Early Life and Education of Tim Walz: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Tim Walz. From birth to education, explore key events.

Tim Walz is an American politician, educator, and Army National Guard veteran currently serving as the 41st Governor of Minnesota since 2019. He was the Democratic nominee for vice president in the 2024 election. Before becoming governor, Walz represented Minnesota's 1st congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2007 to 2019, showcasing a career dedicated to public service in both legislative and executive roles.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

April 6, 1964: Birth of Tim Walz

On April 6, 1964, Timothy James Walz was born.

Others born on this day/year

1982: Graduated from Butte High School

In 1982, Tim Walz graduated from Butte High School.

January 1984: Death of Walz's Father

In January 1984, Tim Walz's father passed away.

1987: Returned to Chadron State College

In 1987, Tim Walz returned to Chadron State College to continue his education.

August 1989: Began Teaching in China

In August 1989, Tim Walz began a one-year teaching position with WorldTeach at Foshan No.1 High School in Guangdong, China.

1989: Graduated from Chadron State College

In 1989, Tim Walz graduated from Chadron State College with a Bachelor of Science degree in social science education.

June 4, 1994: Tim Walz married Gwen Whipple.

On June 4, 1994, Tim Walz married Gwen Whipple. They met while working as teachers in Nebraska.

1994: Married Gwen Whipple

In 1994, Tim Walz married Gwen Whipple, a fellow teacher.

1996: Moved to Minnesota

In 1996, Tim Walz moved to Minnesota after graduating from Chadron State College.

2001: Walz's daughter, Hope, was born.

In 2001, Tim Walz's daughter, Hope, was born after seven years of fertility treatment at Mayo Clinic.

2002: Earned Master's Degree

In 2002, Tim Walz earned a master of science in experiential education from Minnesota State University, Mankato.

August 2004: Volunteered for John Kerry Campaign

In August 2004, Tim Walz became active in politics by volunteering for John Kerry's presidential campaign.

January 2005: Completed Camp Wellstone Course

In January 2005, Tim Walz completed the three-day campaigns and elections crash course at Camp Wellstone.

2006: Walz's son, Gus, was born.

In 2006, Tim Walz's son, Gus, was born after seven years of fertility treatment at Mayo Clinic.

February 2009: Walz emphasizes education for economic future

In a February 2009 speech, Tim Walz stated that providing the best education possible for children is the most important thing to do to ensure a solid base for America's economic future.

2013: Start of the 88th Minnesota Legislature.

The 88th Minnesota Legislature, the first legislature to be fully Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party-controlled since the 88th Minnesota Legislature in 2013.

2015: End of the 88th Minnesota Legislature.

The 88th Minnesota Legislature, the first legislature to be fully Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party-controlled since the 88th Minnesota Legislature in 2015.

2017: Minnesota fourth-graders' test scores above national average

In 2017, Minnesota fourth-graders' test scores were 10 points above the national average.

2017: Walz advocated for the legalization of recreational cannabis as a candidate for governor.

In 2017, as a candidate for governor, Tim Walz advocated for the legalization of recreational cannabis in Minnesota, citing opportunities for tax revenue, job growth, and personal freedoms.

2018: Acquisition of Scout

Following the 2018 gubernatorial election victory, Tim Walz fulfilled his promise to get Gus a dog, acquiring a Labrador retriever named Scout from Midwest Animal Rescue and Services.

2018: Hope Walz graduated from Mankato West High School.

In 2018, Hope Walz graduated from Mankato West High School.

2019: Moved to Governor's Residence

In 2019, Tim Walz and his wife sold their home and moved into the governor's residence upon his election as governor of Minnesota.

May 26, 2020: Walz demands justice for George Floyd

On May 26, 2020, the day after the murder of George Floyd, Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan demanded justice and called the video of Derek Chauvin kneeling on George Floyd's neck "disturbing."

2020: School closures during COVID-19 pandemic

In 2020, after schools closed due to COVID-19, Tim Walz was cautious about reopening them, due to teachers' concerns. Minnesota schools remained remote longer than the national average during the 2020–21 school year.

2022: Minnesota fourth-graders' test scores decrease

Between 2017 and 2022, Minnesota fourth-graders' test scores decreased from 10 points above the national average to 4 points above.

2022: Walz proposed the creation of a Cannabis Management Office.

In 2022, Governor Tim Walz proposed the creation of a Cannabis Management Office to develop and implement the regulatory framework for adult-use cannabis in Minnesota.

2022: Income Reported in 2022

In 2022, the Walzes reported an income of $166,000 on their tax returns.

January 2023: The 93rd Minnesota Legislature convened.

In January 2023, the 93rd Minnesota Legislature convened, marking the first time since 2013-2015 that the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party fully controlled the legislature.

May 30, 2023: Walz signed House File 100, legalizing recreational cannabis in Minnesota.

On May 30, 2023, Governor Tim Walz signed House File 100 into law, legalizing recreational cannabis in Minnesota. The law went into effect on August 1, 2023.

August 1, 2023: Recreational cannabis legalization went into effect in Minnesota.

On August 1, 2023, House File 100, signed into law by Governor Tim Walz, went into effect, legalizing recreational cannabis in Minnesota.

August 2023: Walz signed an education bill including Indigenous cultural heritage education for all students.

In August 2023, Tim Walz signed an education bill that included education of Indigenous cultural heritage for all students.

August 2023: Cat went missing

In August 2023, Tim Walz's cat, Afton, went missing.

December 2023: Adoption of Honey

In December 2023, Tim Walz adopted another cat named Honey.

2023: Walz signs READ Act into law

Also in 2023, Tim Walz signed into law the Minnesota Reading to Ensure Academic Development Act (the READ Act), with the goal to have every Minnesota child reading at or above grade level every year, beginning in kindergarten.

2023: Hope Walz graduated from Montana State University.

In 2023, Hope Walz graduated from Montana State University.

2023: Walz approves increased education spending

In 2023, Tim Walz and the state legislature approved increased spending on K-12 and early education. He signed a bill allocating $2.2 billion in additional funding for K-12 education and also linked state education funding to inflation.

May 2024: The 93rd Minnesota Legislature adjourned after passing major reforms.

In May 2024, the 93rd Minnesota Legislature, the first fully Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party-controlled legislature since 2013-2015, adjourned. It passed several major reforms, including paid leave, banning noncompete agreements, cannabis legalization, and environmental issues.

August 2024: Walz announced $10 million to support Minnesota's special education workforce.

In August 2024, Tim Walz announced nearly $10 million in The Education Pipeline grants, awarded by the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), to support Minnesota's special education workforce. The program aims to support and train special education teachers in over 35 districts, charter schools, and cooperatives.

2024: Financial Profile in 2024

As of 2024, Tim Walz's financial profile is modest. He owns no businesses, lists no income besides his salary as governor and his wife's teaching salary, and owns no property, his family residing in the Minnesota Governor's residence.

2024: Hope and Gus Walz appeared onstage at the 2024 DNC.

In 2024, Hope and Gus Walz appeared onstage at the 2024 DNC, where their tearful cheering from the audience went viral. Videos of Gus became popular for representing neurodivergence, in what became called the "Gus Walz effect".