minnesota Governor Tim Walz Signs Straw Gun Purchases Bill Into Law". Fox21Online. Retrieved August 8, 2024.
  141. ^ Neely, Brett (October 2, 2012). "Walz picks up NRA endorsement over Quist". MPR News. Minnesota Public Radio. Archived from the original on January 6, 2022. Retrieved January 6, 2022.
  142. ^ "NRA-PVF Endorses Tim Walz for U.S. House of Representatives in Minnesota's 1st Congressional District". NRA Political Victory Fund. September 24, 2010. Archived from the original on January 6, 2022. Retrieved January 6, 2022.
  143. ^ Walz, Tim (February 24, 2018). "Tim Walz: Please understand my full record on guns". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on June 5, 2023. Retrieved June 5, 2023.
  144. ^ Fischer, Samantha (April 19, 2023). "'Keep choosing the right fights': Gov. Walz delivers annual State of the State Address". kare11.com. Archived from the original on August 7, 2024. Retrieved July 19, 2023.
  145. ^ Jacobsen, Jeremiah (May 19, 2023). "Gov. Walz signs public safety bill, including new gun control measures". kare11.com. Archived from the original on August 7, 2024. Retrieved June 5, 2023.
  146. ^ "Minnesota governor orders flags at half-staff to honor victims of Hamas' attack on Israel". CBS Minnesota. October 11, 2023. Archived from the original on August 6, 2024. Retrieved August 6, 2024.
  147. ^ Wurzer, Cathy; Stockton, Gracie (March 7, 2024). "Gov. Walz says Minnesota's 45,000 uncommitted voters are 'civically engaged'". MPR News. Minnesota Public Radio. Archived from the original on August 6, 2024. Retrieved August 6, 2024.
  148. ^ Metzger, Bryan (July 29, 2024). "Where Kamala Harris's top potential VP picks stand on Israel and Gaza". Business Insider. Archived from the original on August 3, 2024. Retrieved August 4, 2024.
  149. ^ a b c Nesterak, Max (May 17, 2023). "Minnesota lawmakers approve 9 major worker-friendly changes". Minnesota Reformer. Archived from the original on June 5, 2023. Retrieved August 6, 2024.
  150. ^ a b c Oamek, Paige (August 6, 2024). "Kamala's V.P. Pick Sparks Major Endorsements That Should Scare Trump". The New Republic. ISSN 0028-6583. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
  151. ^ Greenhouse, Steven (August 6, 2024). "Why Harris' VP Choice Is Good News for Workers". Slate. ISSN 1091-2339. Archived from the original on August 7, 2024. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
  152. ^ Hsu, Andrea (August 6, 2024). "4 reasons why labor unions love Tim Walz". NPR. Archived from the original on August 7, 2024. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
  153. ^ Ameigh, Sarah (September 2011). "North Carolina's Anti-LGBT Measure: A Reactionary's Response to Progress". American Humanist. Archived from the original on September 30, 2011. Retrieved September 25, 2011.
  154. ^ Villarreal, Daniel (April 27, 2023). "Minnesota governor signs conversion therapy ban & law protecting trans healthcare rights". LGBTQ Nation. Archived from the original on August 5, 2024. Retrieved August 6, 2024.
  155. ^ Wentling, Nikki (August 6, 2024). "Kamala Harris taps Tim Walz, National Guard veteran, as running mate". Military Times. Archived from the original on August 6, 2024. Retrieved August 6, 2024.
  156. ^ Henry, Devin (February 12, 2015). "Obama signs Walz's veterans suicide prevention bill". MinnPost. Archived from the original on August 6, 2024. Retrieved August 6, 2024.
  157. ^ Treisman, Rachel (August 8, 2024). "What to know about Minnesota first lady Gwen Walz". NPR. Retrieved August 8, 2024.
  158. ^ Campuzano, Eder (August 6, 2024). "Who is Tim Walz? Minnesota's governor and Kamala Harris' running mate, explained". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on August 6, 2024. Retrieved August 6, 2024.
