Tim Walz

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Tim Walz
BornTimothy James Walz
6 4, 1964
BirthplaceWest Point, Nebraska, U.S.
NationalityAmerican
OccupationPolitician, former educator, Army National Guard veteran
Title41st Governor of Minnesota
Known for41st Governor of Minnesota, U.S. Representative from Minnesota's 1st congressional district, 2024 Democratic vice presidential nominee
EducationChadron State College (B.S.), Minnesota State University, Mankato (M.S.)
Children2

Timothy James Walz (born April 6, 1964) is an American politician, former educator, and Army National Guard veteran who has served as the 41st governor of Minnesota since January 2019. Before entering politics, Walz spent more than a decade as a high school social studies teacher and football coach in Mankato, Minnesota. He was elected to the United States House of Representatives in 2006, defeating six-term Republican incumbent Gil Gutknecht in Minnesota's 1st congressional district, and served six terms in Congress before successfully running for governor in 2018.[1] As governor, Walz oversaw the state's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the civil unrest following the murder of George Floyd in 2020, and later signed a broad slate of progressive legislation during a period of unified Democratic control of state government. On August 6, 2024, Vice President Kamala Harris selected Walz as her running mate for the 2024 presidential election, though their ticket was defeated by Republicans Donald Trump and JD Vance.[2] Born in small-town Nebraska and raised with a strong sense of civic duty through his family's military service and community involvement, Walz built a political career defined by his roots in rural America and his background in public education. He initially sought a third term as governor in 2026 but withdrew his candidacy amid scrutiny over fraud in state-funded social services programs, and announced in January 2026 that he would not seek elected office again after completing his current term.[3]

Early Life

Timothy James Walz was born on April 6, 1964, in West Point, Nebraska, a small community in the northeastern part of the state.[4] He grew up in a family with deep ties to military service and community engagement. His father, James Walz, was a significant influence on his life; Walz later shared publicly the story of his father's death and its impact on him.[5]

Walz's ancestry reflects the immigrant heritage common to the Great Plains region. Genealogical research has traced his family roots to Germany, with one ancestor hailing from a German town,[6] as well as connections to Luxembourg[7][8] and Ireland.[9] This European immigrant background was characteristic of many families in rural Nebraska and the broader Midwest during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Walz grew up in small-town Nebraska and attended Butte High School, graduating in 1982.[1] Shortly after graduating, at the age of 17, he enlisted in the Army National Guard, beginning a military career that would span more than two decades.[10] He also worked in a factory during this period. Walz's upbringing in rural, small-town America later became a central element of his political identity, distinguishing him from many national Democratic figures and forming the basis of his appeal to voters in agricultural and rural communities.[11]

Both Walz and his 2024 opponent JD Vance drew on their Midwestern origins during the presidential campaign, though their political trajectories diverged significantly.[12] Walz has frequently cited his small-town roots as foundational to his values around public service and community responsibility.[13]

Education

After his enlistment in the Army National Guard, Walz pursued higher education at Chadron State College in Chadron, Nebraska, where he earned a bachelor's degree in science. His time at Chadron State was documented in the college's 1984 yearbook, The Stater.[14] The college later noted his election to Congress in 2006 as a point of institutional pride.[15]

Walz later earned a master's degree in educational leadership from Minnesota State University, Mankato.[1] His educational background informed both his career as a high school teacher and his later focus on education policy as a legislator and governor. The combination of a small Nebraska state college education and his subsequent graduate work in Minnesota reflected the practical, public-university pathway common among educators in the Upper Midwest.

Career

Military Service

Walz served in the Army National Guard from 1981 to 2005, a period spanning more than 24 years.[10] He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 125th Field Artillery Regiment. During his service, Walz rose through the enlisted ranks. The highest rank he attained was that of command sergeant major, though the conditions surrounding that rank became a subject of political discussion. The Associated Press reported on the details of Walz's military career, including questions about the characterization of his service record that arose during the 2024 presidential campaign.[10]

Walz's military service was a formative experience that shaped his later political focus on veterans' affairs. It also informed his identity as a candidate, particularly in southern Minnesota's 1st congressional district, where military service carried significant weight among voters.

Teaching and Coaching

After completing his education, Walz worked as a high school social studies teacher and football coach. He taught at Mankato West High School in Mankato, Minnesota, having moved to the state in 1996.[1] As a teacher, Walz was known for engaging with students on topics of government and civics. His role as a football coach also became part of his public biography; photographs and accounts from his time coaching were circulated during his political campaigns.[16]

Walz's career in education was cited in national media coverage as unusual among major-party candidates for national office. A 2007 New York Times article on education noted his background as a teacher entering Congress.[17] His experience as a public school teacher in a rural community became a recurring theme in his political messaging and was frequently cited as distinguishing him from other candidates.

