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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.

From NRA ally to adversary: Gov. Tim Walz track record on guns highlights policy evolution

From NRA ally to adversary: Gov. Tim Walz track record on guns highlights policy evolution

Few areas illustrate the political evolution of Gov. Tim Walz than guns. He was a top-rated lawmaker by the National Rifle Association early in his congressional career. As governor, he’s enacted gun restrictions and now has gun-owner groups seething.
by Dana Ferguson

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After Minnesota primary, Democrats turn attention to Chicago for national convention

After Minnesota primary, Democrats turn attention to Chicago for national convention

The Democratic National Convention begins Monday in Chicago. Since last week’s addition of Gov. Tim Walz to the Democratic ticket, there are many more eyes on the convention here in Minnesota.
by Cathy Wurzer, Brian Bakst, Ellen Finn, Mark Zdechlik and Clay Masters

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Republicans are talking about Walz’s policing record. Why do voters in low-crime communities care?

Republicans are talking about Walz’s policing record. Why do voters in low-crime communities care?

With Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz now a vice-presidential candidate, his response to civil unrest in Minneapolis after George Floyd’s murder has become a campaign talking point. Paradoxically, the message that he’s soft on crime plays well in areas that experience little crime.
by Catharine Richert

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Walz makes a 5-state dash for campaign cash this week, traveling solo for 1st time as running mate

Walz makes a 5-state dash for campaign cash this week, traveling solo for 1st time as running mate

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is branching out this week and holding his first solo events as Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate, making a five-state dash for campaign cash and addressing a key union gathering.
by The Associated Press

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Former students and colleagues recall high school teachers Tim and Gwen Walz as allies and advocates

Former students and colleagues recall high school teachers Tim and Gwen Walz as allies and advocates

When Kamala Harris named Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate, she highlighted his service as a congressman, soldier, teacher and coach. But she also mentioned his support for gay students at Mankato West High School.
by The Associated Press

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Walz ‘misspoke’ in 2018 reference to ‘weapons of war, that I carried in war,’ Harris campaign says

Walz ‘misspoke’ in 2018 reference to ‘weapons of war, that I carried in war,’ Harris campaign says

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, the Democratic candidate for vice president, “misspoke” in a 2018 video about “weapons of war that I carried in war,” a Harris-Walz campaign spokesperson said Saturday.
by The Associated Press

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A win for the Harris-Walz ticket would also mean the country’s first Native American female governor

A win for the Harris-Walz ticket would also mean the country’s first Native American female governor

If Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, are elected this fall, not only would a woman of color lead the country for the first time, but a Native woman would govern a state for the first time in U.S. history too.
by The Associated Press

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