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| {{Short description|Governor of Minnesota since 2019}} | |||
| {{redirect|Coach Walz|other uses|Coach Walz (disambiguation)}} | |||
| {{Pp-extended|small=yes}} | |||
| {{Use American English|date=January 2019}} | |||
| {{Use mdy dates|date=March 2019}} | |||
| {{Infobox officeholder | |||
| | name = Tim Walz | |||
| | image = Tim Walz by Gage Skidmore.jpg | |||
| | alt = Walz stands with a blue suit and orange tie | |||
| | caption = Walz in 2024 | |||
| | order = 41st | |||
| | office = Governor of Minnesota | |||
| | lieutenant = ] | |||
| | term_start = January 7, 2019 | |||
| | term_end = | |||
| | predecessor = ] | |||
| | successor = | |||
| | office1 = Ranking Member of the ] | |||
| | term_start1 = January 3, 2017 | |||
| | term_end1 = January 3, 2019 | |||
| | predecessor1 = ] (acting) | |||
| | successor1 = ] | |||
| | state2 = ] | |||
| | district2 = {{ushr|MN|1|r}} | |||
| | term_start2 = January 3, 2007 | |||
| | term_end2 = January 3, 2019 | |||
| | predecessor2 = ] | |||
| | successor2 = ] | |||
| | birth_name = Timothy James Walz | |||
| | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1964|4|6}} | |||
| | birth_place = ], U.S. | |||
| | death_date = | |||
| | death_place = | |||
| | party = ] (]) | |||
| | spouse = {{marriage|]|1994}} | |||
| | children = 2 | |||
| | residence = ]<br/>]<ref>{{cite web |last1=Steil |first1=Alex |title=Walz, family move into Eastcliff |url=https://mndaily.com/278042/news/walz-family-move-into-eastcliff/ |website=Minnesota Daily |date=July 23, 2023 |access-date=August 6, 2024 |archive-date=July 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240723230851/https://mndaily.com/278042/news/walz-family-move-into-eastcliff/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
| | education = {{ubl|] (])|] (])}} | |||
| | signature = TimWalzSignature.svg | |||
| | branch = {{tree list}} | |||
| * ] | |||
| ** ] | |||
| ** ] | |||
| {{tree list/end}} | |||
| | battles = {{tree list}} | |||
| *] | |||
| {{tree list/end}} | |||
| | unit = ] | |||
| | serviceyears = 1981–2005 | |||
| | rank = ]<!-- NOTE: Highest rank attained was CSM conditionally; see article body. --> | |||
| | rank_label = | |||
| | mawards = {{ubl|]|] (2)| ] (2) |]}} | |||
| | module = {{Listen|pos=center|embed=yes|filename=Tim Walz on how the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act affects military families.ogg|title=Walz's voice|type=speech|description=Walz speaks in opposition to the ].<br/>Recorded November 15, 2017}} | |||
| }} | |||
| '''Timothy James Walz'''{{efn|{{IPAc-en|w|ɔː|l|z|audio=LL-Q188 (deu)-Beat Ruest-Tim Walz.wav}}, pronounced "walls"}} (born April 6, 1964) is an American politician, former educator, and retired United States Army ] who has served since 2019 as the 41st ]. He was a member of the ] from 2007 to 2019, and the ] of the ] from 2017 to 2019. Walz is the ] nominee for ] in the ]. | |||
| Walz was born in ]. After high school, he joined the ] and worked in a factory. He later graduated from ] in ] and then moved to ] in 1996. Before running for Congress, he was a high school ] teacher and ] coach. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for {{ushr|MN|1}} in ], defeating six-term Republican incumbent ]. | |||
| Walz was reelected to the House five times before he was ] and ]. During his second gubernatorial term, he pushed for and signed a wide range of legislation including tax modifications, ], bolstering state infrastructure, ], codifying ], and ] for low-income families. | |||
| On August 6, 2024, Vice President ] announced Walz as ] in the 2024 U.S. presidential election. | |||
| == Early life and education == | |||
| Timothy James Walz was born on April 6, 1964,<ref name="Callaghan">{{Cite news |last1=Jackson |first1=Jazzmine |last2=Callaghan |first2=Peter |date=July 24, 2024 |title=Who is Tim Walz, one of Kamala Harris' top contenders for Vice President? |url=https://www.minnpost.com/national/2024/07/who-is-minnesota-governor-tim-walz-one-of-the-top-contenders-for-vice-president/ |url-status=live |archive-url=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/ |archive-date=August 6, 2024 |access-date=July 31, 2024 |work=]}}</ref> in ], at Memorial Hospital.<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 9, 1964 |title=Births: Walz |url=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 |work=West Point Republican |pages=5 |access-date=August 20, 2024 |archive-date=August 7, 2024 |archive-url=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 |url-status=live }}</ref> His mother, Darlene Rose Reiman, was a ]<ref name="butte girl">{{Cite news |date=August 9, 1955 |title=Butte girl is wed today in church rite |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/norfolk-daily-news/152106629/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240806132545/https://www.newspapers.com/article/norfolk-daily-news/152106629/ |archive-date=August 6, 2024 |access-date=July 28, 2024 |work=Norfolk Daily News |pages=4}}</ref><ref name="bridge divide">{{Cite news |last=Coolican |first=J. Patrick |date=October 14, 2018 |title=Tim Walz's campaign for Minnesota governor aiming to bridge the great divide |url=https://www.startribune.com/tim-walz-s-campaign-for-minnesota-governor-aims-to-bridge-the-great-divide/495297961/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190118055744/https://www.startribune.com/tim-walz-s-campaign-for-minnesota-governor-aims-to-bridge-the-great-divide/495297961/ |archive-date=January 18, 2019 |access-date=July 31, 2024 |work=Star Tribune}}</ref> and grew up on a farm.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 14, 2018 |title=Obituary: James Reiman |url=https://www.brockhausfuneralhome.com/obituary/james-reiman |website=Brockhaus-Howser-Fillmer Funeral Home - Norfolk |access-date=August 20, 2024 |archive-date=August 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240820101623/https://www.brockhausfuneralhome.com/obituary/james-reiman |url-status=live }}</ref> His father, James Frederick Walz, was a teacher and school superintendent who served in the ] during the ],<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite news |date=August 8, 2024 |title=Tim Walz has Luxembourgish heritage |url=https://today.rtl.lu/news/luxembourg/a/2221881.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240808155136/https://today.rtl.lu/news/luxembourg/a/2221881.html |archive-date=August 8, 2024 |access-date=August 8, 2024 |work=]}}</ref> and had worked in the family's butcher shop as a child.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Burack |first=Emily |date=August 19, 2024 |title=Governor Tim Walz's Life in Photos |url=https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/politics/g61866694/tim-walz-photos/ |work=Town & Country |access-date=August 20, 2024 |archive-date=August 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240820101623/https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/politics/g61866694/tim-walz-photos/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Tim is of German, Swedish, ], and Irish descent;<ref>{{cite news |title=US vice president hopeful Tim Walz's Luxembourg heritage |first=Duncan |last=Roberts |date=August 8, 2024 |url=https://www.luxtimes.lu/world/us-vice-president-hopeful-tim-walz-s-luxembourg-heritage/17427901.html |access-date=August 8, 2024 |work=Luxembourg Times |quote=that makes Walz 50% German, 25% Swedish and 12.5% Luxembourgish and Irish |archive-date=August 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240808213854/https://www.luxtimes.lu/world/us-vice-president-hopeful-tim-walz-s-luxembourg-heritage/17427901.html |url-status=live }}</ref> in 1867 his great-great-grandfather Sebastian Walz emigrated to the United States from ].<ref name="welt">{{cite news |title=Aus dieser deutschen Stadt kommt Tim Walz' Ururopa |agency=] |trans-title=Tim Walz' Great-Grandfather Comes from This German City |url=https://www.welt.de/politik/ausland/us-wahl/article252888682/US-Wahl-Tim-Walz-Aus-dieser-deutschen-Stadt-kommt-sein-Vorfahr.html |access-date=August 7, 2024 |work=] |language=de |archive-date=August 7, 2024 |archive-url=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 |url-status=live }}</ref> One of his grandmothers was ],<ref name="dn">{{cite news |date=August 6, 2024 |title=Tim Walz: Den 'svenska' vänsterpolitikern från Minnesota |first=Ingmar |last=Nevéus |language=Swedish |trans-title=Tim Walz: The 'Swedish' left-wing politician from Minnesota |url=https://www.dn.se/varlden/tim-walz-den-svenska-vansterpolitikern-fran-minnesota/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240806164618/https://www.dn.se/varlden/tim-walz-den-svenska-vansterpolitikern-fran-minnesota/ |archive-date=August 6, 2024 |url-status=live |access-date=August 7, 2024 |work=] }}</ref> and one of his great-grandmothers was ].<ref>{{cite news |title=Irish roots of Kamala Harris's running-mate Tim Walz |url=https://www.thetimes.com/world/ireland-world/article/the-irish-roots-of-kamala-harriss-running-mate-tim-walz-gt7kdwmzr |first=Lynne |last=Kelleher |date=August 10, 2024 |access-date=August 10, 2024 |work=] |archive-date=August 23, 2024 |archive-url=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 |url-status=live }}</ref> He was raised ].<ref name="Ordinary Life">{{Cite news |last1=Londoño |first1=Ernesto |last2=Nagourney |first2=Adam |date=August 7, 2024 |title=Tim Walz's Extraordinarily Ordinary Life |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/07/us/politics/tim-walz-kamala-harris-campaign-2024.html |access-date=August 8, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=August 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240807222123/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/07/us/politics/tim-walz-kamala-harris-campaign-2024.html |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
| Walz and his three siblings grew up in ],<ref name=":4">{{Cite news |last=Morton |first=Joseph |date=November 8, 2018 |title=Tim Walz, a Nebraska native, elected governor of Minnesota |url=https://omaha.com/news/politics/elections/tim-walz-a-nebraska-native-elected-governor-of-minnesota/article_77f8695f-6344-50c4-a875-4224690ace38.html |url-status=live |archive-url=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 |archive-date=August 6, 2024 |access-date=July 31, 2024 |work=]}}</ref> a small rural town in the north-central part of the state, in an area of farms and ranchland near the ] border.<ref name=":6">{{Cite news |last=Bakst |first=Brian |date=October 27, 2022 |title=Minnesota governor hopefuls take small-town roots into big-time showdown |url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2022/10/27/minn-gov-hopefuls-jensen-walz-take-smalltown-roots-into-bigtime-showdown |url-status=live |archive-url=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 |archive-date=August 6, 2024 |access-date=July 31, 2024 |work=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Searcey |first=Dionne |date=2024-08-09 |title=From Walz, a Rosier View of a Midwestern Upbringing |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/09/us/tim-walz-jd-vance-midwest.html |access-date=2024-08-10 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=August 10, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240810122142/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/09/us/tim-walz-jd-vance-midwest.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In school, he played football and basketball and ran track.<ref name=":6" /> After school, he went hunting with his friends.<ref name="bridge divide" /> While Walz was in high school, his father, who was the school superintendent and a ], was diagnosed with ].<ref name=":22" /><ref name=":4" /> After his father's diagnosis, his family moved to the rural farming community of ]<!-- See ]. The pair of commas set off Nebraska. Otherwise say Butte without Nebraska and no commas at all --> to be closer to his mother's relatives.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |date=November 14, 2006 |title=CSC graduate elected to Congress |url=https://www.csc.edu/news/2006/csc-graduate-elected-to-congress.html |work=Chadron State College |access-date=July 31, 2024 |archive-date=July 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240728175647/https://www.csc.edu/news/2006/csc-graduate-elected-to-congress.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":22">{{Cite news |last1=Flegenheimer |first1=Matt |last2=Holston |first2=Kenny |date=2024-08-21 |title=The Small-Town Nebraska Tim Walz Put Behind Him, but Never Fully Left |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/21/us/politics/tim-walz-nebraska-butte-valentine.html |access-date=2024-09-01 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> During summers, Walz worked on the family farm.<ref name="Ordinary Life" /> He graduated from Butte High School in 1982 in a class of 25 students<ref>{{Cite news |last=Freedman |first=Samuel G. |date=2007-04-25 |title=Congressman, Teacher, Soldier, and He's Back in Town for a Visit |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/25/education/25education.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240729022920/https://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/25/education/25education.html |archive-date=July 29, 2024 |access-date=2024-07-28 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> and then went to ] for college.<ref name=":26">{{Cite web |last=Writer |first=Henry J. Cordes World-Herald Staff |date=2024-08-06 |title=Native Nebraskan Tim Walz, now Minnesota governor, named Kamala Harris' vice presidential pick |url=https://omaha.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/elections/native-nebraskan-tim-walz-now-minnesota-governor-named-kamala-harris-vice-presidential-pick/article_8303908e-5389-11ef-b753-cf684e16966b.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240806142957/https://omaha.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/elections/native-nebraskan-tim-walz-now-minnesota-governor-named-kamala-harris-vice-presidential-pick/article_8303908e-5389-11ef-b753-cf684e16966b.html |archive-date=August 6, 2024 |access-date=2024-09-08 |website=Omaha World-Herald |language=en}}</ref> | |||
| Walz's father died in January 1984,<ref>{{cite news |date=Summer 1984 |title=Obituaries |url=https://issuu.com/psclibrary/docs/1984_stater |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240807172039/https://issuu.com/psclibrary/docs/1984_stater |archive-date=August 7, 2024 |access-date=August 6, 2024 |newspaper=The Peru Stater |publisher=] |page=5 |quote=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.}}</ref> leaving his mother and younger brother dependent on ] for support.<ref name=":23">{{Cite news |last=Alvord |first=Tyler |date=August 15, 2024 |title=Tim Walz Opens Up About Losing His Father at 19 in Unreleased Conversation with Kamala Harris (Exclusive Clip) |url=https://people.com/tim-walz-shares-story-fathers-death-harris-campaign-video-exclusive-8695427 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240820101622/https://people.com/tim-walz-shares-story-fathers-death-harris-campaign-video-exclusive-8695427 |archive-date=August 20, 2024 |access-date=August 20, 2024 |magazine=] |language=en}}</ref> He was devastated and drifted from Nebraska to ],<ref name="bridge divide" /> where he took courses at the ] in ] and served in the ].<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":9">{{Cite web |date=2024-08-08 |title=Here's a look at questions about Tim Walz's military record |url=https://apnews.com/article/walz-national-guard-military-ae43d684bf1319e535f9f620552155d7 |access-date=2024-08-09 |website=] |first=Meg |last=Kinnard |language=en |archive-date=August 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240809072930/https://apnews.com/article/walz-national-guard-military-ae43d684bf1319e535f9f620552155d7 |url-status=live }}</ref> Then he went to ], in northeast ], where he built ] in a factory and was an instructor in the ].<ref name="bridge divide" /><ref name=":9" /> | |||
| Walz returned to Nebraska in 1987 to continue his education at ];<ref name=":9" /> he participated in student government there and was an honor student.<ref>{{Cite news |date=December 18, 1987 |title=Student Senators Elected |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/chadron-record-tim-walz-csc-student-sena/153140780/ |work=Chadron Record |pages=11}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=April 11, 1989 |title=CSC student going to China |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/chadron-record-tim-walz-csc-student-goin/153140521/ |archive-url= |work=Chadron Record |pages=7}}</ref> He graduated in 1989 with a ] degree in ] education.<ref name="bridge divide" /><ref name="votesmart bio">{{Cite web |title=Tim Walz's Biography |url=https://justfacts.votesmart.org/candidate/biography/65443/tim-walz |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926210828/https://justfacts.votesmart.org/candidate/biography/65443/tim-walz |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |access-date=September 26, 2022 |website=]}}</ref> | |||
| == Early career == | |||
| === Teaching === | |||
| After graduating from Chadron State College, Walz accepted a one-year teaching position with ] at ] in ].<ref name="bbc20240807" /><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Friedrichsen |first1=Shaun |last2=Friedrichsen |first2=Kathryn |date=November 22, 2023 |title=Blast From The Past |url=https://alliancetimes.com/blast-from-the-past-november-22-2023/ |work=The Alliance Times-Herald |access-date=July 31, 2024 |archive-date=July 31, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240731044239/https://alliancetimes.com/blast-from-the-past-november-22-2023/ |url-status=live}}</ref> He went to teach in August 1989, following the ] and subsequent government crackdown in June of that year.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Yilek |first1=Caitlin |title=Tim Walz's long history with China |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/tim-walz-china-views/ |access-date=August 9, 2024 |work=CBS News |date=August 9, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Hakim |first1=Danny |last2=Qin |first2=Amy |title=Tim Walz Said He Was in Hong Kong in 1989 During Tiananmen. Not True. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/01/us/politics/tim-walz-hong-kong-tiananmen.html |access-date=October 1, 2024 |work=The New York Times |date=October 1, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Steck |first1=Em |last2=Pellish |first2=Aaron |last3=Kaczynski |first3=Andrew |title=Walz says he 'misspoke' after unearthed newspaper reports undercut claim he was in Hong Kong during Tiananmen Square protests |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/10/01/politics/tim-walz-china-tiananmen-square/index.html |access-date=October 2, 2024 |work=CNN |date=October 1, 2024 |language=en}}</ref> Upon returning to the U.S., Walz became a teacher and coach in ], a town of 10,000 in western Nebraska,<ref name=":21">{{Cite web |last=Musgrave |first=Paul |date=2024-08-23 |title=Tim Walz Has Always Been Consistent on China |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2024/08/12/tim-walz-china-record-us-election-harris-trump/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240814233448/https://foreignpolicy.com/2024/08/12/tim-walz-china-record-us-election-harris-trump/ |archive-date=August 14, 2024 |access-date=2024-08-17 |website=Foreign Policy |language=en-US}}</ref> and in 1993 was named an Outstanding Young Nebraskan by the Nebraska ].<ref>{{cite news |last=Morton |first=Joseph |date=November 25, 2006 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/omaha-world-herald-minnesota-democrat-ta/152927937/ |title=Minnesota Democrat taps his roots |work=] |access-date=August 9, 2024 |archive-date=August 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240823172117/https://www.newspapers.com/article/omaha-world-herald-minnesota-democrat-ta/152927937/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=1993-12-11 |title=Walz |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-alliance-times-herald-walz/153907851/ |access-date=2024-08-25 |work=The Alliance Times-Herald |pages=9}}</ref> | |||
| While working as a teacher, Walz met his wife, ], a fellow teacher, and in 1994 the two married. Two years later, they moved to ] in Gwen's home state.<ref name=":4" /> Walz worked as a geography teacher and football coach at ].<ref name="bridge divide" /> The football team had lost 27 straight games when he joined the coaching staff as a defensive coordinator.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Pengelly |first=Martin |date=2024-08-07 |title=The Tim Walz cheat sheet: 10 things to know about Harris's VP pick |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/aug/06/tim-walz-what-to-know-harris-vp |access-date=2024-08-07 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=August 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240807164311/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/aug/06/tim-walz-what-to-know-harris-vp |url-status=live }}</ref> Three years later, in 1999, the team won its first state championship.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-06 |title=Tim Walz was named 'most inspiring teacher' — and other memories from former students |first1=Sakshi |last1=Venkatraman |first2=Greg |last2=Rosenstein |first3=Elizabeth |last3=Chuck |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/tim-walz-teacher-coach-remembered-rcna165413 |access-date=2024-08-09 |website=] |language=en |archive-date=August 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240809131014/https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/tim-walz-teacher-coach-remembered-rcna165413 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Lewis |first1=Alec |title=Tim Walz, Kamala Harris' running mate, had success as former Minnesota HS football coach |work=The New York Times |date=August 6, 2024 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5684273/2024/08/06/tim-walz-minnesota-football-vikings/ |access-date=August 7, 2024 |archive-date=August 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240807053445/https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5684273/2024/08/06/tim-walz-minnesota-football-vikings/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