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

In 2006, Walz ran for Congress in Minnesota's 1st congressional district, a largely rural district in southern Minnesota. He defeated six-term Republican incumbent Gil Gutknecht, a notable upset in a district that had leaned Republican.[1][18] Chadron State College noted his victory as an accomplishment of one of its graduates.[15]

Walz was reelected five times, serving a total of six terms in the U.S. House from January 3, 2007, to January 3, 2019. During his time in Congress, he focused on agricultural policy, veterans' affairs, and issues affecting rural communities. His district included farmland, small towns, and the city of Mankato, and Walz positioned himself as a moderate-to-progressive Democrat capable of winning in conservative-leaning territory.

From January 3, 2017, to January 3, 2019, Walz served as the ranking member of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, the senior Democratic position on the panel.[1] In this role, he oversaw Democratic priorities on the committee related to veterans' health care, benefits, and services. His military background lent credibility to his work on the committee.

Walz's successor in the congressional seat was Republican Jim Hagedorn, who won the 1st district seat in the 2018 election after Walz chose to run for governor rather than seek reelection to the House.

Governor of Minnesota

2018 Election and First Term

Walz ran for governor of Minnesota in 2018, framing his candidacy as an effort to bridge the political and geographic divides within the state.[11] He won the DFL (Democratic–Farmer–Labor) primary and was elected governor in November 2018, succeeding Mark Dayton.[18] He took office on January 7, 2019, with Peggy Flanagan serving as his lieutenant governor.

Walz's first term was defined in large part by two major crises. The COVID-19 pandemic beginning in 2020 required the governor to issue emergency orders and oversee the state's public health response. Later that year, the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin on May 25, 2020, sparked widespread protests and civil unrest in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area and beyond. Walz presided over the state's response, which included the activation of the Minnesota National Guard. His handling of both crises drew both support and criticism from different political constituencies.

2022 Reelection and Second Term

Walz was reelected governor in 2022, defeating Republican challenger Scott Jensen in a race in which both candidates emphasized their small-town roots.[13]

During his second term, Walz oversaw a period of unified DFL control of state government — the governor's office, the Minnesota House, and the Minnesota Senate were all held by Democrats for the first time in years. This political trifecta enabled the passage and signing of a broad array of progressive legislation. Measures signed into law by Walz during this period included:

  • Restoration of voting rights for individuals with felony convictions
  • Driver's licenses for undocumented immigrants
  • Establishment of Minnesota as a transgender refuge state
  • Legalization of recreational cannabis
  • Free school meals for all students
  • Universal gun background checks
  • Codification of abortion rights
  • Free college tuition for low-income families
  • Tax modifications[1]

This legislative agenda drew national attention and positioned Walz as a prominent figure within the Democratic Party, contributing to his selection as Kamala Harris's running mate in 2024.

In 2025 and 2026, Walz's administration faced scrutiny over extensive fraud discovered in state-funded social services programs. A report from the governor's fraud czar described "inadequate accountability" that had allowed vulnerabilities in government programs to persist for decades.[19] The scandal prompted judicial review and raised questions about administrative oversight under Walz's leadership.[3] In response, Walz appointed Shireen Gandhi as the permanent commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Human Services, after she had served in the role on a temporary basis.[20][21]

As of February 2026, Walz continued to pursue policy initiatives in his final months in office, including proposals to combat gun violence in the wake of a shooting at Annunciation school in Minnesota.[22][23][24]

2024 Vice Presidential Nomination

On August 6, 2024, Vice President Kamala Harris announced Tim Walz as her running mate for the 2024 United States presidential election.[2] The selection came after a period of intense speculation about potential vice presidential picks, with Walz emerging as a contender due to his appeal in the Midwest, his background as a veteran and teacher, and his record of passing progressive legislation as governor.

During the campaign, Walz's personal story — a small-town Nebraska native who served in the military, taught high school, coached football, and entered politics — was prominently featured. His European immigrant heritage, including German, Luxembourgish, and Irish roots, received attention in international media.[6][7][9] Coverage in Sweden also noted his political profile.[25]

The Harris-Walz ticket was defeated in the November 2024 general election by the Republican ticket of former President Donald Trump and Senator JD Vance. The contest between Walz and Vance drew comparisons between two candidates with Midwestern backgrounds who had arrived at opposing political positions.[12]

Withdrawal from 2026 Gubernatorial Race

Walz initially declared his intention to seek a third term as governor in 2026. However, the escalating scandal over fraud in state-funded social services programs placed increasing political pressure on his administration. Investigations revealed extensive fraud, and criticism mounted over perceived failures in administrative oversight.[3][19] Judicial authorities conducted a review of the programs in question.

