Who Is Tim Walz? 5 Things to Know About Kamala Harris’ Running Mate

Now that Vice President Kamala Harris has chosen her running mate, everyone wants to know more about Tim Walz. The governor of Minnesota has decades of politics under his belt, and he has been an avid supporter of the Biden-Harris administration throughout President Joe Biden‘s presidency.

Hollywood Life has rounded up all the detail you need to know about Walz, below.

Walz Was a High School Teacher

Before he embarked on his political career, Walz worked as a social studies teacher at Mankato West High School in Minnesota. He eventually worked as the football coach, helping the team reach its first state championship in 1999. That year, Walz signed up to be the school’s faculty advisor of its first gay-straight alliance.

He Served in the National Guard

The West Point, Nebraska, native enlisted in the Army National Guard in 1981 and served for 24 years. Walz earned the rank of command sergeant major until the end of his military service.

Talented young people have lots of options when it comes to deciding where to live and work. We’re making sure they decide on Minnesota. pic.twitter.com/D7DS11fzeU

— Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) July 20, 2024

Walz Began His Political Career in 2004

In 2004, Walz volunteered to work for John Kerry’s presidential campaign. Two years later, he announced his candidacy for Congress and was elected into the United States House of Representatives in Minnesota’s first congressional district. Walz was later re-elected in 2008.

Walz served in Congress until retiring in 2019 after he was elected as governor of Minnesota. He has won two gubernatorial elections in the state since then.

He Has Supported the Biden-Harris Administration

Walz has been an active supporter for the Biden-Harris administration. Shortly before he was confirmed to be Harris’ running mate in August 2024, he praised the president and the vice president for their dedication to bringing home Americans that were held hostage in other countries.

“As President Biden said, this was a feat of diplomacy — it also underscores the strength of our alliances,” Walz tweeted alongside Biden’s statement on securing Americans detained in Russia. “The Biden-Harris Administration continues to fulfill their promise to all Americans unjustly held hostage abroad: we will never stop working to bring you home.”

Walz Continues to Advocate for Democratic Policies

The Democrat has fought for multiple freedoms in his state, including women’s reproductive rights, free school meals for students and strict gun laws. Per his X account, Walz once proudly informed his followers, “If you’re looking for a state that’s protecting reproductive freedom, establishing paid leave, providing free school breakfast and lunch, and cutting child care costs, then come on over to Minnesota.”