| In 1999, Walz agreed to be the faculty advisor of Mankato West High School's first ].<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Slater |first1=Joanna |last2=Brulliard |first2=Karin |date=2024-08-09 |title=In a hostile era, Tim Walz stood up for students' Gay-Straight Alliance |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/08/09/walz-gay-alliance-high-school/ |access-date=2024-08-09 |newspaper=Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286 |archive-date=August 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240809224240/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/08/09/walz-gay-alliance-high-school/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":15">{{Cite web |last=Cabral |first=Sam |date=August 8, 2024 |title=Tim Walz may be the next US VP. To those he taught, he's Mr Walz. |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn5rr0rgg3lo |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240809121720/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn5rr0rgg3lo |archive-date=August 9, 2024 |access-date=2024-08-09 |website=] |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Londoño |first=Ernesto |date=August 20, 2024 |title=25 Years Ago, a Gay Student Sought Support. His School Turned to Tim Walz. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/20/us/tim-walz-gay-students.html |work=]}}</ref> He felt it was important that as a married, heterosexual football coach and soldier, he could show how different worlds can coexist.<ref name="bridge divide" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-09 |title=Tim Walz's Gay-Straight Alliance students remember him as accepting and goofy |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-politics-and-policy/tim-walz-lgbtq-rights-issues-teacher-governor-rcna165622 |access-date=2024-09-17 |website=NBC News |language=en}}</ref> For nine years he and his wife ran Educational Travel Adventures,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kim |first=Catherine |date=October 5, 2024 |title=What Really Happened On Tim Walz's Trips to China |url=https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2024/10/05/what-really-happened-on-tim-walzs-trips-to-china-00179326 |work=Politico}}</ref> which organized summer educational trips to ] for high-school students.<ref>{{cite news |access-date=August 9, 2024 |url=https://www.voanews.com/amp/explainer-tim-wolz-s-long-track-record-in-china-/7733051.html |title=Explainer: Tim Walz's long track record in China |date=August 7, 2024 |first=William |last=Yang |work=] |archive-date=August 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240808030434/https://www.voanews.com/amp/explainer-tim-wolz-s-long-track-record-in-china-/7733051.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Case |first=Charles |date=January 30, 2007 |title=The Accidental Politician |url=https://thehill.com/capital-living/20553-the-accidental-politician/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240729133338/https://thehill.com/capital-living/20553-the-accidental-politician/ |archive-date=July 29, 2024 |access-date=August 7, 2024 |work=]}}</ref> Walz earned a ] in ] from ] in 2002,<ref>{{Cite news |date=Winter 2019 |title=Fountain Fodder |url=https://today.mnsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/TODAY-Winter2019_Full-mag_12-19-18_low-res.pdf |work=Today: Alumni Magazine, Minnesota State University, Mankato |pages=4}}</ref> writing his master's thesis on ] education.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last=Lapin |first=Andrew |date=2024-08-07 |title=Tim Walz wrote a master's thesis on Holocaust education, just as his own school's approach drew criticism |url=https://www.jta.org/2024/08/06/politics/tim-walz-wrote-a-masters-thesis-on-holocaust-education-just-as-his-own-schools-approach-drew-criticism |access-date=2024-08-08 |website=] |language=en-US |archive-date=August 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240808135904/https://www.jta.org/2024/08/06/politics/tim-walz-wrote-a-masters-thesis-on-holocaust-education-just-as-his-own-schools-approach-drew-criticism |url-status=live }}</ref> In March 2006, he took a ] from teaching to run for Congress.<ref>{{cite web |last=Felker |first=Edward |date=June 16, 2007 |url=https://www.postbulletin.com/news/walzs-run-for-congress-was-financially-risky |title=Walz's run for Congress was financially risky |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240807170604/https://www.postbulletin.com/news/walzs-run-for-congress-was-financially-risky |archive-date=August 7, 2024 |work=Post Bulletin |access-date=August 7, 2024 |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
| === Military service === | |||
| ] at ], 1981|upright=0.8]] | |||
| With his father's encouragement, Walz enlisted in the ] two days after he turned 17.<ref name="bridge divide" /><ref name=":6" /> His father had served during the ] and earned his education degree with the ];<ref name=":6" /> he wanted his son to have the same opportunity.<ref name=":6" /> | |||
| Walz served in the National Guard for 24 years after enlisting in 1981.<ref name=":13">{{Cite news |last=Bakst |first=Brian |date=October 3, 2018 |title='Citizen Soldier' Walz Honed Leadership in Uniform |access-date=August 7, 2024 |url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2018/10/03/tim-walz-national-guard-career-minnesota-governor-race |work=] |archive-date=July 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711142654/https://www.mprnews.org/story/2018/10/03/tim-walz-national-guard-career-minnesota-governor-race |url-status=live }}</ref> During his military career, he had postings in ], ], near the ] in ]; ], northwest of Mankato; ], and elsewhere.<ref name=":13" /><ref>{{cite news | access-date = September 7, 2024 | publisher = MPR News | url= https://www.mprnews.org/story/2024/08/08/what-walz-has-said-about-his-military-record-as-others-criticized-it | title = What Walz — and the records — say about his military service as others criticized it | date = August 8, 2024 | first = Peter | last = Cox }}</ref> He trained in ].<ref name=":13" /> During his service he worked in disaster response postings following floods and tornadoes and was deployed overseas.<ref name=":13" /> In 1989, he earned the title of Nebraska Citizen-Soldier of the Year.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kilgore |first=Ed |date=2024-08-06 |title=In Tim Walz, Kamala Harris Has Her Super-Normie Running Mate |url=https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/tim-walz-kamala-harris-normie-running-mate.html |access-date=2024-08-07 |website=] |language=en |archive-date=August 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240807060645/https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/tim-walz-kamala-harris-normie-running-mate.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite interview |last=Walz |first=Tim |work=National Guard Magazine |date=March 2020 |title=A Conversation with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz: 'This force is absolutely critical' |url=http://nationalguardmagazine.com/articles/-this-force-is-absolutely-critical- |access-date=2024-08-14 |language=en-US |archive-date=August 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240823172121/http://nationalguardmagazine.com/articles/-this-force-is-absolutely-critical- |url-status=live }}</ref> After Walz completed the 20 years of service needed to retire from the Guard, he reenlisted instead of retiring, later citing the ] as the reason for his reenlistment.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Beynon |first1=Steve |last2=Kheel |first2=Rebecca |title=Tim Walz' Military Service Is Under Attack by the Trump Campaign. Here Are the Facts. |url=https://www.military.com/daily-news/2024/08/12/tim-walz-military-service-under-attack-trump-campaign-here-are-facts.html?amp |access-date=August 22, 2024 |work=] |date=August 12, 2024 |archive-date=August 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240823172124/https://www.military.com/daily-news/2024/08/12/tim-walz-military-service-under-attack-trump-campaign-here-are-facts.html?amp |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":16">{{Cite web |last=Russell |first=George Fabe |date=August 6, 2024 |title=Tim Walz's military record: What to know about potential VP's National Guard service |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/08/06/tim-walz-military-career-national-guard/74685414007/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240814141730/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/08/06/tim-walz-military-career-national-guard/74685414007/ |archive-date=August 14, 2024 |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=] |language=en-US}}</ref> He was able to retire as of August 2002, according to the National Guard.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Feinberg |first1=Andrew |title=Hundreds of veterans hit back in Walz's defense after Trump attacks his service record |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/tim-walz-donald-trump-military-service-veterans-b2596308.html |access-date=August 22, 2024 |work=] |date=August 14, 2024 |archive-date=August 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240819172428/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/tim-walz-donald-trump-military-service-veterans-b2596308.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In August 2003, he deployed with the Minnesota National Guard to ], Italy, for nine months, to serve with the ] as part of ].<ref name=":16" /><ref name=":17">{{Cite web |date=2024-08-14 |title=Minnesota National Guard officials weigh in on Tim Walz's service |url=https://www.twincities.com/2024/08/14/minnesota-national-guard-officials-weigh-in-on-walz-service/ |first=Matthew |last=Medsger |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=Twin Cities |language=en-US |archive-date=August 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240823172125/https://www.twincities.com/2024/08/14/minnesota-national-guard-officials-weigh-in-on-walz-service/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-09 |title=Tim Walz's military service record: What we can VERIFY |url=https://www.abc10.com/article/news/verify/elections-verify/tim-walz-national-guard-military-service-record-what-we-can-verify/536-6172c051-3cc6-4d1a-ae6f-ddc4b6c7cfb7 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240816120451/https://www.abc10.com/article/news/verify/elections-verify/tim-walz-national-guard-military-service-record-what-we-can-verify/536-6172c051-3cc6-4d1a-ae6f-ddc4b6c7cfb7 |archive-date=August 16, 2024 |url-status=live |first=Megan |last=Loe |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=] |language=en-US}}</ref> He attained the rank of ] near the end of his service<ref>{{Cite news |last=Olson |first=Rochelle |date=October 16, 2022 |title=GOP opponent who never served criticizes Gov. Tim Walz's exit from National Guard |url=https://www.startribune.com/walzs-24-years-in-national-guard-get-renewed-scrutiny-from-gop-opponent-who-didnt-serve/600216280/ |work=] |access-date=July 29, 2024 |archive-date=July 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240729151136/https://www.startribune.com/walzs-24-years-in-national-guard-get-renewed-scrutiny-from-gop-opponent-who-didnt-serve/600216280/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and briefly was the ] of 1st Battalion, ].<ref name="Dickstein">{{cite news |last1=Dickstein |first1=Corey |date=2024-08-06 |title=Walz credits National Guard service with sharpening leadership skills he hopes to use as vice president |url=https://www.stripes.com/theaters/us/2024-08-06/democrat-walz-vice-president-harris-14761755.html |access-date=August 7, 2024 |work=] |archive-date=August 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240808010649/https://www.stripes.com/theaters/us/2024-08-06/democrat-walz-vice-president-harris-14761755.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Walz's decorations include the ], two ], two ]s, a ], and an ] with five oak leaf clusters.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Nieberg |first=Patty |date=July 29, 2024 |title=Here are the four military veterans Kamala Harris might pick for VP |url=https://taskandpurpose.com/military-life/four-veterans-kamala-vp/ |work=] |access-date=July 30, 2024 |archive-date=August 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240806141918/https://taskandpurpose.com/military-life/four-veterans-kamala-vp/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="always a soldier">{{Cite book |url=https://www.ausa.org/sites/default/files/once-a-soldier-113th-congress.pdf |title=Once a soldier... always a soldier: Soldiers in the 113th Congress |publisher=] |year=2013 |pages=100–101 |access-date=July 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240806132514/https://www.ausa.org/sites/default/files/once-a-soldier-113th-congress.pdf |archive-date=August 6, 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite news |last=Chidi |first=George |date=2024-08-16 |title=Walz attacked by Trump but military record shows honorable service |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/aug/16/walz-military-record-service |access-date=2024-08-18 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=August 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240823172127/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/aug/16/walz-military-record-service |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
| On February 10, 2005, Walz filed official documents to run for the U.S. House of Representatives.<ref name=Cheetham>{{cite news |last1=Horton |first1=Jake |last2=Cheetham |first2=Joshua |title=What we know about military records of Walz and Vance |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cze5gzr97ewo |access-date=August 9, 2024 |work=] |date=August 8, 2024 |archive-date=August 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240808234208/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cze5gzr97ewo |url-status=live }}</ref> In March, the National Guard announced a possible deployment of around 2,000 soldiers from across the Minnesota National Guard to ] sometime in the next two years.<ref name="Herb" /><ref>{{cite news |last1=LaPorta |first1=James |title=Tim Walz's military record under scrutiny as he joins Kamala Harris on Democratic ticket |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tim-walz-military-record/ |access-date=August 25, 2024 |work=CBS News |date=August 9, 2024 |archive-date=August 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240824195049/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tim-walz-military-record/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Walz said he would deploy if called upon.<ref name="PoliticoAug12">{{cite news |date=August 12, 2024 |title=What 'Seeing Combat,' 'Stolen Valor' and 'Abandoned His Troops' Actually Mean |first=Ben |last=Kesling |url=https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2024/08/12/military-terms-walz-vance-debate-00173529 |work=]}}</ref> The National Guard finished processing his retirement paperwork in May, and Walz retired from military service on May 16.<ref name=":17" /><ref name="Herb" /> He later explained that he retired in order to focus on his campaign for Congress and did not want to violate the ], which forbids some political activities by federal government employees.<ref name=Cheetham/><ref name="Herb">{{cite news |last1=Herb |first1=Jeremy |last2=Britzky |first2=Haley |date=August 8, 2024 |title=Vance reopens line of attack into Walz's military record as two veterans now vie to be vice president |url=https://cnn.com/2024/08/07/politics/tim-walz-military-record-vance-attack |access-date=August 9, 2024 |work=] |archive-date=August 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240809003543/https://www.cnn.com/2024/08/07/politics/tim-walz-military-record-vance-attack/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The Minnesota National Guard confirmed that Walz retired two months before his former unit was notified on July 14 of its potential deployment to Iraq. That unit received its mobilization order in August and deployed to Iraq in March 2006, ten months after Walz retired.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 5, 2007 |first=Mary |last=Flynn |title=Guard unit recognized for record deployment |url=https://www.nationalguard.mil/News/Article/573070/guard-unit-recognized-for-record-deployment/ |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=National Guard |language=en-US |archive-date=August 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240814202445/https://www.nationalguard.mil/News/Article/573070/guard-unit-recognized-for-record-deployment/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Bergey |first1=Brock |title=Digging deeper into Governor Walz's military service record |url=https://www.kttc.com/2024/08/08/fact-check-digging-deeper-into-governor-walzs-military-service-record/ |access-date=August 9, 2024 |work=] |date=August 7, 2024 |archive-date=August 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240823172635/https://www.kttc.com/2024/08/08/fact-check-digging-deeper-into-governor-walzs-military-service-record/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Olson |first=Rochelle |date=2024-08-13 |title=Walz responds to Vance's questioning of his military record, says no veteran should be condemned |url=https://www.startribune.com/walz-responds-to-vance-questioning-his-military-record-says-no-veteran-should-be-condemned/601106335 |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=] |language=en |archive-date=August 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240818141637/https://www.startribune.com/walz-responds-to-vance-questioning-his-military-record-says-no-veteran-should-be-condemned/601106335 |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
| During his political career, Republicans, notably ], ], and ], have used the timing of Walz's military retirement as a ] that has been compared to ].<ref name="Herb" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Herb |first=Jeremy |date=2024-08-09 |title=With 'Swift Boat' architect at the helm, Trump campaign uses familiar playbook against Walz |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/08/09/politics/tim-walz-service-swift-boat-attacks/index.html |access-date=2024-08-09 |website=] |language=en |archive-date=August 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240809140741/https://www.cnn.com/2024/08/09/politics/tim-walz-service-swift-boat-attacks/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2024/08/07/vance-walz-military-stolen-valor-garbage-00173172 |first1=Jared |last1=Mitovich |first2=Meridith |last2=McGraw |first3=Connor |last3=O’Brien |title=Vance runs a Swift Boat attack against Walz's military service |work=] |date=August 7, 2024 |access-date=August 9, 2024 |archive-date=August 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240823172648/https://www.politico.com/news/2024/08/07/vance-walz-military-stolen-valor-garbage-00173172 |url-status=live }}</ref> A National Guard colleague, Joe Eustice, recalled that at the time Walz retired, his unit's deployment was only a "rumor" and not yet confirmed, while his enlisted superior, Doug Julin, said that Walz bypassed his retirement approval, instead receiving retirement approval from two higher-ranked officers.<ref>{{cite web |last1=O'Donnell |first1=Kelly |title=Tim Walz 'misspoke' when he discussed using weapons 'in war,' campaign says |date=August 10, 2024 |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/tim-walz-misspoke-discussed-using-weapons-war-campaign-says-rcna166038 |work=] |access-date=August 10, 2024 |archive-date=August 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240823172644/https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/tim-walz-misspoke-discussed-using-weapons-war-campaign-says-rcna166038 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Swann |first1=Sara |title=J.D. Vance attacked Tim Walz on military record. His statement ignores the timeline. |date=August 9, 2024 |url=https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2024/aug/09/jd-vance/jd-vance-attacked-tim-walz-on-military-record-his/ |work=] |access-date=August 10, 2024 |archive-date=August 10, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240810134049/https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2024/aug/09/jd-vance/jd-vance-attacked-tim-walz-on-military-record-his/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=Lamothe>{{cite news |last1=Lamothe |first1=Dan |last2=Boburg |first2=Shawn |last3=Horton |first3=Alex |title=Tim Walz's military record, National Guard departure get new scrutiny |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/elections/2024/08/07/tim-walz-military-record/ |access-date=August 8, 2024 |newspaper=] |date=August 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240808135813/https://www.washingtonpost.com/elections/2024/08/07/tim-walz-military-record/ |archive-date=August 8, 2024}}</ref> Though he was serving as a command sergeant major at the time of his retirement, Walz's final military rank for retirement benefit purposes is ], as he had not completed the required academic coursework to remain a command sergeant major before his retirement. The National Guard processed the adjustment of his rank in September 2005, but the effective date was made retroactive to the day before his military retirement in May 2005.<ref name=":13" /><ref name="Cheetham" /> A public affairs officer for the Minnesota National Guard in 2018 said it was "legitimate for Walz to say he served as a command sergeant major".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Walker |first1=Jackson |date=August 12, 2024 |title=Former commander of Gov. Tim Walz's unit challenges military status claim |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2024/08/12/fox-tim-walz-military-status/ |url-status=live |newspaper=The Baltimore Sun |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240812172120/https://www.baltimoresun.com/2024/08/12/fox-tim-walz-military-status/ |access-date=August 13, 2024 |archive-date=2024-08-12 }}</ref> A reference to Walz on his official campaign website as a "retired command sergeant major" was later updated to read he "once served at the command sergeant major rank".<ref>{{cite web |date=August 8, 2024 |last1=Mitovich |first1=Jared |title=Harris campaign tweaks Walz biography amid scrutiny of military credentials |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2024/08/08/harris-walz-military-credentials-00173236 |work=] |access-date=August 12, 2024 |archive-date=August 12, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240812060732/https://www.politico.com/news/2024/08/08/harris-walz-military-credentials-00173236 |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
