With a single memorable line on television - "these guys are just weird" - Tim Walz surged into consideration as Kamala Harris's running mate. The 60-year-old has a down-to-earth, direct, and sharp-tongued style when confronting Republican rivals. His impressive background includes being a public school teacher, football coach, and National Guardsman before entering the political arena.
Walz's political journey has been diverse, representing a Republican-leaning district in Congress before enacting progressive policies as Minnesota's governor. This blend of experiences could resonate widely in today's deeply divided political climate.
From Teacher to Congressman Born in rural Nebraska, Walz spent his summers farming and hunting. At 17, he joined the Army National Guard, serving for 24 years. His father, a public school administrator, encouraged him to enlist before passing away from lung cancer when Walz was 19. Social Security survivor benefits and the GI Bill played crucial roles in supporting his family and funding his education.
Walz's teaching career took him to China during the Tiananmen Square massacre and back home, where he taught and coached football. His wife's teaching job eventually brought them to Minnesota, where they raised two children.
Political Career and Views As a coach, Walz led Mankato West High School to its first state championship and supported the school's gay-straight alliance. His first political campaign was in a rural, largely Republican district in southern Minnesota, where he ran as a moderate focused on public service and veterans' issues, leading to a surprise victory.
During his 12 years in Congress, Walz maintained a mixed political stance. He supported the Affordable Care Act, pro-labor initiatives, and a cap-and-trade system for carbon emissions. However, he also backed continued funding for wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, stricter refugee vetting, and opposed the 2008 financial bailout.
Walz, once endorsed by the NRA, later advocated for an assault weapons ban, losing their support. His first term as Minnesota's governor was marked by the Covid pandemic and the George Floyd incident, drawing criticism for his handling of the National Guard during protests. Despite this, he won re-election and worked with a narrow Democratic majority to pass significant legislation, including abortion rights, paid family leave, stricter gun laws, free school meals, and affordable housing investments.
National Recognition Walz has gained national attention for his blunt criticisms of Republicans, calling them "weird" and accusing them of wanting to ban books and interfere in personal medical decisions. While Republicans argue his policies are too extreme, supporters believe his straightforward style and track record make him an excellent addition to Harris's campaign.
Labor leaders and political allies see Walz as a figure who can expand Harris's appeal to rural and working-class voters. Angie Craig, a House Democrat in a tough re-election race, described him as "a battle-tested leader" and "a proven winner" who would greatly benefit the Harris ticket.
