Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota has a diverse background as a high school social studies teacher, a football coach, and a veteran of the Army National Guard. He opts for Diet Mountain Dew over alcoholic beverages.
Until recently, Tim Walz was relatively unknown outside the Midwest, even among his fellow Democrats. However, his profile rose significantly after President Biden withdrew from the race, allowing Kamala Harris to step in and choose Walz as her running mate.
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| Some supporters of Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota appreciate his Midwestern “dad vibes.”Credit...Caroline Yang for The New York Times |
Here’s a deeper look at the new Democratic candidate for vice president:
1. A Rising Social Media Star: Tim Walz has gained significant online support for his relatable Midwestern “dad vibes” and approachable demeanor.
2. The "Weird" Comment: Walz labeled former President Donald Trump and Senator JD Vance of Ohio as “weird” on national television, a term quickly adopted by Democrats.
3. High School Teacher Vibes: Before entering politics, Walz taught social studies and geography at high schools in Nebraska and Minnesota.
4. Veteran Status: Walz served in the Army National Guard for 24 years, earning honors like the Army Commendation Medal for his service.
5. A Unique Congressional Democrat: Representing Minnesota’s First District, Walz was a rare Democrat from the rural Midwest, supporting the Affordable Care Act and veterans' issues.
6. Nebraska Roots: Born in West Point, Nebraska, Walz grew up in Valentine, attended high school in Butte, and graduated from Chadron State College. He later earned a master’s degree from Minnesota State University, Mankato.
7. Political Awakening: Walz’s political involvement began after he was barred from a George W. Bush rally in 2004, which he attended with his students.
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| Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Walz at a campaign rally in Philadelphia on Tuesday. (Matt Rourke/AP) |
8. Mentored by His Lieutenant Governor: After attending Camp Wellstone, a Democratic political training camp, Walz won his House seat in 2006 with the help of trainer Peggy Flanagan, who is now his lieutenant governor.
9. International Experience: Walz taught English in China in 1989 through a Harvard University-affiliated program and speaks some Mandarin.
10. Early Advocate for Gay Rights: In the 1990s, Walz sponsored his high school’s first gay-straight alliance and supported same-sex marriage early in his political career.
11. Political Evolution: Initially moderate on issues like gun control, Walz has shifted left, supporting progressive policies as governor.
12. Outdoor Enthusiast: An avid hunter, Walz participates in events like the “Governor’s Turkey Hunting Opener” and the pheasant-hunting season.
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| Mr. Walz’s son, Gus, holding the family’s Labrador retriever, Scout, in 2019.Credit...Anthony Souffle/Star Tribune, via Associated Press |
13. Honoring Prince: Walz named a highway after Prince and signed the bill with purple ink, celebrating the iconic musician.
14. Minnesota Vice Presidents: If elected, Walz would be the third vice president from Minnesota, following Hubert Humphrey and Walter Mondale.
15. Personal Struggles: Walz and his wife had their children through in vitro fertilization after seven years of fertility treatments.
16. Football Champion Coach: Walz led Mankato West High School to its first state football championship in 1999.
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| Mr. Walz chowed down on a pork chop on a stick at the Iowa State Fair in 2023.Credit...Maansi Srivastava/The New York Times |
17. Lutheran Faith: Walz identifies as a “Minnesota Lutheran,” emphasizing humility and service in his life and work.
18. Sober Lifestyle: After a DWI in 1995, Walz stopped drinking alcohol, focusing on his responsibilities to his family and community.
19. Diet Mountain Dew Fan: Unlike many politicians, Walz prefers Diet Mountain Dew over coffee, a preference shared by his Republican counterpart.