| Walz did not deploy to an active combat zone during his service.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=A. O. L. |date=2024-08-09 |title=What we know about military records of Walz and Vance |url=https://www.aol.com/know-military-records-walz-vance-165428682.html |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=aol.com |language=en-US |archive-date=August 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240814234410/https://www.aol.com/know-military-records-walz-vance-165428682.html |url-status=live }}</ref> At a meeting about reducing gun violence in 2018, he argued for some kinds of reform, saying, "We can make sure that those weapons of war that I carried in war is the only place where those weapons are at."<ref name=":18">{{Cite news |last=Browning |first=Kellen |date=2024-08-13 |title=Walz Forcefully Defends Military Record in First Solo Campaign Stop |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/13/us/politics/tim-walz-military-record.html |access-date=2024-08-14 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=August 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240823172647/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/13/us/politics/tim-walz-military-record.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":24">{{Cite web |first1=Amna |last1=Nawaz |first2=Kyle |last2=Midura |date=2024-08-15 |title=Fact-checking the latest campaign trail claims from Trump and Harris |url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/fact-checking-the-latest-campaign-trail-claims-from-trump-and-harris |access-date=2024-08-23 |website=PBS News |language=en-us |archive-date=August 21, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240821041519/https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/fact-checking-the-latest-campaign-trail-claims-from-trump-and-harris |url-status=live }}</ref> The use of the phrase "in war" on this one occasion was criticized by Vance.<ref name=":2" /> The Harris campaign responded that Walz "misspoke".<ref name=":18" /><ref name=":24" /> | |||
| === Political involvement === | |||
| Walz became first active in politics in August 2004, when he volunteered for ]'s ].<ref name=":7" /> He was inspired to volunteer in the ] after he took a group of students to a ] rally in ],<ref name=":15" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=September 14, 2004 |title=Shirt first, and ask the tough questions later |url=https://www.postbulletin.com/news/shirt-first-and-ask-the-tough-questions-later |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240807205749/https://www.postbulletin.com/news/shirt-first-and-ask-the-tough-questions-later |archive-date=August 7, 2024 |work=Post Bulletin}}</ref> and was angered by the security team's questioning of his students' politics after they saw a Kerry sticker on a student's wallet.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Stanford |first1=Libby |last2=Borowski |first2=Jaclyn |date=2024-08-08 |title=The School Where Tim Walz Taught Suddenly Finds Itself in the National Spotlight |url=https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/the-school-where-tim-walz-taught-suddenly-finds-itself-in-the-national-spotlight/2024/08 |access-date=2024-08-31 |work=Education Week |language=en |issn=0277-4232}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Murray |first=Robb |date=November 8, 2018 |title=Looking forward to seeing Tim Walz succeed |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240831114055/https://www.mankatofreepress.com/news/lifestyles/looking-forward-to-seeing-tim-walz-succeed/article_6b3a54ca-e3c2-11e8-94ae-3beea5239b0c.html |archive-date=August 31, 2024 |url-status=live |url=https://www.mankatofreepress.com/news/lifestyles/looking-forward-to-seeing-tim-walz-succeed/article_6b3a54ca-e3c2-11e8-94ae-3beea5239b0c.html |work=] }}</ref> He was appointed the Kerry campaign's coordinator for his county as well as a district coordinator of Vets for Kerry.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Spieler |first=Matthew |date=December 21, 2006 |title=The 'Everyman' Image of Rep.-elect Walz |url=https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/cq/2006/12/21/cq_2058.html |magazine=] |location=Washington, DC |access-date=July 30, 2024 |archive-date=April 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240409002925/https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/cq/2006/12/21/cq_2058.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In January 2005, Walz completed the three-day campaigns and elections crash course at Camp Wellstone,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Demko |first=Paul |date=August 10, 2024 |title=Inside the Three-Day Bootcamp that Launched Tim Walz's Political Career |url=https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2024/08/10/tim-walz-camp-wellstone-bootcamp-minnesota-00173480 |work=] |access-date=August 12, 2024 |archive-date=August 11, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240811131424/https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2024/08/10/tim-walz-camp-wellstone-bootcamp-minnesota-00173480 |url-status=live }}</ref> a program run by ], the nonprofit organization Mark and David Wellstone created to carry on the work of their parents, ] and ].<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Kroll |first=Andy |date=September–October 2013 |title=Wellstone's Revenge: How Minnesota Democrats Took Their State Back |url=https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2013/10/minnesota-progressives-turn-state-blue/ |magazine=] |location=San Francisco, CA |publisher=] |access-date=July 30, 2024 |archive-date=July 31, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240731014403/https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2013/10/minnesota-progressives-turn-state-blue/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lapin |first=Andrew |date=2024-08-06 |title=How a tragic twist in Minnesota's 'Jewish Senate seat' helped Tim Walz break into politics |url=https://www.jta.org/2024/08/06/politics/vp-nominee-tim-walz-learned-how-to-be-a-politician-at-a-progressive-boot-camp-founded-by-jews |access-date=2024-08-08 |website=Jewish Telegraphic Agency |language=en-US |archive-date=August 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240808151806/https://www.jta.org/2024/08/06/politics/vp-nominee-tim-walz-learned-how-to-be-a-politician-at-a-progressive-boot-camp-founded-by-jews |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
| ==U.S. House of Representatives (2007–2019)== | |||
| ===Elections=== | |||
| {{see also|Electoral history of Tim Walz}} | |||
| On February 10, 2005, Walz filed to run for the U.S. House of Representatives from ].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Green |first=Joshua |date=2006-01-01 |title=Company, Left |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2006/01/company-left/304529/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240729162947/https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2006/01/company-left/304529/ |archive-date=July 29, 2024 |access-date=2024-07-29 |work=The Atlantic |language=en |issn=2151-9463}}</ref><ref name="Herb" /> The district consisted mostly of ].<ref>{{cite web |date=November 16, 2006 |title=Walz stays mum on choice for No. 2 House leader|author=Ed Felker|url=https://www.bluestemprairie.com/a_bluestem_prairie/2006/11/rochester_post__4.html |access-date=November 16, 2006|archive-date=April 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410112359/https://www.bluestemprairie.com/a_bluestem_prairie/2006/11/rochester_post__4.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="iuh44">{{cite news |last=Norris |first=Michele |date=November 3, 2006 |url=https://www.npr.org/2006/11/03/6430410/minnesota-house-seat-may-depend-on-war-issues |title=Minnesota House Seat May Depend on War Issues |work=] |access-date=August 7, 2024 |archive-date=August 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240807181903/https://www.npr.org/2006/11/03/6430410/minnesota-house-seat-may-depend-on-war-issues |url-status=live }}</ref> He had no opponent for the ] (DFL) nomination in the 2006 primary election.<ref>{{cite news |date=September 14, 2006 |title=Vote totals in races for which final results were not available Tuesday night: U.S. Congress |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-results/152354731/ |work=] |location=Minneapolis, MN |page=B7 |via=] |access-date=July 31, 2024 |archive-date=August 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240806132543/https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-results/152354731/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In the ], he faced ] ], a six-term incumbent.<ref name=":14">{{Cite web |title=MPR: Campaign 2006: U.S. Congress: 1st District: Tim Walz |url=https://minnesota.publicradio.org/collections/special/2006/campaign/congress/walz/ |access-date=2024-08-08 |website=minnesota.publicradio.org |archive-date=August 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240808020130/https://minnesota.publicradio.org/collections/special/2006/campaign/congress/walz/ |url-status=live }}</ref> During the campaign, Walz accused Gutknecht of extending tax cuts to "Wall Street" and sought to tie Gutknecht to President ].<ref name="bhui22">{{cite news |last=Bonorden |first=Lee |date=December 28, 2005 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-austin-daily-herald-dfl-hopeful-accu/152922673/ |title=DFL hopeful accuses Gutknecht of extending tax cuts to wealthy |work=] |access-date=August 9, 2024 |archive-date=August 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240816064446/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-austin-daily-herald-dfl-hopeful-accu/152922673/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-albert-lea-tribune-gutknecht-is-out/152923205/ |title=Gutknecht is out as voters send Walz to Congress |work=] |date=November 8, 2006 |access-date=August 9, 2024 |archive-date=August 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240816064447/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-albert-lea-tribune-gutknecht-is-out/152923205/ |url-status=live }}</ref> A centerpiece of Walz's campaign was opposition to the ], as the war's popularity was declining that year.<ref name="iuh44"/> Walz won the election with 53% of the vote.<ref name=":14" /> After his victory, '']'' said Gutknecht had been caught "off guard" and Walz had "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."<ref>{{cite news|title=Tim Walz confident about survival|author=James Hohmann|url=https://www.politico.com/story/2010/10/walz-confident-about-survival-043583 |newspaper=] |date=October 14, 2010|access-date=August 17, 2012|archive-date=February 11, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120211151100/http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1010/43583.html|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
| Walz was reelected in ] 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 ] with 49% of the vote in a three-way race against Republican ] ] and independent former diplomat Steve Wilson.<ref>{{cite web |author1=James Hohmann |title=Walz confident about survival |url=https://www.politico.com/story/2010/10/walz-confident-about-survival-043583 |website=politico.com |publisher=Politico |access-date=August 8, 2024 |date=October 14, 2010 |archive-date=February 11, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120211151100/http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1010/43583.html |url-status=live }}</ref> He was reelected by comfortable margins in ] and ].<ref>{{cite web|title=Democrat Tim Walz re-elected to Congress in southern Minnesota, defeating GOP's Jim Hagedorn |work=] |agency=] |date=November 4, 2014 |url=http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/281552131.html |access-date=November 8, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141108200955/http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/281552131.html |archive-date=November 8, 2014}}</ref> In ], Walz was narrowly reelected to a sixth term, defeating Republican ], who later succeeded Walz as congressman, by 0.7% (or 2,548 votes), even as his district overwhelmingly voted for ] in the ].<ref name="Ordinary Life"/> After that, and as his district trended more Republican, Walz did not seek a seventh term in ], instead running for governor.<ref name="Ordinary Life"/> | |||
| ===Congressional tenure=== | |||
| ] portrait, 2006]] | |||
| Swearing in at the beginning of the ], Walz became the highest-ranking retired ] ever to serve in Congress,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kheel |first=Rebecca |date=2024-08-07 |title=Tim Walz, Who Spent Decades as an Enlisted Soldier, Brings Years of Work on Vets Issues to Dem Ticket |url=https://www.military.com/daily-news/2024/08/06/tim-walz-who-spent-decades-enlisted-soldier-brings-years-of-work-vets-issues-dem-ticket.html |access-date=2024-08-12 |website=Military.com |language=en |archive-date=August 13, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240813012622/https://www.military.com/daily-news/2024/08/06/tim-walz-who-spent-decades-enlisted-soldier-brings-years-of-work-vets-issues-dem-ticket.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":11" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sanderford |first=Aaron |date=2024-08-06 |title=Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has rural Nebraska roots |url=https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/06/minnesota-gov-tim-walz-has-rural-nebraska-roots/ |access-date=2024-08-12 |website=Nebraska Examiner |language=en-US |archive-date=August 12, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240812145542/https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/06/minnesota-gov-tim-walz-has-rural-nebraska-roots/ |url-status=live }}</ref> as well as only the fourth ] to represent his district. The others were ] (1887–1889), ] (1891–1893), and ] (1983–1995). Even as he represented a district that had usually voted Republican, pundits described Walz's policy positions as ranging from moderate to ].<ref>{{Cite web |first1=John |last1=King |first2=Jeff |last2=Zeleny |first3=Jamie |last3=Gangel |first4=MJ |last4=Lee |first5=Daniel |last5=Strauss |first6=Gregory |last6=Krieg |first7=Kristen |last7=Holmes |first8=Betsy |last8=Klein |date=2024-08-06 |title=Harris picks Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/08/06/politics/tim-walz-harris-vice-president/index.html |access-date=2024-08-07 |website=CNN |language=en |archive-date=August 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240807002912/https://www.cnn.com/2024/08/06/politics/tim-walz-harris-vice-president/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
| In his first month in Congress, Walz was appointed to the ], the ], and the ]; Speaker ] issued a special waiver exempting him from the order that barred most freshman members of Congress from serving on more than two committees.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fischenich |first=Mark |date=2007-01-18 |title=Walz joins veterans committee |url=https://www.mankatofreepress.com/news/local_news/walz-joins-veterans-committee/article_a1b045c1-3865-5516-af87-74d5619a938b.html |access-date=2024-08-12 |website=] |language=en |archive-date=August 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240807125515/https://www.mankatofreepress.com/news/local_news/walz-joins-veterans-committee/article_a1b045c1-3865-5516-af87-74d5619a938b.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2007-01-19 |title=Committee limit waived, Walz appointed to veterans panel |url=https://www.postbulletin.com/news/committee-limit-waived-walz-appointed-to-veterans-panel |access-date=2024-08-12 |website=Rochester Post Bulletin |language=en |archive-date=August 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240807125256/https://www.postbulletin.com/news/committee-limit-waived-walz-appointed-to-veterans-panel |url-status=live }}</ref> That same year he was appointed to the ].<ref>{{cite web |title=Minnesota delegation has its say on Iraq resolution |work=MPR |date=February 16, 2007 |url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2007/02/14/housedebate |access-date=August 7, 2024 |archive-date=August 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240807015646/https://www.mprnews.org/story/2007/02/14/housedebate |agency=] |url-status=live }}</ref> In his first week as a legislator, Walz cosponsored a bill to raise the ], voted for ] research, voted to allow ] 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.<ref>{{cite web |last=Fischenich |first=Mark |date=January 7, 2007 |title=Walz eager to dig into legislative issues |url=http://www.mankatofreepress.com/local/local_story_007001204.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120909152817/http://www.mankatofreepress.com/local/local_story_007001204.html |archive-date=September 9, 2012 |access-date=January 12, 2007 |website=] |publisher=Community Newspaper Holdings, Inc.}}</ref> | |||
| An opponent of the Iraq war, Walz opposed the Bush administration's plan to send ] in 2007.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-democrat-walz-to-respond-to/152928552/ |title=Democrat Walz to respond to Bush address |work=] |date=January 13, 2007 |access-date=August 9, 2024 |first=Brady |last=Averill |archive-date=August 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240816064442/https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-democrat-walz-to-respond-to/152928552/ |url-status=live |via=newspapers.com }}</ref> But he voted in favor of ] 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 saying he would continue to negotiate a process to pull troops from Iraq.<ref>{{cite news |last=Voerding |first=Brian |date=May 25, 2007 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-winona-daily-news-walz-break-rank-s/152923984/ |title=Walz break rank, supports war funds |work=The Winona Daily News |access-date=August 9, 2024 |archive-date=August 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240816064456/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-winona-daily-news-walz-break-rank-s/152923984/ |via=newspapers.com |url-status=live }}</ref> He reiterated his support for ending the war in October, and called on those who opposed the war to "have their voice be heard".<ref>{{cite news |last=Light |first=Sarah |date=October 29, 2007 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-albert-lea-tribune-congressman-talks/153173853/ |title=Congressman talks Saturday at Elks |work=The Albert Lea Tribune |access-date=August 12, 2024 }}</ref> | |||
| ] ] and Rep. ], speaking about a spending bill, 2007|left]] | |||
| During the ], Walz repeatedly spoke out against using taxpayer money to bail out financial institutions; in late September, he voted against the $700 billion ] bill, which purchased troubled assets from these institutions.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.govtrack.us/congress/votes/110-2008/h674 |title=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 |work=govtrack.us |access-date=August 7, 2024 |archive-date=July 11, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240711101236/https://www.govtrack.us/congress/votes/110-2008/h674 |url-status=live }}</ref> 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."<ref>{{cite web |last=Davis |first=Don |date=September 28, 2008 |title=Bailout splits Minnesota lawmakers |url=https://www.pinejournal.com/news/bailout-splits-minnesota-lawmakers |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230208072953/https://www.pinejournal.com/news/bailout-splits-minnesota-lawmakers |archive-date=February 8, 2023 |access-date=August 7, 2024 |work=Pine Journal}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |url=https://walz.house.gov/list/press/mn01_walz/bailout.shtml |url-status=dead |title=Walz Votes Against Bailout Plan |work=walz.house.gov |date=September 29, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081013225732/https://walz.house.gov/list/press/mn01_walz/bailout.shtml |access-date=August 7, 2024 |archive-date=2008-10-13 }}</ref> In December 2008, Walz voted against the bill that offered $14 billion in government loans to bail out the country's large automobile manufacturers.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/2008690 |title=Roll Call 690 | Bill Number: H. R. 7321 |work=clerk.house.gov |access-date=August 7, 2024 |date=December 10, 2008 |archive-date=August 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240807171107/https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/2008690 |url-status=live }}</ref> In June 2009, he introduced a bipartisan resolution calling on the federal government to "relinquish its temporary ownership interests in the ] and the ], LLC, as soon as possible" and said that the government must not be involved in those companies' management decisions.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dougherty |first=Mike |date=2009-06-29 |title=Walz: U.S. should get out of the auto business |url=https://www.postbulletin.com/news/walz-u-s-should-get-out-of-the-auto-business |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=Rochester Post Bulletin |language=en |archive-date=August 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240814145113/https://www.postbulletin.com/news/walz-u-s-should-get-out-of-the-auto-business |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