Walz withdrew his candidacy for the 2026 gubernatorial race. On January 28, 2026, he publicly stated that after completing his term as governor, he would "never run for an elected office again."[3] The political dynamics in Minnesota shifted further as federal immigration enforcement actions complicated the landscape for both parties in the state.[3]

Personal Life

Walz is married to Gwen Walz, a fellow educator whom he met in Minnesota. The couple has two children.[1] Gwen Walz has been active in education and has served as Minnesota's first lady during her husband's tenure as governor.

Walz has spoken publicly about the influence of his family on his life and career. In a video released during the 2024 Harris campaign, he shared the story of his father's death and its personal impact.[5]

Photographs from Walz's life — including his time as a teacher, football coach, and National Guard member — were widely circulated during the 2024 campaign cycle.[16]

Walz's personal identity has been closely associated with his small-town Midwestern upbringing, his military service, and his career in public education. These elements of his biography featured prominently in both his gubernatorial campaigns and his national candidacy.

Recognition

Walz's election to Congress in 2006, as a first-time candidate defeating a six-term incumbent, was noted as a significant political achievement. Chadron State College recognized him as a notable graduate following his congressional victory.[15]

His selection as the 2024 Democratic vice presidential nominee brought Walz to national and international prominence. Media outlets across the United States and in Europe — including in Germany, Luxembourg, Ireland, and Sweden — profiled his background, ancestry, and political career.[6][7][8][9][25]

As governor, Walz received attention for the breadth of progressive legislation signed during the 2023–2024 legislative session, which was characterized in national media as one of the most productive progressive legislative periods in any state. His record on issues including gun background checks, abortion rights, cannabis legalization, and free school meals was cited by supporters as evidence of effective governance and by critics as overreach.

The fraud scandal in state social services programs that emerged during his second term, however, significantly affected his political standing. The revelation of systemic vulnerabilities described as dating back decades, combined with criticism of his administration's oversight, contributed to his decision to withdraw from the 2026 race and end his electoral political career.[19][3]

Legacy

Tim Walz's political career spanned nearly two decades, from his 2006 congressional upset victory to his announcement in 2026 that he would not seek office again. His trajectory — from small-town Nebraska to the Army National Guard, to a high school classroom, to the U.S. House, to the governor's mansion, and to a national ticket — represented an unusual pathway in modern American politics.

In Congress, Walz demonstrated the ability to win and hold a Republican-leaning rural district as a Democrat, a feat that became increasingly rare in the era of political polarization. His work on the House Veterans' Affairs Committee reflected his personal commitment to issues affecting service members and veterans.

As governor, Walz's legacy is defined by contrasting achievements and challenges. The legislative output of the 2023–2024 session — encompassing gun safety, reproductive rights, cannabis legalization, free school meals, and other measures — represented a significant expansion of progressive policy in Minnesota. At the same time, the social services fraud scandal raised questions about government accountability and oversight that marked the final period of his administration.[19]

His 2024 vice presidential candidacy, while unsuccessful, brought a former high school teacher and football coach to the national stage at the highest level of American politics. The campaign highlighted the continuing significance of Midwestern identity and rural roots in national elections, even as the electoral outcome demonstrated the challenges facing the Democratic ticket in 2024.[2][12]

