I have to admit, part of me wants to say you can’t have my governor. After all, this is the governor who signed same-sex marriage into law two years before the Supreme Court ruling in Obergefell. He’s the governor who put his signature on the legalization of recreational cannabis. Part of me wants to say he’s my governor, and you can’t have him.
But the truth is, Vice President Harris couldn’t have picked a better running mate. First of all, he’s a family man. Timothy James Walz was born on April 6, 1964, to a school administrator and homemaker in West Point, Nebraska. His upbringing was deeply rooted in Democratic values, influenced by his parents’ New Deal beliefs.
Walz met his wife, Gwen, while teaching in Nebraska. They married in 1994 and have two children. Gwen has significantly influenced his life, bringing him to Minnesota and supporting his career. Walz has always been active in his community, from coaching football at Mankato West High School to advising the school’s Gay-Straight Alliance.
Walz joined the Army National Guard at 17 and served for 24 years, retiring as a Command Sergeant Major. Before entering politics, Walz was a high school teacher and coach. His background in education has influenced his policy priorities.
Elected to the U.S. House in 2006, Walz represented Minnesota’s 1st congressional district. He was known for his bipartisan approach and earned an “A” rating from the NRA before later supporting an assault weapons ban following the shootings at Marjorie-Stoneman Douglas High School, which occurred when Walz’s daughter was in high school. As a result, he dropped to an “F” rating with the NRA, which he wears as a badge of honor.
As governor of Minnesota, Walz has achieved several significant milestones. He implemented a program providing free school meals for all students, strengthened protections for reproductive rights, laid the groundwork for Minnesota to achieve 100% clean electricity by 2040. Walz cut taxes for the middle class, and expanded paid family and medical leave for Minnesota workers.
And let’s face it, he’s just so darned likable!
Yeah, part of me wants to say you can’t have my governor. But for the good of the country, I’m willing to share him.