| Walz voted for the ].<ref name=":25">{{Cite web |date=2024-08-19 |title=Tim Walz was ranked among top 10 most bipartisan members in Congress |first=Will |last=Fritz |url=https://wisconsinindependent.com/politics/tim-walz-was-ranked-among-top-10-most-bipartisan-members-in-congress/ |access-date=2024-08-28 |website=The Wisconsin Independent |language=en-US |archive-date=August 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240820190339/https://wisconsinindependent.com/politics/tim-walz-was-ranked-among-top-10-most-bipartisan-members-in-congress/ |url-status=live }}</ref> As a member of the ], 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".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://walz.house.gov/apps/list/press/mn01_walz/econstim.shtml |title=Walz Votes to Create Millions of Jobs Through House Economic Recovery Plan |work=walz.house.gov |date=January 28, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090129224831/http://walz.house.gov/apps/list/press/mn01_walz/econstim.shtml |access-date=August 7, 2024 |archive-date=2009-01-29 |url-status=dead }}</ref> 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 ] 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".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://walz.house.gov/list/press/mn01_walz/smbus.shtml |title=Rep. Tim Walz Votes to Create Small Business Jobs, Spur Economic Growth |work=walz.house.gov |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090902075914/http://walz.house.gov/list/press/mn01_walz/smbus.shtml |access-date=August 7, 2024 |archive-date=2009-09-02 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/2009486 |title=Roll Call 486 | Bill Number: H. R. 2965 |website=clerk.house.gov |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201110090747/https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/2009486 |archive-date=November 10, 2020 |url-status=live |access-date=August 9, 2024 }}</ref> Walz urged assistance for hog and dairy farmers who struggled with lower prices for their commodities in 2008 and 2009.<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://walz.house.gov/list/press/mn01_walz/dairyproducers.shtml |title=Walz Urges Swift Action to Assist Dairy Producers |work=walz.house.gov |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090325094703/http://walz.house.gov/list/press/mn01_walz/dairyproducers.shtml |access-date=August 7, 2024 |archive-date=2009-03-25 }}</ref> Voting for the ],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Griffith |first=Michelle |date=2024-08-08 |title=VP hopeful Gov. Tim Walz is still a 'favorite son' in hometown Mankato |url=https://minnesotareformer.com/2024/08/08/vp-hopeful-gov-tim-walz-is-still-a-favorite-son-in-hometown-mankato/ |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=Minnesota Reformer |language=en-US}}</ref> Walz pointed to its strong provisions in support of public school buildings.<ref>{{Cite web |first=Mike |last=Dougherty |date=2009-02-11 |title=Walz pitches area projects for funds |url=https://www.postbulletin.com/news/walz-pitches-area-projects-for-funds |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=Rochester Post Bulletin |language=en |archive-date=January 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230131103109/https://www.postbulletin.com/news/walz-pitches-area-projects-for-funds |url-status=live }}</ref> He is on record supporting legislation to lower tuition costs.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://walz.house.gov/list/press/mn01_walz/studentloans.shtml |title=Rep. Walz Announces New Program to Make College More Affordable |work=walz.house.gov |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090902073235/http://walz.house.gov/list/press/mn01_walz/studentloans.shtml |access-date=August 7, 2024 |archive-date=2009-09-02 }}</ref> In a February 2009 speech, he said that the most important thing to do "to ensure a solid base for economic future ... is to provide the best education possible for children."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.congress.gov/congressional-record/volume-155/issue-29/house-section/article/H1253-3 |title=School Funding |work=] |date=February 12, 2009 |access-date=August 13, 2024 |first=Tim |last=Walz |archive-date=August 13, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240813110410/https://www.congress.gov/congressional-record/volume-155/issue-29/house-section/article/H1253-3 |url-status=live }}</ref> Walz has received strong backing for these policies from many interest groups, including the ], the ], and the National Association of Elementary School Principals.<ref name="votesmart3">{{cite web |url=http://www.votesmart.org/issue_rating_category.php?can_id=65443 |title=Representative Timothy J. 'Tim' Walz — Interest Group Ratings |work=] |date=May 14, 2010 |access-date=July 12, 2010 |archive-date=July 5, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110705125325/http://votesmart.org/issue_rating_category.php?can_id=65443 |url-status=dead }}</ref> | |||
| ] portrait, 2013]] | |||
| In February 2008, Walz endorsed the ] of Barack Obama in the ].<ref>{{cite web |first=Sam |last=Graham-Felsen |date=February 6, 2008 |website=barackobama.com |url=http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/samgrahamfelsen/CGGh9 |title=U.S. Rep. Tim Walz (D-MN) endorses Barack Obama for President |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080208225245/http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/samgrahamfelsen/CGGh9 |access-date=August 30, 2024 |archive-date=February 8, 2008 }}</ref> During the ], he voted to advance the ] out of the House.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cabral |first=Sam |date=August 6, 2024 |title=Who is Tim Walz, Kamala Harris' pick for vice president? |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cleyjp5qldno |access-date=2024-08-06 |website=] |language=en-GB |archive-date=August 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240806224036/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cleyjp5qldno |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Lightman |first=David |date=November 8, 2009 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-la-crosse-tribune-house-passed-histo/153087435/ |title=House passed historic health care reform bill |work=The La Crosse Tribune |page=2 |access-date=August 11, 2024 |archive-date=August 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240816064448/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-la-crosse-tribune-house-passed-histo/153087435/ |url-status=live |via=newspapers.com }}</ref> Walz was a significant supporter of the ], which bans congressional ]. Obama signed it into law in April 2012.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Henry |first1=Devin |title=Obama Signs Into Law STOCK Act Championed by Tim Walz |url=https://www.minnpost.com/dc-dispatches/2012/04/obama-signs-law-stock-act-championed-tim-walz |website=MinnPost |access-date=August 19, 2024 |date=April 4, 2012 |archive-date=August 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240819092335/https://www.minnpost.com/dc-dispatches/2012/04/obama-signs-law-stock-act-championed-tim-walz/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Walz also met with the ] and served on a commission monitoring human-rights in China.<ref name=":11">{{Cite news |last1=O’Brien |first1=Connor |last2=Bazail-Eimil |first2=Eric |date=August 6, 2024 |title=How Tim Walz could help Harris connect with veterans |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2024/08/06/tim-walz-vp-harris-veterans-00172782 |work=] |access-date=August 7, 2024 |archive-date=August 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240807005014/https://www.politico.com/news/2024/08/06/tim-walz-vp-harris-veterans-00172782 |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
| ] at ], 2017]] | |||
| During the ], Walz chose not to accept his congressional pay, instead donating it to hunger-relief organizations.<ref>{{cite news |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-winona-daily-news-most-of-delegation/152951969/ |title=Most of delegation won't take pay during shutdown |work=The Winona Daily News |date=October 3, 2013 |access-date=August 9, 2024 |archive-date=August 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240816064444/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-winona-daily-news-most-of-delegation/152951969/ |url-status=live |via=newspapers.com }}</ref> He accused the political ] of contributing to the shutdown, calling it "reckless" and "completely avoidable". "No one should be patting themselves on the back about doing the basic work of government", Walz said.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Carlson |first=Heather J. |date=October 17, 2013 |title=FMC workers, others welcome resolution that left them without paychecks |url=https://www.postbulletin.com/newsmd/fmc-workers-others-welcome-resolution-that-left-them-without-paychecks |work=Post Bulletin}}</ref> In 2016, he voted to condemn ], which called the building of ]s in the occupied ] a violation of international law.<ref>{{cite news |title=Tim Walz: How does Kamala Harris's VP pick view Israel, Palestine, China? |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2024/8/7/tim-walz-how-does-harriss-vp-pick-view-israel-palestine-and-china |work=] |date=August 7, 2024 |access-date=August 11, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240808032905/https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2024/8/7/tim-walz-how-does-harriss-vp-pick-view-israel-palestine-and-china |archive-date=August 8, 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
| Walz was ranked the 7th-most bipartisan House member during the ] (and the most bipartisan member from Minnesota) in the Bipartisan Index created by ]<ref name=":25" /> and the ], 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.<ref name=":10">{{Cite news |last=Mannweiler |first=Laura |date=August 6, 2024 |title=What to Know About Gov. Tim Walz, Kamala Harris' Running Mate |url=https://www.usnews.com/news/national-news/articles/2024-08-06/who-is-gov-tim-walz-kamala-harris-pick-for-vice-president |access-date=August 7, 2024 |work=] |archive-date=August 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240806215313/https://www.usnews.com/news/national-news/articles/2024-08-06/who-is-gov-tim-walz-kamala-harris-pick-for-vice-president |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.thelugarcenter.org/assets/htmldocuments/The%20Lugar%20Center%20-%20McCourt%20School%20Bipartisan%20Index%20114th%20Congress%20House%20Scores.pdf|title=McCourt School Bipartisan Index |work=] |date=March 7, 2016 |access-date=April 30, 2017|archive-date=April 12, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190412081713/http://www.thelugarcenter.org/assets/htmldocuments/The%20Lugar%20Center%20-%20McCourt%20School%20Bipartisan%20Index%20114th%20Congress%20House%20Scores.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> In early 2015, he endorsed ] of ] in the ].<ref>{{cite web |title=Hillary racks up endorsements for 2016 |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/238912-2016-hillary-endorsement-list |website=The Hill |access-date=August 19, 2024 |date=April 15, 2015 |archive-date=April 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240414160337/https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/238912-2016-hillary-endorsement-list/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
| In 2017, Walz was floated as a possible candidate for the ] for the ] seat held by ], even though Walz had already announced his campaign for governor.<ref>{{cite news |first=J. Patrick |last=Coolican |url=http://www.startribune.com/gov-mark-dayton-likely-to-tap-lt-gov-tina-smith-as-franken-replacement/462412193/ |url-status=live |title=Gov. Mark Dayton likely to tap Lt. Gov. Tina Smith as Franken replacement |work=] |date=December 7, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171207015758/http://www.startribune.com/gov-mark-dayton-likely-to-tap-lt-gov-tina-smith-as-franken-replacement/462412193/ |access-date=August 11, 2024 |archive-date=2017-12-07 }}</ref> He declined to run and endorsed Lieutenant Governor ] after she launched her campaign for the seat.<ref>{{cite news |last=Potter |first=Kyle |agency=] |date=December 15, 2017 |url=https://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2017/12/15/minnesota_democrats_aim_to_clear_smiths_path_for_2018_bid_135805.html |title=Minnesota Democrats aim to clear Smith's path for 2018 bid |work=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171215141254/https://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2017/12/15/minnesota_democrats_aim_to_clear_smiths_path_for_2018_bid_135805.html |access-date=August 11, 2024 |archive-date=2017-12-15 |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
| ===Committee assignments=== | |||
| * ]<ref name="always a soldier"/><ref name=":10" /> | |||
| ** ] | |||
| ** ] | |||
| * ] (ranking member, 115th Congress)<ref name="always a soldier"/><ref name=":10" /> | |||
| ** ] | |||
| ** ] | |||
| * ]<ref name="always a soldier"/> | |||
| * ]<ref name=":10" /> | |||
| === Caucus memberships === | |||
| * Chair, Congressional ] Caucus<ref>{{cite web |title=EMS Caucus |url=https://www.naemt.org/advocacy/ems-caucus |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129135603/https://www.naemt.org/advocacy/ems-caucus |archive-date=January 29, 2020 |access-date=March 23, 2017 |website=]}}</ref> | |||
| * Co-chair, National Guard and Reserve Component Caucus<ref>{{cite press release |title=Membership |url=http://palazzo.house.gov/ngrcc/membership.htm |url-status=dead |work=palazzo.house.gov |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160813085449/http://palazzo.house.gov/ngrcc/membership.htm |archive-date=August 13, 2016 |access-date=June 18, 2016}}</ref> | |||
| * Co-chair, ]<ref>{{cite web |title=Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus 114th Congress |url=http://sportsmenslink.org/caucuses/congressional |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160609221936/http://sportsmenslink.org/caucuses/congressional/ |work=sportsmenslink.org |archive-date=June 9, 2016 |access-date=June 18, 2016 }}</ref> | |||
| * Co-chair, Congressional Veterans Jobs Caucus<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/congressional-veterans-jobs-caucus-members|title=Congressional Veterans Jobs Caucus Members|access-date=June 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160611094621/http://www.manchin.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/congressional-veterans-jobs-caucus-members|archive-date=June 11, 2016|url-status=dead |work=manchin.senate.gov }}</ref> | |||
| * Member, ]<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://lgbt-polis.house.gov/members|title=Members|work=LGBT Equality Caucus|access-date=March 23, 2017|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170402205955/http://lgbt-polis.house.gov/members|archive-date=April 2, 2017|url-status=dead |via=house.gov }}</ref> | |||
| * Member, ]<ref>{{cite web|title=Membership|url=https://artscaucus-slaughter.house.gov/membership|publisher=Congressional Arts Caucus|access-date=March 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612140644/https://artscaucus-slaughter.house.gov/membership|archive-date=June 12, 2018|url-status=dead }}</ref> | |||
| ===Commissions=== | |||
| * ]<ref name=":11" /> | |||
| ==Governor of Minnesota (2019–present)== | |||
| ===Elections=== | |||
| {{see also|Electoral history of Tim Walz}} | |||
| ====2018==== | |||
| {{see also|2018 Minnesota gubernatorial election}} | |||
| ], 2018]] | |||
| In March 2017, after ], the incumbent governor, chose not to seek another term, Walz announced he would run for governor.<ref>{{cite news |last=Coolican |first=J. Patrick |date=March 28, 2017 |url=https://www.startribune.com/u-s-rep-tim-walz-running-for-governor/417251983 |title=U.S. Rep. Tim Walz running for governor |work=Star Tribune |access-date=August 10, 2024 |archive-date=August 13, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240813110829/https://www.startribune.com/u-s-rep-tim-walz-running-for-governor/417251983 |url-status=live }}</ref> His main opponent in the Democratic primary was originally state representative ], who won ] endorsement at the party's convention in June 2018.<ref>{{cite news |last=Magan |first=Christopher |date=June 3, 2018 |url=https://www.twincities.com/2018/06/02/erin-murphy-gets-dfl-backing-for-governor/ |title=Erin Murphy gets DFL backing for governor, as Tim Walz plans primary run |work=TwinCities.com |access-date=August 11, 2024 |archive-date=August 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240808052038/https://www.twincities.com/2018/06/02/erin-murphy-gets-dfl-backing-for-governor/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Bakst |first=Brian |date=June 14, 2018 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-winona-daily-news-tim-walz-retools-c/153031535/ |title=Tim Walz retools campaign for governor |work=The Winona Daily News |access-date=August 10, 2024 }}</ref> Shortly thereafter, state attorney general ] entered the race late in the campaign. Walz defeated Murphy and Swanson in the August primary election with a 41.60% plurality.<ref>{{cite web |access-date=August 15, 2024 |url=https://www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/election-results/2018/2018-primary-election-results/ |title=2018 Primary Election Results |website=Minnesota Secretary of State |archive-date=August 12, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240812203741/https://www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/election-results/2018/2018-primary-election-results/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Potter |first=Kyle |date=August 16, 2018 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-la-crosse-tribune-walz-johnson-look/153032238/ |title=Walz, Johnson look to November |work=The La Crosse Tribune |access-date=August 10, 2024 |archive-date=August 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240816064956/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-la-crosse-tribune-walz-johnson-look/153032238/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On November 6, 2018, he was ], defeating the ] nominee, ] ] ], 53.84% to 42.43%.<ref name="election">{{cite news |last=Coolican |first=J. Patrick |date=November 6, 2018 |title=Tim Walz defeats Jeff Johnson in high-stakes election for Minnesota governor |url=http://www.startribune.com/walz-wins-minnesota-governors-race-extending-dfl-control/499705011/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129135601/http://www.startribune.com/walz-wins-minnesota-governors-race-extending-dfl-control/499705011/ |archive-date=January 29, 2020 |access-date=November 6, 2018 |work=]}}</ref> | |||
| ====2022==== | |||
| {{see also|2022 Minnesota gubernatorial election}} | |||
| Walz sought reelection in 2022.<ref name="walz running">{{Cite web|url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2021/10/19/gov-walz-running-for-reelection|title=Gov. Walz makes it official: He's running for a second term |website=MPR News |publisher=] |date=October 19, 2021 |access-date=December 6, 2021|archive-date=October 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020180823/https://www.mprnews.org/story/2021/10/19/gov-walz-running-for-reelection|url-status=live}}</ref> He won the August 9 Democratic primary and faced Republican nominee ] in the ]. On November 8, 2022, Walz defeated Jensen, 52.3% to 44.6%.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kaul |first=Greta |date=2022-11-09 |title=How Walz won Minnesota governor's contest against Jensen in charts |work=] |url=https://www.minnpost.com/elections/2022/11/how-walz-won-minnesota-governors-contest-against-jensen-in-charts/ |access-date=2022-11-09 |archive-date=November 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221109194020/https://www.minnpost.com/elections/2022/11/how-walz-won-minnesota-governors-contest-against-jensen-in-charts/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-11-08 |title=Minnesota Governor Election Results |language=en-US |work=] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2022/11/08/us/elections/results-minnesota-governor.html |access-date=2022-11-09 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=November 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221109154054/https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2022/11/08/us/elections/results-minnesota-governor.html |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
| ===Tenure=== | |||
| ] | |||
| Walz was sworn in as governor of Minnesota on January 7, 2019, at the ] in Saint Paul. He took the oath of office alongside the incoming ], ]; ] ]; ] ]; and ] ], all ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2019/01/07/photos-inauguration-day-in-minnesota|title=Photos: The Walz Administration takes oath of office|last=Frost|first=Evan|website=MPR News |publisher=] |date=January 7, 2019 |access-date=January 10, 2019|archive-date=January 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190108032029/https://www.mprnews.org/story/2019/01/07/photos-inauguration-day-in-minnesota|url-status=live}}</ref> Walz spoke about education and healthcare reform in his inauguration speech.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.startribune.com/tim-walz-to-be-sworn-in-as-minnesota-s-next-governor/503998952 |date=January 8, 2019 |first=Jessie |last=Van Berkel |title=Tim Walz sworn in as Minnesota's next governor|website=Star Tribune|access-date=January 10, 2019|archive-date=January 10, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190110031430/http://www.startribune.com/tim-walz-to-be-sworn-in-as-minnesota-s-next-governor/503998952/|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
| Later in 2019, President ] appointed Walz to the bipartisan ]; in 2021 President ] appointed Walz as a co-chairman of the Council of Governors.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Woodall |first1=Hunter |title=Gov. Tim Walz picked to co-chair governors council |url=https://www.startribune.com/article/600076866 |access-date=August 9, 2024 |work=] |archive-date=August 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240809120245/https://www.startribune.com/article/600076866 |url-status=live |date=July 11, 2021}}</ref> In 2023, Walz was named chair of the ], a high-profile position that involves supporting other governors in tight races.<ref name=":12">{{Cite news |last=Schneider |first=Elena |date=December 3, 2023 |title='Time to Be Bold': Advice for Democrats from a Quietly Powerful Governor |url=https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2023/12/03/tim-walz-democratic-governors-association-00129318 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240804075851/https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2023/12/03/tim-walz-democratic-governors-association-00129318 |archive-date=August 4, 2024 |access-date=August 7, 2024 |work=]}}</ref> He stepped down after being selected as ]'s running mate. ] ] succeeded him as chair.<ref>{{Cite press release |url=https://democraticgovernors.org/updates/dga-announces-kansas-governor-laura-kelly-as-chair/|title=DGA Announces Kansas Governor Laura Kelly As Chair|date=August 7, 2024|website=Democratic Governors Association|access-date=August 7, 2024|archive-date=August 23, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240823172650/https://democraticgovernors.org/updates/dga-announces-kansas-governor-laura-kelly-as-chair/|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
| ====Police reform and protest response==== | |||
| {{see also|George Floyd protests in Minneapolis–Saint Paul}} | |||
| On May 26, 2020, the day after the ], Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan demanded justice and called the video of Minneapolis police officer ] kneeling on ]'s neck "disturbing".<ref name="WCCO">{{cite news|last=Murphy|first=Esme|date=May 26, 2020|title='I Can't Breathe!': Video Of Fatal Arrest Shows Minneapolis Officer Kneeling On George Floyd's Neck For Several Minutes|publisher=]|url=https://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2020/05/26/george-floyd-man-dies-after-being-arrested-by-minneapolis-police-fbi-called-to-investigate/|url-status=live|access-date=August 24, 2020|quote=While lying facedown on the road, Floyd repeatedly groans and says he can't breathe.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200526170730/https://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2020/05/26/george-floyd-man-dies-after-being-arrested-by-minneapolis-police-fbi-called-to-investigate/|archive-date=May 26, 2020}}</ref> Walz elaborated, "The lack of humanity in this disturbing video is sickening. We will get answers and seek justice".<ref name="WCCO"/> | |||