Walz's decision to step away from electoral politics after the fraud controversies marked an unusual conclusion to a career that had been characterized by steady advancement. His stated commitment to never again seek elected office, announced in January 2026, placed him among a relatively small number of modern governors who voluntarily ended their political careers under such circumstances.[3]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 "Who is Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, one of the top contenders for vice president?".MinnPost.https://web.archive.org/web/20240806140930/https://www.minnpost.com/national/2024/07/who-is-minnesota-governor-tim-walz-one-of-the-top-contenders-for-vice-president/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Tim Walz".The New York Times.2024-08-07.https://web.archive.org/web/20240807222123/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/07/us/politics/tim-walz-kamala-harris-campaign-2024.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 "Minnesota Republicans Were Bullish. Then Came the Immigration Crackdown.".The New York Times.2026-02-21.https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/21/us/minnesota-politics-immigration-crackdown.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  4. ↑ "West Point Republican".West Point Republican (archived).https://web.archive.org/web/20240807181614/https://johnastahlne.advantage-preservation.com/viewer/?t=39592&i=t&d=04011964-05012023&m=between&ord=k1&fn=west_point_republican_usa_nebraska_west_point_19640409_english_5&df=1&dt=6&cid=2989.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Tim Walz Shares Story of Father's Death in Harris Campaign Video".People.https://web.archive.org/web/20240820101622/https://people.com/tim-walz-shares-story-fathers-death-harris-campaign-video-exclusive-8695427.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 "US-Wahl: Tim Walz — Aus dieser deutschen Stadt kommt sein Vorfahr".Die Welt.https://web.archive.org/web/20240807170711/https://www.welt.de/politik/ausland/us-wahl/article252888682/US-Wahl-Tim-Walz-Aus-dieser-deutschen-Stadt-kommt-sein-Vorfahr.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 "US vice president hopeful Tim Walz's Luxembourg heritage".Luxembourg Times.https://web.archive.org/web/20240808213854/https://www.luxtimes.lu/world/us-vice-president-hopeful-tim-walz-s-luxembourg-heritage/17427901.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 "Tim Walz Luxembourg heritage".RTL Today.https://web.archive.org/web/20240808155136/https://today.rtl.lu/news/luxembourg/a/2221881.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 "The Irish roots of Kamala Harris's running mate Tim Walz".The Times.https://web.archive.org/web/20240823172116/https://www.thetimes.com/world/ireland-world/article/the-irish-roots-of-kamala-harriss-running-mate-tim-walz-gt7kdwmzr.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 "Walz National Guard military service".Associated Press.https://web.archive.org/web/20240809072930/https://apnews.com/article/walz-national-guard-military-ae43d684bf1319e535f9f620552155d7.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 "Tim Walz's campaign for Minnesota governor aims to bridge the great divide".Star Tribune.https://web.archive.org/web/20190118055744/https://www.startribune.com/tim-walz-s-campaign-for-minnesota-governor-aims-to-bridge-the-great-divide/495297961/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 "Tim Walz and JD Vance: Two Midwesterners With Very Different Views".The New York Times.2024-08-09.https://web.archive.org/web/20240810122142/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/09/us/tim-walz-jd-vance-midwest.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 "Minn. gov. hopefuls Jensen, Walz take small-town roots into big-time showdown".MPR News.https://web.archive.org/web/20240806133929/https://www.mprnews.org/story/2022/10/27/minn-gov-hopefuls-jensen-walz-take-smalltown-roots-into-bigtime-showdown.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  14. ↑ "1984 Stater yearbook".Issuu / Chadron State College.https://web.archive.org/web/20240807172039/https://issuu.com/psclibrary/docs/1984_stater.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 "CSC Graduate Elected to Congress".Chadron State College.2006.https://web.archive.org/web/20240728175647/https://www.csc.edu/news/2006/csc-graduate-elected-to-congress.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 "Tim Walz Photos".Town & Country.https://web.archive.org/web/20240820101623/https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/politics/g61866694/tim-walz-photos/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  17. ↑ "Education".The New York Times.2007-04-25.https://web.archive.org/web/20240729022920/https://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/25/education/25education.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 "Tim Walz, a Nebraska native, elected governor of Minnesota".Omaha World-Herald.https://web.archive.org/web/20240806151304/https://omaha.com/news/politics/elections/tim-walz-a-nebraska-native-elected-governor-of-minnesota/article_77f8695f-6344-50c4-a875-4224690ace38.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 19.2 19.3 "Gov. Tim Walz fraud czar: 'Inadequate accountability' fed problem for decades".Pioneer Press.2026-02-23.https://www.twincities.com/2026/02/23/gov-tim-walz-fraud-czar-inadequate-accountability-fed-problem-for-decades/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  20. ↑ "Walz appoints Shireen Gandhi to lead embattled Department of Human Services".Star Tribune.2026-02-24.https://www.startribune.com/shireen-gandhi-minnesota-department-of-human-services/601586948.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  21. ↑ "Shireen Gandhi appointed as Minnesota DHS commissioner after serving in temporary role".CBS News.2026-02-24.https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/shireen-gandhi-appointed-permanent-commissioner-department-human-services/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  22. ↑ "Gov. Walz, legislative leaders to unveil package of bills to combat gun violence".FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul.2026-02-24.https://www.fox9.com/news/gov-walz-legislative-leaders-unveil-package-bills-combat-gun-violence.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  23. ↑ "Gov. Walz to announce gun legislation in wake of Annunciation school shooting".5 EYEWITNESS NEWS.2026-02-24.https://kstp.com/kstp-news/top-news/gov-walz-to-announce-gun-legislation-in-wake-of-annunciation-school-shooting/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  24. ↑ "Governor Tim Walz to announce new gun violence prevention package Tuesday".KTTC.2026-02-24.https://www.kttc.com/2026/02/24/governor-tim-walz-announce-new-gun-violence-prevention-package-tuesday/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 "Tim Walz — den svenska vänsterpolitikern från Minnesota".Dagens Nyheter.https://web.archive.org/web/20240806164618/https://www.dn.se/varlden/tim-walz-den-svenska-vansterpolitikern-fran-minnesota/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.

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