  159. ^ Wang, Amy B; Rodriguez, Sabrina (August 6, 2024). "Tim Walz's journey from high school football coach to VP candidate". Washington Post. Archived from the original on August 6, 2024. Retrieved August 6, 2024.
  160. ^ O'Connell, Jonathan; Morse, Clara Ence (August 9, 2024). "How Tim Walz's personal finances compare to J.D. Vance, other politicians". Washington Post. Retrieved August 9, 2024.
  161. ^ "Elections 2008". Chicago Sun-Times. October 23, 2008. Archived from the original on July 16, 2011. Retrieved October 24, 2008.
  162. ^ Wormald, Benjamin (January 5, 2015). "Faith on the Hill: The Religious Affiliations of the 114th Congress". Pew Research Center's Religion & Public Life Project. Archived from the original on September 23, 2021. Retrieved October 3, 2021.
  163. ^ Lisi, Clemente (August 6, 2024). "Harris VP Pick Tim Walz A Lutheran With Connections To Minnesota's Muslim Community". Religion Unplugged. Archived from the original on August 6, 2024.
  164. ^ Baio, Ariana (August 7, 2024). The truth behind Tim Walz’s 1995 DUI arrest and how it changed his life. MSN. Retrieved August 8, 2024.
  165. ^ Levien, Simon J.; Astor, Maggie (August 6, 2024). "19 Facts About Tim Walz, Harris's Pick for Vice President". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on August 7, 2024. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
  166. ^ Bennett, Brian (August 6, 2024). "What to Know About Tim Walz' 1995 Drunk Driving Charge". Time. Archived from the original on August 6, 2024. Retrieved August 6, 2024.
  167. ^ Sederstrom, Noel (June 21, 2016). "Walz family gathers at St. Mary's in Duluth as rescued teen faces multiple surgeries". KTTC. Archived from the original on August 16, 2018. Retrieved August 15, 2018.
  168. ^ "Obituary: Craig Walz". Norfolk Daily News. July 2, 2016. Archived from the original on July 29, 2024. Retrieved July 29, 2024.
  169. ^ Primack, Dan (August 7, 2024). "Gov. Tim Walz doesn't own a single stock". Axios. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
  170. ^ Mathur, Anusha (August 6, 2024). "55 Things to Know About Tim Walz, Kamala Harris' Pick for VP". Politico. Archived from the original on August 6, 2024. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
  171. ^ Olson, Rochelle (August 6, 2024). "Dog parks, Diet Dew and car sickness: A collection of tidbits about Gov. Tim Walz". Minneapolis Star Tribune. Archived from the original on August 5, 2024. Retrieved August 6, 2024.
  172. ^ Pengelly, Martin (August 7, 2024). "The Tim Walz cheat sheet: 10 things to know about Harris's VP pick". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
  173. ^ "Minnesota Secretary of State – 2018 General Election Results". sos.state.mn.us. Archived from the original on April 10, 2020.
  174. ^ "2022 General Election Results". Minnesota Secretary of State. Archived from the original on December 1, 2022. Retrieved November 30, 2022.
  175. ^ "Minnesota Statewide Reporting Statistics - Election Results". Archived from the original on December 2, 2022. Retrieved November 30, 2022.

Further reading

U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Minnesota's 1st congressional district
2007–2019 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Ranking Member of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee
2017–2019 		Succeeded by
Party political offices
Preceded by Democratic nominee for Governor of Minnesota
2018, 2022 		Most recent
Preceded by Democratic nominee for Vice President of the United States
2024
Preceded by Chair of the Democratic Governors Association
2023–2024 		Succeeded by
Political offices
Preceded by Governor of Minnesota
2019–present 		Incumbent
U.S. order of precedence (ceremonial)
Preceded byas Vice President Order of precedence of the United States
Within Minnesota 		Succeeded by
Mayor of city
in which event is held
Succeeded by
Otherwise Mike Johnson
as Speaker of the House
Preceded byas Governor of California Order of precedence of the United States
Outside Minnesota 		Succeeded byas Governor of Oregon
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Tim_Walz&oldid=1239417707"