| In response to riots in Minnesota, Walz partially activated the Minnesota National Guard on May 28, and fully activated it on May 30.<ref name=Dale>{{Cite web |last=Dale |first=Daniel |date=2020-07-01 |title=Fact check: Minnesota governor, not Trump, called out the National Guard |url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/01/politics/fact-check-trump-walz-minnesota-national-guard/index.html |access-date=2024-08-08 |website=CNN |language=en |archive-date=July 14, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200714145730/https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/01/politics/fact-check-trump-walz-minnesota-national-guard/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> President Trump reacted to Walz's actions by saying that he was "very happy" and that he did "fully agree with the way handled it ... what did in Minneapolis was incredible". Trump called Walz an "excellent guy".<ref>{{cite news |first1=Alayna |last1=Treene |first2=Michael |last2=Williams |first3=Kristen |last3=Holmes |title=Trump in 2020 praised Tim Walz's handling of George Floyd protests |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2024/08/07/politics/trump-praised-walz-george-floyd-protests/index.html |access-date=August 9, 2024 |work=] |date=August 8, 2024 |archive-date=August 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240809031144/https://edition.cnn.com/2024/08/07/politics/trump-praised-walz-george-floyd-protests/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Bruggeman |first1=Lucien |first2=Katherine |last2=Faulders |title=Despite new criticism, Trump told Walz in 2020 he was 'very happy' with his handling of George Floyd protests |date=August 7, 2024 |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/despite-new-criticism-trump-told-walz-2020-happy/story?id=112616502 |access-date=2024-08-08 |website=ABC News |language=en |archive-date=August 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240808021829/https://abcnews.go.com/US/despite-new-criticism-trump-told-walz-2020-happy/story?id=112616502 |url-status=live }}</ref> Trump also publicly claimed credit for deploying the Minnesota National Guard; Walz's office said Trump had no impact on Walz's deployments of the Guard.<ref name=Dale/> | |||
| Several Republicans criticized Walz's initial response to the widespread protests following Floyd's murder.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bierschbach |first1=Briana |title=Gov. Tim Walz laments 'abject failure' of riot response |url=https://www.startribune.com/gov-tim-walz-laments-abject-failure-of-riot-response/570864092/ |access-date=March 30, 2022 |work=Star Tribune |date=May 29, 2020 |archive-date=March 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331172033/https://www.startribune.com/gov-tim-walz-laments-abject-failure-of-riot-response/570864092/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=GOP report slams Walz for response to unrest |first=Tim |last=Pugmire |url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2020/10/13/gop-report-slams-walz-for-response-to-george-floyd-unrest |access-date=2022-03-30 |website=MPR News |publisher=] |date=October 13, 2020 |language=en |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926163532/https://www.mprnews.org/story/2020/10/13/gop-report-slams-walz-for-response-to-george-floyd-unrest |url-status=live }}</ref> He later responded to the murder by ordering the Minnesota legislature to reconvene for special sessions on legislation for police reform and accountability.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2020/06/10/walz-set-to-speak-at-3-pm-on-cops-covid19-economy-special-session|title=Walz calls special session on police accountability, bonding |work=MPR News |publisher=] |date=June 10, 2020|access-date=August 24, 2020|archive-date=June 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200611215906/https://www.mprnews.org/story/2020/06/10/walz-set-to-speak-at-3-pm-on-cops-covid19-economy-special-session|url-status=live}}</ref> After police reform failed to pass the first special session in June,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://knsiradio.com/news/local-news/special-session-ends-no-police-reform-bills |title=Special Session Ends With No Police Reform Bills |agency=] |work=]|date=June 21, 2020|access-date=August 24, 2020|archive-date=June 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200623192141/https://knsiradio.com/news/local-news/special-session-ends-no-police-reform-bills|url-status=dead}}</ref> a second special session was held in July.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2020/07/20/second-session-second-week |title=Special session enters second week with little accomplished |first=Tim |last=Nelson |work=MPR News |publisher=] |date=July 20, 2020 |access-date=August 24, 2020 |archive-date=July 22, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200722190448/https://www.mprnews.org/story/2020/07/20/second-session-second-week |url-status=live}}</ref> On July 21, the legislature passed police reform legislation.<ref name="minnesotareform" /> The compromise law includes a limited ban on police from using ]s.<ref name="minnesotareform">{{cite news |url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2020/07/21/legislature-passes-policing-bill-ends-special-session |title=Legislature passes policing bill, ends special session|first=Brian|last=Bakst|work=MPR News |publisher=] |date=July 21, 2020|access-date=August 24, 2020 |archive-date=July 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200721112538/https://www.mprnews.org/story/2020/07/21/legislature-passes-policing-bill-ends-special-session|url-status=live}}</ref> It bans "warrior training", which dehumanized people,<ref name="minnesotareform" /> and includes training for peace officers for dealing with people with autism or in a mental health crisis and deescalation training for situations that could turn volatile.<ref name="minnesotareform" /> It also created a special independent unit at the ] 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.<ref name="minnesotareform" /> Walz signed the legislation into law on July 23, 2020.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.startribune.com/walz-signs-police-accountability-bill-sparked-by-george-floyd-s-death/571875822/|title=Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz signs police accountability bill sparked by George Floyd's death|first=Torey|last=Van Oot|publisher=Star Tribune|date=July 23, 2020|access-date=August 24, 2020|archive-date=July 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200723162957/https://www.startribune.com/walz-signs-police-accountability-bill-sparked-by-george-floyd-s-death/571875822/|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
| ==== Abortion ==== | |||
| {{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.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cummings |first=Caroline |date=2023-01-31 |title=Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz signs 'PRO Act' protecting abortion access into law - CBS Minnesota |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/walz-to-sign-pro-act-tuesday-codifying-abortion-rights-in-state-law/ |access-date=2024-08-07 |website=] |language=en-US |archive-date=August 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240807055514/https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/walz-to-sign-pro-act-tuesday-codifying-abortion-rights-in-state-law/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In April 2023, he signed the Reproductive Freedom Defense Act, which banned state agencies from "enforcing out-of-state subpoenas, arrest warrants, and extradition requests" for people who travel to Minnesota for legal abortion, limited the release of related health records,<ref>{{Cite web |last=WCCO Staff |date=April 27, 2023 |title='It's a good day for freedoms': Walz signs bills on reproductive freedom and trans refuge, ban on conversion therapy |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/its-a-good-day-for-freedoms-walz-signs-bills-on-reproductive-freedom-and-trans-refuge-ban-on-conversion-therapy/ |website=CBS News |access-date=August 7, 2024 |archive-date=August 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240807053907/https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/its-a-good-day-for-freedoms-walz-signs-bills-on-reproductive-freedom-and-trans-refuge-ban-on-conversion-therapy/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Cummings |first=Caroline |date=2023-02-07 |title=Minnesota House committee advances bill protecting abortion providers, patients from out-of-state legal action |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/minnesota-abortion-shield-law/ |access-date=2024-08-07 |website=] |language=en-US |archive-date=April 13, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240413112457/https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/minnesota-abortion-shield-law/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and cut funding for ]s,<ref name="at the top">{{Cite web |last=Bendix |first=Aria |date=2024-08-06 |title=With Harris and Walz, Democrats put abortion rights at the top of the agenda |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/health/womens-health/tim-walz-abortion-rights-ivf-strong-supporter-rcna165390 |access-date=2024-08-19 |website=] |language=en |archive-date=August 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240823172652/https://www.nbcnews.com/health/womens-health/tim-walz-abortion-rights-ivf-strong-supporter-rcna165390 |url-status=live }}</ref> organizations established by ] primarily to persuade pregnant women not to have abortions<ref name="Sonograms">{{cite news |first=Michael Alison |last=Chandler |title=Antiabortion Centers Offer Sonograms to Further Cause |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/09/08/AR2006090801967_pf.html |newspaper=] |date=2006-09-09 |access-date=2008-02-24 |archive-date=2006-12-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061231113627/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/09/08/AR2006090801967_pf.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Bazelon">{{cite news |last=Bazelon |first=Emily |date=2007-01-21 |title=Is There a Post-Abortion Syndrome? |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/21/magazine/21abortion.t.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090424092919/http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/21/magazine/21abortion.t.html |archive-date=2009-04-24 |access-date=2007-11-06 |work=] }}</ref> that often share inaccurate or misleading medical information.<ref name="misinfo">{{cite journal |last1=Bryant |first1=AG |last2=Levi |first2=EE |title=Abortion misinformation from crisis pregnancy centers in North Carolina |journal=Contraception |volume= 86 |issue= 6 |pages= 752–6 |date=July 2012 |pmid=22770790 |doi=10.1016/j.contraception.2012.06.001 }}</ref><ref name="rowlands">{{cite journal |journal=Eur J Contracept Reprod Health Care |title=Misinformation on abortion. |last=Rowlands |first=Sam |volume=16 |issue = 4 |year=2011 |pages=233–40 |doi=10.3109/13625187.2011.570883 |pmid=21557713 |s2cid=13500769 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Shah |first=Khushbu |date=2019-08-16 |title=Inside the 'fake clinics' where women are persuaded to carry pregnancies to term: Crisis pregnancy centers' give counseling, pregnancy tests – and outnumber abortion providers three to one in Georgia |newspaper=] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/aug/16/georgia-abortion-crisis-pregnancy-centers |access-date=August 30, 2024 |archive-date=2022-09-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220915224911/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/aug/16/georgia-abortion-crisis-pregnancy-centers |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="at the top"/> | |||
| ==== Environment ==== | |||
| ] with a ] union worker at a signing ceremony near ] for permitting reform that will speed up ] projects<ref>{{Cite web |last=Johnson |first=Eric |date=2024-06-27 |title=Walz signs energy permitting reform legislation in ceremony near Dexter |url=https://www.austindailyherald.com/2024/06/walz-signs-energy-permitting-reform-legislation-in-ceremony-near-dexter/ |access-date=2024-09-06 |website=Austin Daily Herald |language=en}}</ref>]] | |||
| In early 2023, Walz signed a law requiring Minnesota to obtain all of its electricity from wind, solar, and other carbon-free sources by 2040, phasing out the climate-warming pollution generated by coal and gas-fired power plants, in addition to a variety of other measures to preserve and expand ]s, forests, pollinator habitats, electric vehicle charger networks, access to home weatherization, ] cuts in buildings, ]ing, and ] apprenticeships.<ref name=":19">{{Cite news |last=Davenport |first=Coral |date=2024-08-06 |title=Tim Walz Has Championed Climate as Governor |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/06/climate/tim-walz-climate-change.html |access-date=2024-08-15 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=August 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240815130237/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/06/climate/tim-walz-climate-change.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |url=https://mn.gov/governor/newsroom/press-releases/index.jsp?id=1055-579538|title=Governor Walz, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan Celebrate Historic Climate Action Legislation in Minnesota|date=June 1, 2023|access-date=August 9, 2024|website=MN.gov}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Noor |first1=Dharna |last2=Milman |first2=Oliver |date=2024-08-07 |title=Democrats' VP pick Tim Walz welcomed as climate champion by green advocates |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/aug/07/tim-walz-climate-change-policy-environment |access-date=2024-08-15 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> "As I sign this legislation, communities from one end of our state to the other are looking at months of rebuilding after an extreme weather event exacerbated by climate change", Walz said in June, after catastrophic flooding devastated parts of the state. "This is a measure that will help protect our environment and get the clean energy projects that are going to help fight climate change in motion."<ref name=":19" /> | |||
| Walz implemented California's stricter tailpipe emissions standards for cars,<ref name="Karnowwski 2021">{{cite web |last=Karnowski |first=Steve |title=Walz says 'clean car' rules haven't hurt in 14 other states |website=AP News |date=July 26, 2021 |url=https://apnews.com/article/technology-government-and-politics-business-environment-and-nature-minnesota-1808afe5d06edd7127b0566c29850915 |access-date=August 8, 2024 |archive-date=August 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240807032504/https://apnews.com/article/technology-government-and-politics-business-environment-and-nature-minnesota-1808afe5d06edd7127b0566c29850915 |url-status=live }}</ref> and set a goal of 20% electric vehicles as a share of all cars in Minnesota by 2030.<ref name="Karnowski 2022">{{cite web |last=Karnowski |first=Steve |title=Minnesota governor rolls out plan to fight climate change |website=AP News |date=September 16, 2022 |url=https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-technology-minnesota-voting-electric-vehicles-eb18e6d0de5cd0ebeb3a82118447d8a8 |access-date=August 8, 2024 |archive-date=August 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240807192617/https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-technology-minnesota-voting-electric-vehicles-eb18e6d0de5cd0ebeb3a82118447d8a8 |url-status=live }}</ref> Some environmentalists have criticized the state government for a lax approach to ] in the agricultural<ref name="Wagenius 2023">{{cite web |last=Wagenius |first=Jean |title=Knowing the history of regulatory capture on ag pollution can help us end it |website=Minnesota Reformer |date=December 13, 2023 |url=https://minnesotareformer.com/2023/12/13/knowing-the-history-of-regulatory-capture-on-ag-pollution-can-help-us-end-it/ |access-date=August 8, 2024 |archive-date=August 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240808220759/https://minnesotareformer.com/2023/12/13/knowing-the-history-of-regulatory-capture-on-ag-pollution-can-help-us-end-it/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and iron processing<ref name="Hazzard 2024">{{cite web |last=Hazzard |first=Andrew |title=East Side foundry with past violations has 30 days to reduce lead, air pollution St. Paul foundry has 30 days to reduce lead, air pollution |website=Sahan Journal |date=April 16, 2024 |url=https://sahanjournal.com/climate-environment/northern-iron-east-side-saint-paul-foundry-deadline-lead-air-pollution/ |access-date=August 8, 2024}}</ref> sectors. | |||
| ==== Infrastructure ==== | |||
| ] which received funding for critical repairs as part of the infrastructure spending bill.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Holt |first=Sue |date=2024-01-23 |title=Gov. Walz stopped in Duluth to highlight 2024 Infrastructure Plan |url=https://www.wdio.com/front-page/top-stories/gov-walz-is-in-duluth-highlighting-his-2024-infrastructure-plan/ |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=WDIO.com |language=en-US}}</ref>]] | |||
| In 2023, Walz signed a bipartisan $2.6 billion infrastructure spending package that funded numerous union construction jobs focused on repairing roads, bridges, and other essential infrastructure.<ref>{{Cite web |first1=Max |last1=Nesterak |first2=J. Patrick |last2=Coolican |first3=Deena |last3=Winter |date=2024-08-07 |title=Here's what Tim Walz has done as governor of Minnesota |url=https://minnesotareformer.com/2024/08/07/heres-what-tim-walz-has-done-as-governor-of-minnesota/ |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=Minnesota Reformer |language=en-US |archive-date=August 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240814204524/https://minnesotareformer.com/2024/08/07/heres-what-tim-walz-has-done-as-governor-of-minnesota/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=2023-06-01 |title=Minnesota governor signs $2.6B infrastructure plan, a bipartisan success from a partisan session |url=https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-legislature-bonding-infrastructure-13f12fdcec25d445a7c0e3a94d28c432 |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=AP News |language=en |first=Steve |last=Karnowski |archive-date=August 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240814133857/https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-legislature-bonding-infrastructure-13f12fdcec25d445a7c0e3a94d28c432 |url-status=live }}</ref> Other projects funded included a new fire hall in ], a water treatment plant in Mankato, and $78 million for the state veterans' home in ].<ref name=":3" /> Soon afterward, Walz signed into law HF2887, which provides $9 billion over the long term to transportation projects, including reforms to climate impact considerations and transit infrastructure permitting.<ref name="HF2887 Vote Counts">{{cite web |title=HF 2887 Status in the House for the 93rd Legislature (2023)|website=MN Revisor's Office|date=April 18, 2023 |url=https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=house&f=hf2887&ssn=0&y=2023 |access-date=September 1, 2024}}</ref><ref name="TransitCenter 2023">{{cite web |last=Brasuell |first=James |title=How Transit Advocates Scored a Major Victory in Minnesota |website=TransitCenter |date=2023-08-15 |url=https://transitcenter.org/how-transit-advocates-scored-a-major-victory-in-minnesota/ |access-date=2024-09-01}}</ref><ref name="Streetsblog 2024">{{cite web |title=Five Facts on Tim Walz's Sustainable Transportation Track Record |website=Streetsblog USA |first=Kea |last=Wilson |date=August 7, 2024 |url=https://usa.streetsblog.org/2024/08/06/five-facts-on-tim-walzs-sustainable-transportation-track-record |access-date=September 1, 2024}}</ref> | |||
| In May 2024, Walz signed and implemented a bipartisan energy permitting reform bill.<ref name="Harrison 2024">{{cite web |last=Harrison |first=Derek |title=Minnesota Eyes Permitting Reform for Clean Energy Amid Gridlock in Congress |website=Inside Climate News |date=March 11, 2024 |url=https://insideclimatenews.org/news/11032024/minnesota-clean-energy-permitting-reform/ |access-date=August 8, 2024 |archive-date=August 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240807032341/https://insideclimatenews.org/news/11032024/minnesota-clean-energy-permitting-reform/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Utility Dive 2024">{{cite web |last=Mackin |first=Mel |title=Minnesota's permitting reforms will accelerate its clean energy boom and can serve as a national model |website=Utility Dive |date=June 5, 2024 |url=https://www.utilitydive.com/news/minnesota-permitting-reform-clean-energy-grid-infrastructure-google-rei-holcim/718055/ |access-date=August 8, 2024 |archive-date=August 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240807104911/https://www.utilitydive.com/news/minnesota-permitting-reform-clean-energy-grid-infrastructure-google-rei-holcim/718055/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Some environmentalists criticized him for fast-tracking the expansion of the ] and overseeing a vigorous response to the indigenous-led ], marked by allegations of police brutality.<ref name="Baram 2024">{{cite magazine |last=Baram |first=Marcus |title=Tim Walz Is One of the Nation's Most Forceful Climate Advocates |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=August 7, 2024 |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/political-commentary/tim-walz-forceful-climate-advocate-1235075485/ |access-date=August 8, 2024 |archive-date=August 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240808015240/https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/political-commentary/tim-walz-forceful-climate-advocate-1235075485/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Montemayor 2021">{{cite web | last=Montemayor | first=Stephen | title=Line 3 protests at Capitol, Walz residence yield different outcomes | website=Star Tribune | date=September 6, 2021 | url=https://www.startribune.com/line-3-protests-at-capitol-walz-residence-yield-different-outcomes/600094479 | access-date=September 29, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Tabuchi |first1=Hiroko |author-link=Hiroko Tabuchi |last2=Furber |first2=Matt |last3=Davenport |first3=Coral |date=2021-06-07 |title=Police Make Mass Arrests at Protest Against Oil Pipeline |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/07/climate/line-3-pipeline-protest-native-americans.html |access-date=2022-03-17 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> | |||
