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 currently serving as the 41st Governor of Minnesota since 2019. A former educator and retired U.S. Army non-commissioned officer, he served as a U.S. Representative for Minnesota from 2007 to 2019. Notably, he was the Democratic nominee for vice president in the 2024 U.S. presidential election, showcasing his prominence within the Democratic Party.

Sections (4)

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

April 6, 1964: Tim Walz Born

On April 6, 1964, Timothy James Walz was born. He later became a politician, educator, and governor of Minnesota.

Others born on this day/year

1982: Graduated from Butte High School

In 1982, Tim Walz graduated from Butte High School.

January 1984: Father's Death

In January 1984, Tim Walz's father passed away, which led to significant life changes for Walz and his family.

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 Marries Gwen Whipple

On June 4, 1994, Tim Walz married Gwen Whipple. They met while working as teachers in Nebraska, and their first date was at a movie theater and a Hardee's.

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: Hope Walz Born

The Walzes underwent fertility treatment at Mayo Clinic for seven years before their children were born. Their daughter, Hope, was born in 2001 and named after their emotion about the pregnancy.

2002: Earned Master's Degree

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

2006: Gus Walz Born

The Walzes underwent fertility treatment at Mayo Clinic for seven years before their children were born. Their son, Gus, was born in 2006.

2017: Minnesota Fourth-Graders' Test Scores Above National Average

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

2018: Got Labrador retriever named Scout

After the 2018 gubernatorial election, the Walz family acquired a Labrador retriever named Scout, fulfilling Tim Walz's promise to get his son a dog if he won. Scout was rescued from Midwest Animal Rescue and Services.

2018: Hope Walz Graduates from High School

Hope graduated from Mankato West High School in 2018 and Montana State University in 2023.

2019: Moved to Governor's Residence

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

May 26, 2020: Walz Demands Justice for George Floyd

On May 26, 2020, the day after George Floyd's murder, Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan demanded justice, with Walz calling the video of Derek Chauvin kneeling on Floyd's neck "disturbing" and stating "The lack of humanity in this disturbing video is sickening. We will get answers and seek justice".

2022: Minnesota Fourth-Graders' Test Scores Decreased Since 2017

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

2022: Income Reported

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

August 2023: Cat went missing

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

August 2023: Walz Signs Education Bill Including Indigenous Cultural Heritage Education

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

December 2023: Adopted another cat

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

2023: Hope Walz Graduates from Montana State University

Hope graduated from Mankato West High School in 2018 and Montana State University in 2023.

2023: Walz Signs the Minnesota READ Act into Law

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.

August 2024: Walz Announces Education Pipeline Grants

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

2024: Modest Financial Profile

As of 2024, Tim Walz's financial profile is modest, owning no businesses and having no income besides his and his wife's salaries. He also has no stocks or securities.

2024: Gus Walz at the 2024 DNC

In 2024, Gus and Hope 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".