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Gov. Tim Walz

Who is Tim Walz? The Minnesota governor has been picked to be Kamala Harris' running mate and VP candidate.

Meet Tim Walz: His early life and political background

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, the small-town kid whose time in the military and at the front of a classroom preceded his foray into politics, could become vice president after being selected as Kamala Harris’ running mate. He’d be the third Minnesotan to get the job.

Here’s what you should know about Walz:

Early and personal life

  • Born April 6, 1964 in West Point, Neb.

  • Married to Gwen in 1994. Two children, Hope and Gus.

  • Raised in small-town Nebraska, where he graduated from a public high school.

Education and teaching background

  • He attended Chadron State College in Nebraska and also has a degree from what is now known as Minnesota State University, Mankato.

  • Taught high school social studies and civics in Nebraska and Minnesota.

Military experience

  • Member of the Army National Guard.

  • Achieved the rank of command sergeant major before retiring in 2005 after 24 years.

Political experience

  • First elected in Minnesota’s 1st Congressional District in 2006 and reelected to five more terms, serving 12 years in the House of Representatives.

  • Won Minnesota governorship in 2018 and reelected in 2022. Currently chair of the Democratic Governors Association.

Defining moments in Walz’s political career

An all-Democratic power structure at Minnesota’s Capitol in recent years has given Walz the ability to deliver a stream of policies celebrated in progressive circles, ranging from abortion protections to universal school meals to marijuana legalization.

His tenure also includes stumbles and challenges — from dealing with COVID-19 disruptions to unrest sparked by George Floyd’s murder to suggestions his administration hasn’t always been attentive to where tax dollars go.

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Vice President Kamala Harris speaks
St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter (left), Rep. Betty McCullum, D-Minn. and Minnesota Gov. Walz listen as Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at Planned Parenthood, on March 14, in St. Paul.
Kerem Yücel | MPR News
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Minnesota Governor Tim Walz speaks
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz speaks before President Joe Biden delivers remarks on the Biden administration’s efforts to rebuild infrastructure at Earth Rider Brewery on Jan. 25, in Superior, Wis.
Erica Dischino for MPR News
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Tim Walz delivers his speech
Gov. Walz delivers his 2024 State of the State speech in the auditorium of Owatonna High School on March 26 in Owatonna.
Clay Masters | MPR News
Coverage highlights of Walz's tenure
Go deeper Explore the MPR Archive collection on Tim Walz


Ask MPR News


The latest on Tim Walz:

MPR News has chronicled Walz from a personal, political, and policy lens over almost two decades. Here are some stories that shed light on him, what he stands for and how he operates.

Kamala Harris taps Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as Democratic running mate

Gov. Tim Walz supporters say the ex-Army National Guard leader, former teacher and past congressman could help Harris in the Midwest. But he also comes with baggage from nearly two decades in political office.
by Dana Ferguson

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PolitiFact weighs in on false claims about Walz and how to spot disinformation

PolitiFact weighs in on false claims about Walz and how to spot disinformation

A senior U.S. intelligence official has found that Russia is behind viral disinformation about Gov. Tim Walz. An account on X spread false claims against the Democratic vice presidential nominee but a closer look at the posts reveals inconsistencies and inaccuracies.
by Tom Crann and Ngoc Bui

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As campaign nears finish, Walz adds dashes of digs to his portions of joy

As campaign nears finish, Walz adds dashes of digs to his portions of joy

The Democratic vice presidential candidate entered the race emphasizing positivity in politics. In the final stretch to Election Day, he’s trying to thread the needle between needling Donald Trump and JD Vance while still keeping an optimistic message.
by Dana Ferguson

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With hunting party, Walz invites moderate male voters into the fold

With hunting party, Walz invites moderate male voters into the fold

Independent voter David Clayton joined Gov. Tim Walz at Saturday’s pheasant opener and says he’s sold on voting for the Harris-Walz ticket. He thinks others may be, too, but aren’t talking about it. “There are many, many MAGA-minded Americans who aren’t really so MAGA-minded. But they can’t say it out loud because of fear of any kind of cancelation.”
by Cathy Wurzer, Megan Burks and Gracie Stockton

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Hunting for male voters: Walz steps into the field for the pheasant opener

Hunting for male voters: Walz steps into the field for the pheasant opener

Gov. Tim Walz had more pheasant hunting companions than usual for this year’s opener near Sleepy Eye, on Saturday. Flanked by a team of earpiece-wearing Secret Service agents and roughly a dozen members of the press, Walz and his 4-person hunting party set out into a golden, sunlit field on private land as soon as the season officially opened at 9 a.m.
by Ben Hovland and The Associated Press

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Walz says he'll 'own up' when he misspeaks as the Democratic ticket steps up media interviews

Walz says he'll 'own up' when he misspeaks as the Democratic ticket steps up media interviews

The “Fox News Sunday” interview reflected a broader media blitz by presidential nominee Kamala Harris and Walz as the Democrats seek to garner public attention in the final 30 days of the campaign. 
by The Associated Press

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