| ==== Education ==== | |||
| ] | |||
| After schools closed in 2020 due to COVID-19, Walz was cautious about reopening them, which aligned closely with the concerns of teachers, who were hesitant to return to in-person learning due to fear of contracting COVID-19.<ref name=":8" /> According to Nat Malkus of the ], Minnesota schools remained remote longer than the national average during the 2020–21 school year. Malkus ranked Minnesota 19th out of 50 states for the duration of remote learning, adjusted for student enrollment.<ref name=":8">{{Cite news |last1=Meckler |first1=Laura |last2=Natanson |first2=Hannah |date=2024-08-10 |title=Walz's education record: Pro-union, covid cautious and big jump in funding |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2024/08/10/walz-minnesota-liberal-education-policies/ |access-date=2024-08-14 |newspaper=Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286}}</ref> Between 2017 and 2022, Minnesota fourth-graders' test scores decreased from 10 points above the national average to 4 points above.<ref name=":8" /> | |||
| In 2023, Walz and the state legislature approved increased spending on K-12 and early education. At the end of the 2023 legislative session, he signed a bill allocating $2.2 billion in additional funding for K-12 education, amounting to about $400 more per student annually than previous levels.<ref name="education record">{{Cite web |first1=Elizabeth |last1=Shockman |first2=Kyra |last2=Miles |date=2024-08-07 |title=6 facts about Walz's education track record in Minnesota |url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2024/08/07/walz-education-track-record-minnesota |access-date=2024-08-17 |website=MPR News |language=en |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817023338/https://www.mprnews.org/story/2024/08/07/walz-education-track-record-minnesota |url-status=live }}</ref> The bill also linked state education funding to inflation, addressing a long-standing request by school administrators.<ref name="education record" /> With the package Walz helped make permanent a funding program to supplement child care worker wages by $316 million in total.<ref name="Miles 2023">{{cite web | last=Miles | first=Kyra | title=Minnesota set to start spending $316M to boost child care wages | website=MPR News | date=October 17, 2023 | url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2023/10/17/minnesota-set-to-start-spending-316m-to-boost-child-care-wages | access-date=November 3, 2024}}</ref> He signed a bill that gave all students ] regardless of income.<ref name=":8" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Perez |first=Juan |date=August 14, 2024 |title=Walz rebrands progressive wins as household realities |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2024/08/13/walz-antidote-culture-wars-election-00173892 |website=Politico |access-date=August 14, 2024 |archive-date=August 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240814223739/https://www.politico.com/news/2024/08/13/walz-antidote-culture-wars-election-00173892 |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
| Also in 2023, Walz signed into law the Minnesota Reading to Ensure Academic Development Act (the READ Act), with the goal to have "every Minnesota child reading at or above grade level every year, beginning in kindergarten, and to support multilingual learners and students receiving special education services in achieving their individualized reading goals."<ref name=":20">education.mn.gov/mdeprod/idcplg?IdcService=SS_QD_GET_RENDITION&coreContentOnly=1&dDocName=MDEDEV_003174&dID=120722</ref> | |||
| In August 2024, Walz had announced nearly $10 million to support Minnesota’s ] workforce with The Education Pipeline grants, awarded by the ] (MDE). The program will support and train special education teachers in over 35 districts, charter schools, and cooperatives.<ref>Press Releases / Office of Governor Tim Walz and Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan (mn.gov)</ref> Walz said:<ref name=":28">{{Cite web |last=Dubensky |first=Bill |title=Minnesota Will Spend $10 Million to Train Special Education Workforce |url=https://knoxradio.com/2024/08/21/minnesota-will-spend-10-million-to-train-special-education-workforce/ |access-date=2024-10-13 |website=KNOX News Radio, Local News, Weather and Sports |language=en}}</ref>{{blockquote|As a former classroom teacher for over 20 years, I understand the impact a dedicated teacher can have on their students' lives. By investing in our special education workforce, we can help ensure every student in Minnesota receives the support they need to thrive in their education.}} | |||
| ==== Cannabis ==== | |||
| ].]] | |||
| Walz advocated for the ] as governor of Minnesota.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Faircloth |first1=Ryan |title=Gov. Walz lights into MN Republicans for killing recreational marijuana bill |url=https://www.twincities.com/2019/03/12/gov-walz-rips-into-mn-republicans-for-killing-recreational-marijuana-bill/ |access-date=January 11, 2023 |work=St. Paul Pioneer Press |date=March 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201220246/https://www.twincities.com/2019/03/12/gov-walz-rips-into-mn-republicans-for-killing-recreational-marijuana-bill/ |url-status=live |archive-date=December 1, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Pugmire |first1=Tim |title=Walz wants state to be ready to roll on legal marijuana |url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2019/08/26/walz-wants-state-to-be-ready-to-roll-on-legal-marijuana |access-date=January 11, 2023 |work=MPR News |publisher=] |date=August 26, 2019 |archive-date=January 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111174926/https://www.mprnews.org/story/2019/08/26/walz-wants-state-to-be-ready-to-roll-on-legal-marijuana |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Jaeger |first1=Kyle |title=Minnesota's Governor Wants People To Sign A Marijuana Petition Asking Lawmakers To Put Legalization On His Desk |url=https://www.marijuanamoment.net/minnesotas-governor-wants-people-to-sign-a-marijuana-petition-asking-lawmakers-to-put-legalization-on-his-desk/ |access-date=January 11, 2023 |work=Marijuana Moment |date=January 9, 2023 |archive-date=January 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111174926/https://www.marijuanamoment.net/minnesotas-governor-wants-people-to-sign-a-marijuana-petition-asking-lawmakers-to-put-legalization-on-his-desk/ |url-status=live }}</ref> 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."<ref>{{cite news |title=Rep. Tim Walz Wants Recreational Marijuana Legalized In Minnesota |url=https://www.southernminnesotanews.com/rep-walz-wants-recreational-marijuana-legalized-minnesota/ |access-date=January 11, 2023 |work=Southern Minnesota News |date=September 7, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190122223255/https://www.southernminnesotanews.com/rep-walz-wants-recreational-marijuana-legalized-minnesota/ |archive-date= 2019-01-22|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2022, he proposed the creation of a Cannabis Management Office to develop and implement the "regulatory framework for adult-use cannabis" in Minnesota.<ref>{{cite news |title=Gov. Walz calls for recreational marijuana legalization in Minnesota |url=https://www.fox9.com/news/marijuana-legalization-in-minnesota-gov-walz-pushes-for-legalization |access-date=January 11, 2023 |work=] |date=January 26, 2022 |archive-date=January 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111174926/https://www.fox9.com/news/marijuana-legalization-in-minnesota-gov-walz-pushes-for-legalization |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-01-24 |title=Budget plan includes checks to Minnesotans, legalizing adult-use cannabis |url=https://www.kimt.com/news/minnesota/budget-plan-includes-checks-to-minnesotans-legalizing-adult-use-cannabis/article_90333214-9c15-11ed-85af-6778e5139423.html |access-date=2024-08-13 |website=KIMT News 3 |language=en |archive-date=August 13, 2024 |first=Abbie |last=Parr |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240813132958/https://www.kimt.com/news/minnesota/budget-plan-includes-checks-to-minnesotans-legalizing-adult-use-cannabis/article_90333214-9c15-11ed-85af-6778e5139423.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=KTTC |date=2023-01-24 |title=Gov. Walz presents entire One Minnesota Budget |url=https://www.kttc.com/2023/01/24/gov-walz-present-entire-one-minnesota-budget/ |access-date=2024-08-13 |website=KTTC |language=en |archive-date=August 13, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240813133005/https://www.kttc.com/2023/01/24/gov-walz-present-entire-one-minnesota-budget/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On May 30, 2023, he signed into law House File 100 to legalize recreational ], which went into effect on August 1, 2023.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ahmed |first1=Trisha |title=Minnesota governor signs bill legalizing recreational marijuana starting in August |url=https://apnews.com/article/marijuana-minnesota-cannabis-legalization-pot-9a92dda1a1025c5b26033a3ad716a004 |access-date=July 16, 2023 |work=] |date=May 30, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Jaeger |first1=Kyle |title=Minnesota Governor Signs Marijuana Legalization Bill Into Law |url=https://www.marijuanamoment.net/minnesota-governor-signs-marijuana-legalization-bill-into-law/ |access-date=July 16, 2023 |work=Marijuana Moment |date=May 30, 2023 |archive-date=July 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230716193846/https://www.marijuanamoment.net/minnesota-governor-signs-marijuana-legalization-bill-into-law/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
| ==== Medical debt ==== | |||
| In June 2024, Walz signed the Minnesota Debt Fairness Act.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-17 |title='It was life-changing:' How new bill is helping Minnesota families eliminate medical debt |first1=Cathy |last1=Wurzer |first2=Ellen |last2=Finn |url=https://www.mprnews.org/episode/2024/06/17/how-new-bill-is-helping-minnesota-families-eliminate-medical-debt |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=MPR News |language=en |archive-date=August 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240823172700/https://www.mprnews.org/episode/2024/06/17/how-new-bill-is-helping-minnesota-families-eliminate-medical-debt |url-status=live }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-17 |title=Gov. Walz signs legislation to help Minnesotans with medical debt burdens |first=Diane |last=Sandberg |url=https://www.kare11.com/article/news/politics/gov-walz-legislation-minnesotans-medical-debt-burdens/89-ee5e18e1-09a0-4255-b4b1-fef1c6f26ebd |access-date=2024-08-08 |website=kare11.com |language=en-US |archive-date=August 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240816064954/https://www.kare11.com/article/news/politics/gov-walz-legislation-minnesotans-medical-debt-burdens/89-ee5e18e1-09a0-4255-b4b1-fef1c6f26ebd |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
| ==== Native Americans ==== | |||
| In 2019, Walz issued Executive Order 19-24, which requires state agencies to create and implement tribal consultation policies to guide their interaction with tribal nations in Minnesota.<ref name="mpr23"/> In November 2021, he signed the "Government to Government Relationship with Tribal Governments" bill, which codified the order into state law.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 9, 2021|title=Minnesota Governor, Lieutenant Governor Celebrate Ceremonial Signing of Executive Order 19-24 with Tribes in Minnesota|first=Darren |last=Thompson |url=https://nativenewsonline.net/currents/minnesota-governor-lieutenant-governor-celebrate-ceremonial-signing-of-executive-order-19-24-with-tribes-in-minnesota|access-date=August 26, 2024|website=Native News Online|language=en-US |archive-date=August 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240826070411/https://nativenewsonline.net/currents/minnesota-governor-lieutenant-governor-celebrate-ceremonial-signing-of-executive-order-19-24-with-tribes-in-minnesota |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2022, Walz appointed attorney Tadd Johnson to the ] Board of Regents, the first Native American appointed to the board since it was established.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 13, 2022|title=First Native American appointed to University of Minnesota Board of Regents|first=Dan |last=Kraker |url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2022/07/13/first-native-american-appointed-to-university-of-minnesota-board-of-regents|access-date=August 26, 2024|website=MPR News|language=en-US |archive-date=August 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240826071900/https://www.mprnews.org/story/2022/07/13/first-native-american-appointed-to-university-of-minnesota-board-of-regents|url-status=live }}</ref> In August 2023, Walz signed an education bill that included education of Indigenous cultural heritage for all students.<ref name="mpr238">{{Cite web |date=August 16, 2023|title=Indigenous history is one of the newest requirements in Minnesota classrooms|url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2023/08/16/indigenous-history-is-one-of-the-newest-requirements-in-minnesota-classrooms|access-date=August 26, 2024|website=MPR News |language=en-US |archive-date=August 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240826071402/https://www.mprnews.org/story/2023/08/16/indigenous-history-is-one-of-the-newest-requirements-in-minnesota-classrooms|url-status=live }}</ref> In September, he signed the return of parts of ] land to the ].<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 4, 2023|title=Upper Sioux Community getting piece of Minnesota back more than a century after ancestors died there|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/granite-falls-land-returned-upper-sioux-communtiy/|access-date=August 26, 2024|website=CBS News |language=en-US |archive-date=August 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240826073414/https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/granite-falls-land-returned-upper-sioux-communtiy/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In December, Walz became the first Minnesota governor to visit all ].<ref name="mpr23">{{Cite web |date=December 5, 2023|title=Minnesota leadership is on the road to strengthening relationships with tribal nations|first=Melissa |last=Olson |url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2023/12/04/time-to-visit-a-simple-act-to-improve-state-relationships-with-tribal-nations|access-date=August 26, 2024|website=MPR News |language=en-US |archive-date=August 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240826065336/https://www.mprnews.org/story/2023/12/04/time-to-visit-a-simple-act-to-improve-state-relationships-with-tribal-nations |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2024, he appointed ] of the ] and Johnny Johnson of the ] to the nine-member Minnesota Racing Commission.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 24, 2024|title=Walz shakes up horse racing regulatory board with 2 picks tied to tribal gambling|url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2024/06/24/walz-shakes-up-horse-racing-regulatory-board-with-2-picks-tied-to-tribal-gambling|access-date=August 26, 2024|website=MPR News |language=en-US |archive-date=August 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240826074719/https://www.mprnews.org/story/2024/06/24/walz-shakes-up-horse-racing-regulatory-board-with-2-picks-tied-to-tribal-gambling|url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
| ==== 2023 legislative session ==== | |||
| ] | |||
| The ], in session from January to May 2023, was the first legislature to be fully ]-controlled since the ] in 2013–2015. It passed several major reforms to Minnesota law, including requiring ], banning ], cannabis legalization, and environmental issues, tax modifications, codifying ], universal ], and universal ].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last1=Bierschbach |first1=Briana |first2=Jessie |last2=Van Berkel |title=Minnesota Legislature wrapping work on one of the most consequential sessions in state history |date=May 21, 2023 |url=https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-legislature-wraps-work-on-one-of-the-most-consequential-sessions-in-state-history-tax/600276542/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230521043216/https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-legislature-wraps-work-on-one-of-the-most-consequential-sessions-in-state-history-tax/600276542/ |archive-date=2023-05-21 |access-date=2023-05-21 |website=] }}</ref> The '']'' called the session "one of the most consequential" ever in Minnesota; Walz called it the "most productive session in Minnesota history".<ref name=":0" /> While Walz signed almost all legislation passed by the legislature, he vetoed a bill intended to increase pay for ] drivers, his first veto as governor, saying that it did not strike the right balance.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nesterak |first=Max |date=May 25, 2023 |title=Gov. Walz issues first veto, blocks bill setting minimum wage for Uber and Lyft drivers |url=https://minnesotareformer.com/2023/05/25/uber-says-it-will-shut-down-some-services-in-minnesota-if-governor-signs-new-regulations/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230602000815/https://minnesotareformer.com/2023/05/25/uber-says-it-will-shut-down-some-services-in-minnesota-if-governor-signs-new-regulations/ |archive-date=June 2, 2023 |access-date=June 8, 2023 |website=Minnesota Reformer}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Olson |first1=Rochelle |last2=Harlow |first2=Tim |date=May 25, 2023 |title=Gov. Walz vetoes rideshare bill, his first veto in five sessions |url=https://www.startribune.com/gov-walz-issues-his-first-veto-bill-would-have-boosted-pay-for-rideshare-drivers/600277811/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230605012754/https://www.startribune.com/gov-walz-issues-his-first-veto-bill-would-have-boosted-pay-for-rideshare-drivers/600277811/ |archive-date=June 5, 2023 |access-date=June 8, 2023 |website=Star Tribune}}</ref> | |||
| ====National politics==== | |||
| In February 2019, Walz endorsed ] of ], Minnesota's senior U.S. senator, in the ].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Callaghan|first1=Peter|title=Klobuchar Launches 2020 Presidential Bid|url=https://www.minnpost.com/national/2019/02/klobuchar-launches-2020-presidential-bid/|publisher=MinnPost|date=February 10, 2019|access-date=April 14, 2019|archive-date=August 23, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240823172705/https://www.minnpost.com/national/2019/02/klobuchar-launches-2020-presidential-bid/|url-status=live}}</ref> In August 2020, he endorsed the ] Democratic nominee Joe Biden and his running mate Kamala Harris.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://kbjr6.com/2020/08/12/walz-flanagan-officially-endorse-biden-harris-ticket/|title=Walz, Flanagan Officially Endorse Biden-Harris ticket|publisher=]|last=Haff|first=Ryan|date=August 12, 2020|access-date=August 12, 2020|archive-date=October 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201005173312/https://kbjr6.com/2020/08/12/walz-flanagan-officially-endorse-biden-harris-ticket/|url-status=live}}</ref> In October 2023, Walz publicly supported Biden for reelection and dismissed U.S. Representative ]'s announcement of a ] for the ], saying, "It's not going to be relevant, and we'll just move on."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Sawkar |first1=Vineeta |title=Walz tells WCCO that Phillips' presidential bid "is not going to be relevant" |url=https://www.audacy.com/wccoradio/news/local/walz-says-phillips-bid-is-not-going-to-be-relevant |publisher=News Talk 830 WCCO |access-date=September 30, 2024 |date=October 31, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Martínez |first1=A |last2=Keith |first2=Tamara |title=In Minnesota, Biden to point to his administration's investments in rural America |url=https://www.npr.org/2023/11/01/1209857232/in-minnesota-biden-to-point-to-his-administration-s-investments-in-rural-america |publisher=National Public Radio |access-date=September 30, 2024 |date=November 1, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author1=State of the Union with Jake Tapper and Dana Bash |title='You were on the wrong side of that': Tapper presses Walz for downplaying Biden age concerns |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/07/28/politics/video/sotu-walz-on-biden |publisher=CNN |access-date=September 30, 2024 |date=July 28, 2024}}</ref> In July 2024, Walz was among 20 Democratic governors who met with Biden at the White House after the ]. Walz said the debate was a ] for Biden's campaign.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Cordes |first1=Nancy |last2=O'Keefe |first2=Ed |date=2024-07-04 |title=Biden meets with Democratic governors as White House works to shore up support - CBS News |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/biden-democratic-governors-meeting-after-debate/ |access-date=2024-10-16 |website=www.cbsnews.com |language=en-US}}</ref> | |||
| == 2024 vice presidential campaign == | |||
| {{main|Kamala Harris 2024 presidential campaign|2024 Democratic Party vice presidential candidate selection}} | |||
| ] and Tim Walz at a campaign rally in ]|left]] | |||
