Gov. Tim Walz

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

Meet Tim Walz: His early life and political background

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

Here’s what you should know about Walz:

Early and personal life

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

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

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

Education and teaching background

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

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

Military experience

  • Member of the Army National Guard.

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

Political experience

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

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

Defining moments in Walz’s political career

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

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

Go deeper Explore the MPR Archive collection on Tim Walz


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

Gov. Tim Walz supporters say the ex-Army National Guard leader, former teacher and past congressman could help Harris in the Midwest. But he also comes with baggage from nearly two decades in political office.
Walz says he'll 'own up' when he misspeaks as the Democratic ticket steps up media interviews
The “Fox News Sunday” interview reflected a broader media blitz by presidential nominee Kamala Harris and Walz as the Democrats seek to garner public attention in the final 30 days of the campaign. 
From Walz’s hometown to an American Legion, Minnesotans react to governor in VP debate
Supporters of the Republican and Democratic presidential tickets gathered Tuesday evening for debate watch parties around Minnesota for the likely only debate between Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.
Walz’s account of son’s brush with gun violence offers poignant moment in VP debate
“Look, I’ve got a 17-year-old and he witnessed a shooting at a community center playing volleyball,” Walz said during the debate, referencing his son Gus. “Those things don’t leave you.”
What to know on claims made about Minnesota, Walz in VP debate against Vance
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz’s home state of Minnesota came up early in his debate against fellow vice presidential candidate Ohio Sen. JD Vance on Tuesday evening. Here are the facts.
Walz, Vance split on abortion, border, economic policies in issues-driven debate
Questions around climate change, border concerns, abortion and the economy drove Tuesday night’s vice presidential faceoff. Vance and Walz remained largely cordial in the debate and steered away from personal attacks.
Tim Walz’s experience in China could help him as veep, but he barely mentions it as a candidate
When Gov. Tim Walz first ran for Congress in 2006, his campaign proudly touted his extensive experience in China. In fact, earlier in his political career, he occasionally exaggerated it. But now that he’s running for vice president, Walz barely mentions China. And Republicans have tried to turn those connections into a political liability.
What Tim Walz's past debate performances reveal about how he may take on JD Vance
Gov. Tim Walz’s track record suggests the Democratic governor will focus on his experiences pre-politics. Those who’ve debated him before say Walz has a down-to-earth style that is relatable — but that style can also cause problems for the governor.