| On July 22, 2024, Walz endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris after incumbent president ].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Epstein |first=Reid J. |date=July 22, 2024 |title=Six Key Democratic Governors Endorse Kamala Harris |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/22/us/politics/governors-endorse-harris.html |access-date=August 6, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=August 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240805204736/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/22/us/politics/governors-endorse-harris.html |url-status=live }}</ref> After a rapid selection process in which the Harris campaign also vetted Kentucky governor ], Secretary of Transportation ], Arizona senator ], Illinois governor ], and Pennsylvania governor ]<ref name="NBCNewsfinal">{{cite web |first1=Yamiche |last1=Alcindor |first2=Julie |last2=Tsirkin |first3=Rebecca |last3=Shabad |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/harris-campaign-met-6-potential-vp-picks-selection-process-nears-end-rcna164706|title=Harris campaign has met with 6 potential VP picks as the selection process nears its end |work=] |access-date=August 1, 2024|date=August 1, 2024|archive-date=August 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240801185210/https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/harris-campaign-met-6-potential-vp-picks-selection-process-nears-end-rcna164706|url-status=live}}</ref> (with Shapiro, Kelly and Walz the only three to be interviewed by Harris in person<ref>{{cite web |first1=Alex |last1=Seitz-Wald |first2=Yamiche |last2=Alcindor |first3=Monica |last3=Alba |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/story-kamala-harris-chose-tim-walz-rcna163290 |title=Big dad energy: How Harris got to Walz |work=] |access-date=August 8, 2024 |date=August 6, 2023 |archive-date=August 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240808002514/https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/story-kamala-harris-chose-tim-walz-rcna163290 |url-status=live }}</ref>), Harris announced on August 6 that she had chosen Walz as her running mate.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ferguson |first1=Dana |date=August 6, 2024 |title=Harris taps Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate |url=https://www.npr.org/2024/08/06/nx-s1-5057604/tim-walz-harris-vice-president |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240806161103/https://www.npr.org/2024/08/06/nx-s1-5057604/tim-walz-harris-vice-president |archive-date=August 6, 2024 |access-date=August 6, 2024 |work=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Korte |first1=Gregory |last2=Wingrove |first2=Josh |date=August 6, 2024 |title=Harris Taps Minnesota's Walz in Appeal to Blue-Collar Workers |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-08-06/tim-walz-is-kamala-harris-vice-president-pick?embedded-checkout=true |work=] |access-date=August 8, 2024 |archive-date=August 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240809045231/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-08-06/tim-walz-is-kamala-harris-vice-president-pick?embedded-checkout=true |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Samuels |first1=Ben |date=August 6, 2024 |title=Kamala Harris Taps Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as Running Mate in 2024 Election |url=https://www.haaretz.com/us-news/2024-08-06/ty-article/.premium/reports-kamala-harris-taps-minnesota-governor-tim-walz-as-running-mate-in-2024-election/00000191-2794-d642-a9d5-b7d448330000 |work=] |access-date=August 8, 2024 |archive-date=August 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240807011036/https://www.haaretz.com/us-news/2024-08-06/ty-article/.premium/reports-kamala-harris-taps-minnesota-governor-tim-walz-as-running-mate-in-2024-election/00000191-2794-d642-a9d5-b7d448330000 |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
| The ] certified Walz's candidacy the same day it was announced.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Nazzaro |first1=Miranda |date=August 6, 2024 |title=Harris, Walz officially certified as Democratic nominees for president, vice president |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/4814861-harris-walz-democratic-nomination/ |access-date=August 6, 2024 |website=The Hill |language=en |archive-date=August 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240807012723/https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/4814861-harris-walz-democratic-nomination/ |url-status=live }}</ref> His selection was praised by an ideologically diverse group of politicians, including progressive Democratic representative ], centrist independent senator ], and moderate Republican former governor of Maryland ].<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Pager |first1=Tyler |last2=Wang |first2=Amy B. |last3=Rodriguez |first3=Sabrina |date=2024-08-07 |title=Harris chooses Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as VP pick |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/08/06/harris-walz-vp/ |access-date=2024-08-08 |newspaper=Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286 |archive-date=August 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240807230835/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/08/06/harris-walz-vp/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Walz is credited with first publicly describing ] and his running mate ] as "weird". The term became a popular ], especially with young people, and has been widely used by Democrats.<ref>{{cite news|last=Amiri|first=Farnoush|date=August 6, 2024|url=https://apnews.com/article/kamala-walz-vp-weird-trump-gen-z-f9d718890c3ca907f42dba5934075382|title=How Tim Walz became beloved by young voters with a message that the GOP is 'weird'|location=]|work=]|access-date=August 7, 2024|archive-date=August 6, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240806235210/https://apnews.com/article/kamala-walz-vp-weird-trump-gen-z-f9d718890c3ca907f42dba5934075382|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/jd-vance-is-fu-tim-walz-memes-take-over-internet-as-harris-announces-vp-pick/articleshow/112324991.cms|access-date=August 7, 2024|title='JD Vance is fu****': Tim Walz memes take over Internet as Harris announces VP pick|work=]|date=August 6, 2024|archive-date=August 7, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240807171212/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/jd-vance-is-fu-tim-walz-memes-take-over-internet-as-harris-announces-vp-pick/articleshow/112324991.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="weird">{{Cite news |last2=Racker |first1=Mary Ann |last1=Akers |first2=Mini |date=2024-08-06 |title=Meet Tim Walz, Harris' VP Pick Who First Called Trump 'Weird' |url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/meet-tim-walz-harris-vp-pick-who-first-called-trump-weird |access-date=2024-08-06 |work=The Daily Beast |language=en |archive-date=August 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240807172047/https://www.thedailybeast.com/meet-tim-walz-harris-vp-pick-who-first-called-trump-weird |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="weirder">{{cite news |quote='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 |title=Kamala Harris chooses Tim Walz as running mate in US presidential election |url=https://www.ft.com/content/a87b5e6d-89ab-44be-839b-f373e62fa8e9 |work=] |first1=Steff |last1=Chávez |first2=James |last2=Fontanella-Khan |date=August 6, 2024 |access-date=August 7, 2024 |archive-date=August 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240807025144/https://www.ft.com/content/a87b5e6d-89ab-44be-839b-f373e62fa8e9 |url-status=live }}</ref> {{anchor|Tampon Tim}}No more than a day after Walz was named Harris's running mate, his political opponents nicknamed him "Tampon Tim" for his 2023 signing of a Minnesota law that mandates that ] and ] be provided free of charge in public schools "to all menstruating students in restrooms regularly used by students in grades 4 to 12". Walz's political supporters responded favorably to the nickname and the law,<ref>Multiple sources: | |||
| *{{cite news |last1=Treisman |first1=Rachel |title=Why Republicans are calling Walz 'Tampon Tim' — and why Democrats embrace it |url=https://www.npr.org/2024/08/07/nx-s1-5066878/tim-walz-tampon-law-minnesota |access-date=August 8, 2024 |work=] |date=August 7, 2024 |archive-date=August 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240807235604/https://www.npr.org/2024/08/07/nx-s1-5066878/tim-walz-tampon-law-minnesota |url-status=live }} | |||
| *{{cite news |last1=Nazzaro |first1=Miranda |title=Why Trump supporters are calling Walz 'Tampon Tim' |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/4815747-donald-trump-kamala-harris-tim-walz-2024-tampon-bill-minnesota/ |access-date=August 8, 2024 |work=] |date=August 7, 2024 |archive-date=August 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240807221356/https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/4815747-donald-trump-kamala-harris-tim-walz-2024-tampon-bill-minnesota/ |url-status=live }} | |||
| *{{cite news |last1=Mather |first1=Katie |title='Tampon Tim': How internet users have redefined the Trump campaign's attack on Tim Walz |url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/tampon-tim-how-internet-users-have-redefined-the-trump-campaigns-attack-on-tim-walz-191924818.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240807194244/https://www.yahoo.com/news/tampon-tim-how-internet-users-have-redefined-the-trump-campaigns-attack-on-tim-walz-191924818.html |url-status=live |access-date=August 8, 2024 |work=] |date=August 8, 2024 |archive-date=2024-08-07 }} | |||
| *{{cite news |last1=Valencia |first1=Jamel |title='Tampon Tim' goes viral: Democrats and Republicans clash over menstrual product law |url=https://ktvl.com/news/nation-world/tampon-tim-goes-viral-democrats-and-republicans-clash-over-menstrual-product-law-hillary-clinton-tampon-and-pad-in-all-public-school-bathrooms |access-date=August 8, 2024 |work=] |date=August 8, 2024 }}</ref> and the editorial board of the ''] ''published a defense of the initiative.<ref>{{cite news |newspaper=] |access-date=August 9, 2024 |date=August 8, 2024 |url=https://www.startribune.com/a-reality-check-on-the-tampon-tim-meme/600965646 |title=A reality check on the 'Tampon Tim' meme |archive-date=August 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240808215319/https://www.startribune.com/a-reality-check-on-the-tampon-tim-meme/600965646 |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
| On August 21, 2024, the third day of the ] (DNC), Walz officially accepted the Democratic nomination for vice president.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chowdhury |first=Aditi Sangal, Elise Hammond, Antoinette Radford, Tori B. Powell, Maureen |date=2024-08-21 |title=Live updates: Tim Walz, Bill Clinton and Nancy Pelosi address DNC {{!}} CNN Politics |url=https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/dnc-democratic-national-convention-08-21-24/index.html |access-date=2024-09-03 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref> He has leaned into his ] values and ] background as a contrast to his opponents.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rascoe |first=Ayesha |date=August 11, 2024 |title=Vance and Walz both claim the Midwest. What does it mean to be Midwestern? |url=https://www.npr.org/2024/08/11/nx-s1-5067014/vance-and-walz-both-claim-the-midwest-what-does-it-mean-to-be-midwestern |access-date=2024-09-29 |publisher=]}}</ref> As of October 2024, Walz had a +2.8 favorability rating.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Best |first1=Ryan |last2=Bycoffe |first2=Aaron |last3=King |first3=Ritchie |last4=Mehta |first4=Dhrumil |last5=Wiederkehr |first5=Anna |date=October 2, 2024 |title=Tim Walz : Favorability Polls |url=https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/polls/favorability/tim-walz/ |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=FiveThirtyEight |language=en}}</ref> The ] was held on October 1.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Linton |first=Caroline |date=2024-10-01 |title=Where is the VP debate being held? See behind the scenes at the CBS Broadcast Center in NYC |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/vp-debate-2024-location/ |access-date=2024-10-29 |website=CBS News |language=en-US}}</ref> | |||
| == Political positions == | |||
| Walz has been described as holding both moderate and progressive policy stances.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Beauchamp |first=Zack |date=2024-08-06 |title=The left loves Tim Walz. Can he unite the Democrats? |url=https://www.vox.com/politics/365416/tim-walz-kamala-harris-vp-vice-president-democrats-left |access-date=2024-08-07 |website=] |language=en-US |archive-date=August 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240807044335/https://www.vox.com/politics/365416/tim-walz-kamala-harris-vp-vice-president-democrats-left |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
| === Abortion === | |||
| Walz supports a legal right to abortion,<ref name="votesmart1">{{cite web |title=Tim Walz's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test) |url=https://justfacts.votesmart.org/candidate/political-courage-test/65443/tim-walz |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101030180316/https://www.votesmart.org/npat.php?can_id=65443 |archive-date=October 30, 2010 |access-date=July 12, 2010 |work=]}}</ref> and has a 100% rating from ].<ref name="votesmart2">{{cite news |title=Representative Timothy 'Tim' J. Walz's Special Interest Group Ratings |url=https://justfacts.votesmart.org/candidate/evaluations/65443/tim-walz |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107182918/http://votesmart.org/candidate/evaluations/65443/tim-walz |archive-date=November 7, 2018 |access-date=March 13, 2019 |work=]}}</ref> The ], an anti-abortion organization, gave him a rating of zero.<ref name="votesmart2" /> In a March 2024 interview with CNN's Kaitlin Collins, he 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". Also during 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."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Campuzano |first=Eder |date=2024-03-15 |title=Gov. Tim Walz says 'old white men need to learn' how to talk about abortion, reproductive health |url=https://www.startribune.com/tim-walz-cnn-abortion-minnesota/600351460 |access-date=2024-08-08 |website=] |language=en |archive-date=August 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240808125543/https://www.startribune.com/tim-walz-cnn-abortion-minnesota/600351460 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=March 14, 2024 |title=The Source with Kaitlan Collins, transcript |url=https://transcripts.cnn.com/show/skc/date/2024-03-14/segment/01 |access-date=August 8, 2024 |website=] |archive-date=April 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240417023844/https://transcripts.cnn.com/show/skc/date/2024-03-14/segment/01 |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
| === Education === | |||
| As governor, Walz has announced funding for special needs workforce projects.<ref name=":28" /> He signed in to law the Minnesota Reading to Ensure Academic Development (READ) Act. The act requires school districts to use evidence-based practices to teach reading.<ref>Here’s what Tim Walz has done as governor of Minnesota • Minnesota Reformer</ref><ref name=":20" /> ''Politico'' wrote, "Walz set out a 'care economy'-driven agenda that prioritized everyday education concerns".<ref name=":27">Tim Walz’s policy positions: A guide to the VP pick’s record on Democrats’ priorities - POLITICO</ref> | |||
| Walz also signed legislation requiring public schools to provide free breakfasts and lunches to all students, giving financial aid to public schools for households earning less than $80,000 a year, and increasing K-12 education spending by $2.2 billion.<ref name=":27" /> | |||
| === Guns === | |||
| ]s, 2024<ref>{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=KQDS |date=2024-06-03 |title=Minnesota Governor Tim Walz Signs Straw Gun Purchases Bill Into Law |url=https://www.fox21online.com/2024/06/03/minnesota-governor-tim-walz-signs-straw-gun-purchases-bill-into-law/ |access-date=2024-08-08 |website=Fox21Online |language=en-US |archive-date=August 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240808085901/https://www.fox21online.com/2024/06/03/minnesota-governor-tim-walz-signs-straw-gun-purchases-bill-into-law/ |url-status=live }}</ref>]] | |||
| Walz is a gun owner and supports increased regulations on firearms.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Londoño |first=Ernesto |date=2024-08-01 |title=Once Backed by the N.R.A., Tim Walz Now Champions Tighter Gun Controls |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/01/us/nra-tim-walz-guns.html |access-date=2024-08-17 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817024939/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/01/us/nra-tim-walz-guns.html |url-status=live }}</ref> While in Congress, Walz was a strong supporter of ] and was endorsed by the ] (NRA-PVF) multiple times, receiving an A grade from the organization.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2012/10/02/walz-picks-up-nra-endorsement-over-quist |first=Brett |last=Neely |work=MPR News |publisher=] |title=Walz picks up NRA endorsement over Quist|date=October 2, 2012 |access-date=January 6, 2022|archive-date=January 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220106032304/https://www.mprnews.org/amp/story/2012/10/02/walz-picks-up-nra-endorsement-over-quist|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-14 |title=From NRA ally to adversary: Gov. Tim Walz track record on guns highlights policy evolution |first=Dana |last=Ferguson |url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2024/08/14/walz-nra-guns-policy-track-record-minnesota |access-date=2024-08-17 |website=MPR News |language=en |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817024939/https://www.mprnews.org/story/2024/08/14/walz-nra-guns-policy-track-record-minnesota |url-status=live }}</ref> Following the ] in 2018, he denounced the NRA in a '']'' 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 ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Walz |first=Tim |title=Tim Walz: Please understand my full record on guns |url=https://www.startribune.com/tim-walz-please-understand-my-full-record-on-guns/475013423/ |access-date=2023-06-05 |website=Star Tribune |date=February 24, 2018 |archive-date=June 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230605170102/https://www.startribune.com/tim-walz-please-understand-my-full-record-on-guns/475013423/ |url-status=live }}</ref> As governor, Walz expressed support for gun regulation.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 19, 2023 |title='Keep choosing the right fights': Gov. Walz delivers annual State of the State Address |url=https://www.kare11.com/article/news/politics/keep-choosing-the-right-fights-governor-tim-walz-delivers-annual-state-of-the-state-address/89-e2214047-610a-432b-aeff-ab2f57dc674e |access-date=2023-07-19 |website=kare11.com |language=en-US |archive-date=August 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240807145759/https://www.kare11.com/article/news/politics/keep-choosing-the-right-fights-governor-tim-walz-delivers-annual-state-of-the-state-address/89-e2214047-610a-432b-aeff-ab2f57dc674e |first=Samantha |last=Fischer |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2023, he signed into law a public safety bill that establishes ]s and ] in Minnesota.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 19, 2023 |first=Jeremiah |last=Jacobsen |title=Gov. Walz signs public safety bill, including new gun control measures |url=https://www.kare11.com/article/news/politics/gov-walz-signs-gun-control-public-safety/89-2d0dff23-d6d5-46f0-aebf-d5b9970007f8 |access-date=2023-06-05 |website=kare11.com |language=en-US |archive-date=August 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240807145839/https://www.kare11.com/article/news/politics/gov-walz-signs-gun-control-public-safety/89-2d0dff23-d6d5-46f0-aebf-d5b9970007f8 |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
| === Israel–Hamas war === | |||
| Walz condemned Hamas's ] in Israel.<ref>{{cite news |title=Minnesota's Jews celebrate as their 'mensch' Gov. Tim Walz enters the national spotlight |first=Jackie |last=Hajdenberg |agency=JTA |url=https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-813652 |work=] |date=August 7, 2024 |access-date=August 11, 2024 |archive-date=August 11, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240811133844/https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-813652 |url-status=live }}</ref> He ordered flags to be lowered to half staff in the following days.<ref>{{cite news |date=October 11, 2023 |title=Minnesota governor orders flags at half-staff to honor victims of Hamas' attack on Israel |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/minnesota-governor-orders-flags-at-half-staff-to-honor-victim-of-hamas-attack-on-israel/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240806145350/https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/minnesota-governor-orders-flags-at-half-staff-to-honor-victim-of-hamas-attack-on-israel/ |archive-date=August 6, 2024 |access-date=August 6, 2024 |work=] }}</ref> After the ], in which 19% of voters cast "]" ballots, Walz took a sympathetic view toward those doing so to protest President Biden's handling of the ], calling them "civically engaged".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wurzer |first1=Cathy |last2=Stockton |first2=Gracie |date=March 7, 2024 |title=Gov. Walz says Minnesota's 45,000 uncommitted voters are 'civically engaged' |url=https://www.mprnews.org/episode/2024/03/07/gov-walz-says-minnesotas-45000-uncommitted-voters-are-civically-engaged |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240806150940/https://www.mprnews.org/episode/2024/03/07/gov-walz-says-minnesotas-45000-uncommitted-voters-are-civically-engaged |archive-date=August 6, 2024 |access-date=August 6, 2024 |work=MPR News |publisher=] |language=en}}</ref> | |||
| Of the ], Walz said: {{blockquote|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.}} He supports a ceasefire in Gaza.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Where Kamala Harris's top potential VP picks stand on Israel and Gaza |first=Bryan |last=Metzger |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/kamala-harris-vice-president-candidates-positions-israel-gaza-2024-7 |date=July 29, 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240803004259/https://www.businessinsider.com/kamala-harris-vice-president-candidates-positions-israel-gaza-2024-7 |archive-date=August 3, 2024 |access-date=August 4, 2024 |website=Business Insider}}</ref> | |||
| ===Labor and workers' rights=== | |||
| ] | |||
| In 2023, Walz signed a law banning ]s and ]s.<ref name="worker friendly">{{Cite web |last=Nesterak |first=Max |date=2023-05-17 |title=Minnesota lawmakers approve 9 major worker-friendly changes |url=https://minnesotareformer.com/2023/05/17/labor-victory-minnesota-lawmakers-approve-9-major-worker-friendly-changes/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230605014729/https://minnesotareformer.com/2023/05/17/labor-victory-minnesota-lawmakers-approve-9-major-worker-friendly-changes/ |archive-date=June 5, 2023 |access-date=August 6, 2024 |website=] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite magazine |last=Oamek |first=Paige |date=August 6, 2024 |title=Kamala's V.P. Pick Sparks Major Endorsements That Should Scare Trump |url=https://newrepublic.com/post/184625/labor-unions-celebrate-kamala-harris-vp-pick-tim-walz |access-date=2024-08-07 |magazine=The New Republic |issn=0028-6583 |archive-date=August 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240816064955/https://newrepublic.com/post/184625/labor-unions-celebrate-kamala-harris-vp-pick-tim-walz |url-status=live }}</ref> The law also mandates paid ] for employees and increases safety inspections and ergonomics requirements to reduce the risk of ] for warehouse, meatpacking, and healthcare facility workers.<ref name="worker friendly"/><ref name=":5" /> It also grants workers some of the strongest protections against ].<ref name="worker friendly"/><ref name=":5" /> In October 2023, Walz joined the striking ]' ].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Greenhouse |first=Steven |date=2024-08-06 |title=Why Harris' VP Choice Is Good News for Workers |url=https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2024/08/tim-walz-unions-labor-record-kamala-harris-vp-pick.html |access-date=2024-08-07 |work=Slate |language=en-US |issn=1091-2339 |archive-date=August 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240807171111/https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2024/08/tim-walz-unions-labor-record-kamala-harris-vp-pick.html |url-status=live }}</ref> He is a former member of two teachers' unions, the ] and the ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hsu |first=Andrea |date=August 6, 2024 |title=4 reasons why labor unions love Tim Walz |url=https://www.npr.org/2024/08/06/nx-s1-5065626/labor-unions-tim-walz-minnesota-running-mate-vp |access-date=August 7, 2024 |website=NPR |archive-date=August 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240807002050/https://www.npr.org/2024/08/06/nx-s1-5065626/labor-unions-tim-walz-minnesota-running-mate-vp |url-status=live }}</ref> Addressing the ] in August 2024, Walz said, "It's not just a saying, it's a fact: when unions are strong, America is strong."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Blood |first=Michael R. |date=2024-08-13 |title=Walz launches 5-state fundraising blitz in LA, warns Trump will wage 'war' on working people |url=https://apnews.com/article/walz-unions-support-fundraiser-harris-democrats-1f809455ba6643ec7f455ca75c6acd30 |access-date=2024-08-13 |website=AP News |language=en |archive-date=August 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240823172707/https://apnews.com/article/walz-unions-support-fundraiser-harris-democrats-1f809455ba6643ec7f455ca75c6acd30 |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
| === LGBTQ rights === | |||
| Walz supports ], including federal anti-discrimination laws on the basis of sexual orientation.<ref name="votesmart1" /> In a 2009 speech, he called for an end to the "]" policy.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Migdon |first=Brooke |date=August 3, 2024 |title=Tim Walz helped make Minnesota an LGBTQ 'refuge.' Could he do the same for America? |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/lgbtq/4808291-minnesota-governor-tim-walz-lgbtq-rights/ |website=]}}</ref> Walz voted in favor of the ]<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-06 |title=7 Times Vice President Candidate Tim Walz Has Stood Up for the Queer Community |url=https://pridesource.com/article/7-times-vice-president-candidate-tim-walz-has-stood-up-for-the-queer-community |access-date=2024-09-17 |website=Pride Source |language=en}}</ref> and the Sexual Orientation Employment Nondiscrimination Act. In 2007, he received a 90% grade from the ], the nation's largest ].<ref name="votesmart2" /> In 2011, Walz announced his support for the ].<ref>{{cite web|last=Ameigh|first=Sarah|title=North Carolina's Anti-LGBT Measure: A Reactionary's Response to Progress|url=http://www.americanhumanist.org/HNN/details/2011-09-north-carolinas-anti-lgbt-measure-a-reactionarys-res |date=September 2011 |work=American Humanist|access-date=September 25, 2011|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930080540/http://www.americanhumanist.org/HNN/details/2011-09-north-carolinas-anti-lgbt-measure-a-reactionarys-res|archive-date=September 30, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=How pro-LGBTQ+ is Tim Walz, Kamala Harris' vice president? |first=Ryan |last=Adamczeski |url=https://www.advocate.com/election/tim-walz-lgbtq-record |access-date=2024-09-17 |website=] |date=August 7, 2024 |language=en}}</ref> As governor, Walz has signed a number of bills that support the LGBTQ community. In 2023, he signed bills that ] the practice of ] and protected ] in Minnesota.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Villarreal |first=Daniel |date=2023-04-27 |title=Minnesota governor signs conversion therapy ban & law protecting trans healthcare rights |url=https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2023/04/minnesota-governor-signs-conversion-therapy-ban-law-protecting-trans-healthcare-rights/ |access-date=2024-08-06 |website=LGBTQ Nation |language=en |archive-date=August 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240805222346/https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2023/04/minnesota-governor-signs-conversion-therapy-ban-law-protecting-trans-healthcare-rights/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
| === Veterans' issues === | |||
| ], 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 ].<ref name="military-times">{{cite news |last1=Wentling |first1=Nikki |title=Kamala Harris taps Tim Walz, National Guard veteran, as running mate |url=https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2024/08/06/kamala-harris-taps-tim-walz-national-guard-veteran-as-running-mate/ |access-date=August 6, 2024 |work=Military Times |date=August 6, 2024 |archive-date=August 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240806231251/https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2024/08/06/kamala-harris-taps-tim-walz-national-guard-veteran-as-running-mate/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
| Walz was the lead House sponsor of the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sherry |first=Allison |date=2015-02-03 |title=Rep. Tim Walz measure requiring VA to build up suicide prevention programs heads to Obama's desk |url=https://www.startribune.com/rep-tim-walz-measure-requiring-va-to-build-up-suicide-prevention-programs-heads-to-obama-s-desk/290677361 |access-date=2024-08-09 |website=] |language=en |archive-date=August 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240809214636/https://www.startribune.com/rep-tim-walz-measure-requiring-va-to-build-up-suicide-prevention-programs-heads-to-obama-s-desk/290677361 |url-status=live }}</ref> which directs the ] 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.<ref name="ClayHuntSAVact">{{cite news |last1=Henry |first1=Devin |title=Obama signs Walz's veterans suicide prevention bill |url=https://www.minnpost.com/dc-dispatches/2015/02/obama-signs-walzs-veterans-suicide-prevention-bill/ |access-date=August 6, 2024 |work=MinnPost |date=February 12, 2015 |archive-date=August 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240806230429/https://www.minnpost.com/dc-dispatches/2015/02/obama-signs-walzs-veterans-suicide-prevention-bill/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
| == Personal life == | |||
| ] | |||
| Walz and ] met while working as teachers in Nebraska.<ref name="Gibson" /> Their first date was at a movie theater and a ].<ref name="Van Berkel" /> They married on June 4, 1994.<ref name="bbc20240807">{{Cite web |last1=Liang |first1=Annabelle |date=2024-08-07 |title=Tim Walz: Chinese internet discovers that Harris's VP pick taught in China |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c74j887e710o |access-date=2024-08-07 |website=] |language=en-GB |archive-date=August 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240807085517/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c74j887e710o |url-status=live }}</ref> Tim, who was raised ], became a ] after marrying Gwen.<ref name="Ordinary Life" /><ref>{{cite news |last1=Jenkins |first1=Jack |date=August 6, 2024 |title=Five faith facts about Harris pick Tim Walz, a 'Minnesota Lutheran' dad |url=https://www.ncronline.org/news/five-faith-facts-about-harris-pick-tim-walz-minnesota-lutheran-dad |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240806161610/https://www.ncronline.org/news/five-faith-facts-about-harris-pick-tim-walz-minnesota-lutheran-dad |archive-date=August 6, 2024 |access-date=August 9, 2024 |work=] |agency=]}}</ref> He has called himself a "Minnesota Lutheran"<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Levien |first1=Simon J. |last2=Astor |first2=Maggie |date=2024-08-06 |title=19 Facts About Tim Walz, Harris's Pick for Vice President |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/06/us/politics/tim-walz-harris-vp-facts.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240807030815/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/06/us/politics/tim-walz-harris-vp-facts.html |archive-date=August 7, 2024 |access-date=2024-08-12 |work=] |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> and identified Pilgrim Lutheran Church in ], a congregation in the ], as his family's parish.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Demaree |first1=Natalie |date=August 9, 2024 |title=Would Tim Walz be the first Lutheran VP? It just depends on how you count it. |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/national/article290912779.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240816065533/https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/national/article290912779.html |archive-date=August 16, 2024 |access-date=August 13, 2024 |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Dallas |first1=Kelsey |date=2024-08-06 |title=What Kamala Harris' pick for vice president has said about faith |url=https://www.deseret.com/faith/2024/08/06/tim-walz-religion/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240810070553/https://www.deseret.com/faith/2024/08/06/tim-walz-religion/ |archive-date=August 10, 2024 |access-date=2024-08-12 |website=] |language=en}}</ref> | |||
| Walz's younger brother, Craig, was a high school science teacher in ]. Walz's older brother, Jeff, was a former assistant principal at a middle school in ]. Walz's older sister, Sandy Dietrich, is a former teacher from Alliance. | |||
| Walz was arrested in 1995 on a ] charge in ].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Baio |first1=Ariana |date=August 7, 2024 |title=The truth behind Tim Walz's 1995 DUI arrest and how it changed his life |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/tim-walz-democrat-vice-president-dui-b2592248.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240807175129/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/tim-walz-democrat-vice-president-dui-b2592248.html |archive-date=August 7, 2024 |access-date=August 8, 2024 |work=]}}</ref> 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.<ref name="bridge divide" /><ref>{{cite news |last1=Bennett |first1=Brian |date=August 6, 2024 |title=What to Know About Tim Walz' 1995 Drunk Driving Charge |url=https://time.com/7008431/tim-walz-dui-drunk-driving/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240806205139/https://time.com/7008431/tim-walz-dui-drunk-driving/ |archive-date=August 6, 2024 |access-date=August 6, 2024 |magazine=]}}</ref> | |||
| The Walzes underwent fertility treatment at ] for seven years before their children were born.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Treisman |first1=Rachel |date=August 8, 2024 |title=What to know about Minnesota first lady Gwen Walz |url=https://www.npr.org/2024/08/08/nx-s1-5067814/gwen-walz-minnesota-first-lady |access-date=August 8, 2024 |work=] |archive-date=August 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240823173647/https://www.npr.org/2024/08/08/nx-s1-5067814/gwen-walz-minnesota-first-lady |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Campuzano |first1=Eder |date=August 6, 2024 |title=Who is Tim Walz? Minnesota's governor and Kamala Harris' running mate, explained |url=https://www.startribune.com/vp-candidate-tim-walz-background-accomplishments/600853726 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240806201756/https://www.startribune.com/vp-candidate-tim-walz-background-accomplishments/600853726 |archive-date=August 6, 2024 |access-date=2024-08-06 |work=] |language=en}}</ref> Their daughter, Hope, was born in 2001 and their son, Gus, in 2006.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-10-14 |title=Gwen Walz Shares Her Full Fertility Journey Exclusively With Women's Health—In Her Own Words |url=https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a62578686/gwen-walz-fertility-journey-iui-essay/ |access-date=2024-10-14 |website=Women's Health |language=en-US}}</ref> Walz and his wife named Hope after their emotion about their pregnancy.<ref name="Gibson">{{Cite news |last=Gibson |first=Kelsie |date=August 22, 2024 |title=Tim Walz's 2 Kids: All About His Daughter Hope and Son Gus |url=https://people.com/all-about-tim-walz-kids-8690258 |access-date=September 15, 2024 |work=]}}</ref> | |||
| {{Anchor|Hope Walz}}Hope graduated from ] in 2018 and ] in 2023.<ref name="Van Berkel">{{Cite news |last=Van Berkel |first=Jesse |date=August 21, 2024 |title=Meet the Walzes: Wife Gwen, two kids round out Minnesota's first family |url=https://www.startribune.com/meet-the-walzes-wife-gwen-two-kids-round-out-minnesotas-first-family/600860535 |access-date=September 15, 2024 |work=]}}</ref> She works as a ski instructor at ] and at a homeless shelter in ].<ref name="Timsit" /> Hope has appeared in social media campaign ads for Walz. Historian ] considers this role unique for a vice-presidential campaign.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Moore |first=Elena |date=August 21, 2024 |title=Hope Walz gets a shoutout in Gov. Tim Walz' speech on Wednesday at the DNC |url=https://www.npr.org/2024/08/21/nx-s1-5077672/hope-walz-tim-vp-democrats-dnc-convention-minnesota-viral-gen-z |access-date=September 15, 2024 |work=]}}</ref> | |||
| {{Anchor|Gus Walz}}Gus attends ].<ref name="Timsit" /> As a teenager he was diagnosed with ], ], and an ].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Chamlee |first=Virginia |date=August 22, 2024 |title=Tim Walz and His Wife, Gwen, Open Up About Son's Non-Verbal Learning Disorder: 'His Secret Power' (Exclusive) |url=https://people.com/gus-walz-learning-disorder-secret-power-exclusive-8691793 |access-date=September 15, 2024 |work=]}}</ref> Hope and Gus appeared onstage at the 2024 DNC, where their tearful cheering from the audience went viral.<ref name="Timsit">{{Cite news|title=4 things to know about Tim Walz's Midwestern family in the DNC spotlight|newspaper=The Washington Post|last=Timsit|first=Anabelle|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/08/22/tim-walz-wife-kids-gus-gwen-hope/|date=August 22, 2024|access-date=August 24, 2024}}</ref> That videos of Gus became popular for representing neurodivergence was termed the "Gus Walz effect".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rahman |first=Abid |date=August 22, 2024 |title='That's My Dad!': Tim Walz's Children Steal America's Heart Amid Tears at the DNC |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/politics-news/thats-my-dad-tim-walzs-children-steal-americas-heart-amid-tears-at-the-dnc-1235981347/ |access-date=September 15, 2024 |work=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Littlefield |first=Susan-Elizabeth |date=September 10, 2024 |title='Gus Walz effect' felt at Minnesota Autism Center, as neurodivergence enters public consciousness |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/gus-walz-effect-neurodivergence-minnesota-autism-center/ |access-date=September 15, 2024 |work=]}}</ref> | |||
| ] in 2008]] | |||
| The family lived in ], for nearly 20 years before moving to ] upon Walz's election as governor.<ref name="wapo-whoiswalz">{{cite news |last1=Wang |first1=Amy B |last2=Rodriguez |first2=Sabrina |date=August 6, 2024 |title=Tim Walz's journey from high school football coach to VP candidate |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/08/06/who-is-tim-walz/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240806140609/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/08/06/who-is-tim-walz/ |archive-date=August 6, 2024 |access-date=August 6, 2024 |newspaper=]}}</ref> Walz and his wife sold their home when they moved into the ] in 2019. According to financial disclosures made while he was in ], which a spokesperson for his 2024 campaign confirmed, they have owned no stocks or securities. Their pensions are their only noteworthy asset.<ref>{{cite news |work=] |access-date=August 7, 2024 |date=August 7, 2024 |first1=Dan |last1=Primack |url=https://www.axios.com/2024/08/07/tim-walz-vp-pick-investment-portfolio |title=Gov. Tim Walz doesn't own a single stock |archive-date=August 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240816065533/https://www.axios.com/2024/08/07/tim-walz-vp-pick-investment-portfolio |url-status=live }}</ref> As of 2024, Walz has a modest financial profile. He owns no businesses and lists no income besides his salary as governor and his wife's teaching salary. The Walzes reported income of $166,000 on their 2022 tax returns. This places Walz among the least wealthy people ever to run for vice president.<ref>{{cite news |last1=O'Connell |first1=Jonathan |last2=Morse |first2=Clara Ence |title=How Tim Walz's personal finances compare to J.D. Vance, other politicians |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/08/08/tim-walz-personal-finances-worth-house/ |newspaper=Washington Post |access-date=August 9, 2024 |date=August 9, 2024 |archive-date=August 13, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240813212629/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/08/08/tim-walz-personal-finances-worth-house/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
| The family has a ] named Scout. They got the dog after the 2018 gubernatorial election; Walz had promised he would get Gus a dog if he won. Scout was a rescue from a Minnesota nonprofit, Midwest Animal Rescue and Services.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Taylor |first=Elise |date=August 14, 2024 |title=Scout Walz Is Man's (And Maybe America's) Best Friend |url=https://www.vogue.com/article/tim-walz-dogue-2024 |access-date=September 15, 2024 |work=]}}</ref> Walz's cat, Afton, went missing in August 2023. He adopted another cat, Honey, in December 2023.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Moser |first=Riley |date=December 20, 2023 |title=Gov. Tim Walz adopts rescue cat named Honey |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/gov-tim-walz-adopts-rescue-cat-named-honey/ |access-date=September 15, 2024 |work=]}}</ref> | |||
| == Awards and decorations == | |||
| === Agriculture === | |||
| In 2017, Walz was one of 33 U.S. senators and representatives to receive the Golden Triangle Award from the ] for "demonstrated leadership and support at the federal policymaking level for family farmers, ranchers and their rural communities".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-09-12 |title=NFU Honors 33 Congressional Champions of Agriculture with Golden Triangle Award - National Farmers Union |url=https://nfu.org/2017/09/12/nfu-honors-33-congressional-champions-of-agriculture-with-golden-triangle-award/ |access-date=2024-10-13 |language=en-US}}</ref> | |||
| === Military === | |||
| Walz's military awards and decorations include:<ref name="always a soldier" /> | |||
| {| style="margin:1em auto; text-align:center;" | |||
| | | |||
| |{{ribbon devices|number=0|other_device=|name=Army Commendation Medal ribbon|width=106}} | |||
| | | |||
| |- | |||
| |{{ribbon devices|number=1|other_device=|name=Army Achievement Medal ribbon|width=106|type=oak}} | |||
| |{{ribbon devices|number=5|other_device=|name=Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal ribbon|width=106|type=Oak}} | |||
| |{{ribbon devices|number=1|other_device=|name=National Defense Service Medal ribbon|width=106|type=service-star}} | |||
| |- | |||
| |{{ribbon devices|number=0|other_device=|name=Global War on Terrorism Service ribbon|width=106}} | |||
| |]<span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -60px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">]</span> | |||
| |]<span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -63px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">]</span> | |||
| |- | |||
| |{{ribbon devices|number=0|other_device=|name=Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon|width=106}} | |||
| |{{ribbon devices|number=0|other_device=|name=Army Service Ribbon|width=106}} | |||
| |{{ribbon devices|number=3|other_device=|name=Army Reserve Overseas Training Ribbon|width=106|type=oak}} | |||
| |- | |||
| |]<span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -63px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">]</span> | |||
| |]<span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -63px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">]</span> | |||
| |]<span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -63px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">]</span> | |||
| |} | |||
| {| class="wikitable" style="margin:1em auto; text-align:center;" | |||
| | | |||
| |] | |||
| | | |||
| |- | |||
| |] | |||
| One ] | |||
| |] | |||
| Five oak leaf clusters | |||
| |] | |||
| One ] | |||
| |- | |||
| |] | |||
| |] | |||
| with silver ] | |||
| |Armed Forces Reserve Medal | |||
| with ] | |||
| |- | |||
| |] | |||
| |] | |||
| |] | |||
| Three oak leaf clusters | |||
| |- | |||
| |] | |||
| with silver star | |||
| |] | |||
| One oak leaf cluster | |||
| |] | |||
| One oak leaf cluster | |||
| |} | |||
| == See also == | |||
| * ] | |||
| * ] | |||
| == Notes == | |||
| {{notelist}} | |||
| == References == | |||
| {{reflist}} | |||
| == Further reading == | |||
| * (August 6, 2024) '']'' | |||
| == External links == | |||
| {{Sister project links |wikt=no |commonscat=yes |b=no |d=Q2434360 |n=no |v=no}} | |||
| === Official === | |||
| * of ] | |||
| ** on campaign website | |||
| * (2019 -) | |||
| * (2007–2019) | |||
| === Other === | |||
| * {{C-SPAN|1018510}} | |||
| * at ] | |||
| * at ] | |||
| * , ], ] | |||
| {{Tim Walz}} | |||
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