History of Tim Walz in Timeline
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.
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.
1981: Enlisted in the National Guard
In 1981, Tim Walz enlisted in the National Guard.
1982: Graduated from Butte High School
In 1982, Tim Walz graduated from Butte High School.
1983: Represented District
In 1983, Tim Penny represented the same district in Congress.
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: Nebraska Citizen-Soldier of the Year
In 1989, Tim Walz earned the title of Nebraska Citizen-Soldier of the Year.
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.
1989: Walz in Hong Kong During Tiananmen Square Protests
In 2024, During the VP debate, Walz was confronted with statements he had made about being in Hong Kong for a teaching position during the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests; in response, he said: "I'm a knucklehead."
1993: Named Outstanding Young Nebraskan
In 1993, Tim Walz was named an Outstanding Young Nebraskan by the Nebraska Junior Chamber of Commerce.
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.
1995: Represented District
In 1995, Tim Penny represented the same district in Congress.
1995: Walz Arrested for DUI
In 1995, Walz was arrested in Dawes County, Nebraska, on a driving under the influence charge. He pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of reckless driving, and his driver's license was suspended for 90 days. He stopped drinking alcohol after the incident.
1996: Moved to Minnesota
In 1996, Tim Walz moved to Minnesota after graduating from Chadron State College.
1999: Faculty Advisor of Gay-Straight Alliance
In 1999, Tim Walz became the faculty advisor of Mankato West High School's first gay-straight alliance.
1999: Mankato West High School Wins State Championship
In 1999, the Mankato West High School football team won its first state championship, three years after Tim Walz joined as a defensive coordinator.
September 11, 2001: Reenlisted in the National Guard
After completing 20 years of service, Tim Walz reenlisted in the National Guard following the September 11, 2001 attacks.
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.
August 2002: Eligible to Retire from the National Guard
As of August 2002, Tim Walz was eligible to retire from the National Guard.
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's Presidential Campaign
In August 2004, Tim Walz became actively involved in politics by volunteering for John Kerry's presidential campaign.
January 2005: Completed Campaigns and Elections Course
In January 2005, Tim Walz completed a three-day campaigns and elections crash course at Camp Wellstone.
February 10, 2005: Filed to Run for U.S. House of Representatives
On February 10, 2005, Tim Walz filed official documents to run for the U.S. House of Representatives.
May 2005: Military Retirement
In May 2005, Tim Walz retired from military service to focus on his campaign for Congress.
September 2005: Rank Adjustment Processed
In September 2005, the National Guard processed the adjustment of Tim Walz's rank retroactively to the day before his military retirement in May 2005.
March 2006: Took Leave of Absence to Run for Congress
In March 2006, Tim Walz took a leave of absence from teaching to run for Congress.
March 2006: Unit Deployed to Iraq
In March 2006, Tim Walz's former unit deployed to Iraq, ten months after his retirement.
2006: Elected to U.S. House of Representatives
In 2006, Tim Walz was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for Minnesota's 1st congressional district, defeating incumbent Gil Gutknecht.
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.
2007: Elected to U.S. House of Representatives
In 2007, Tim Walz became a member of the U.S. House of Representatives.
2007: Opposed Additional Troops to Iraq
In 2007, Tim Walz opposed the Bush administration's plan to send additional troops to Iraq, but voted in favor of a bill that provided funding for the war through September 30 to ensure troop safety.
February 2008: Walz Endorses Barack Obama
In February 2008, Tim Walz endorsed the candidacy of Barack Obama in the 2008 Democratic Party presidential primaries.
December 2008: Walz Votes Against Auto Industry Bailout
In December 2008, Tim Walz voted against the bill offering $14 billion in government loans to bail out the country's large automobile manufacturers.
2008: Walz Urges Assistance for Farmers
In 2008 and 2009, Tim Walz urged assistance for hog and dairy farmers who were facing challenges with lower prices for their commodities.
2008: Re-elected to U.S. House of Representatives
In 2008, Tim Walz was re-elected to the U.S. House of Representatives with 62% of the vote.
February 2009: Walz Emphasizes Education for Economic Future
In a February 2009 speech, Tim Walz stated that providing the best education possible for American children is the most important factor for ensuring a solid base for America's economic future.
June 2009: Walz Introduces Resolution on Government Ownership of GM and Chrysler
In June 2009, Tim Walz introduced a bipartisan resolution urging the federal government to relinquish its temporary ownership interests in General Motors Company and the Chrysler Group, LLC, as soon as possible, asserting that the government should not be involved in their management.
July 2009: Walz Votes for Enhancing Small Business Research and Innovation Act
In July 2009, Tim Walz voted for the Enhancing Small Business Research and Innovation Act, framing it as part of a long-term economic strategy to encourage job creation through technological innovation among America's entrepreneurs.
2010: Re-elected to U.S. House of Representatives
In 2010, Tim Walz was re-elected to a third term in the U.S. House of Representatives with 49% of the vote.
April 2012: Obama Signs STOCK Act into Law
In April 2012, President Obama signed the STOCK Act, which bans congressional insider trading, into law; Tim Walz was a significant supporter of this act.
2012: Re-elected to U.S. House of Representatives
In 2012, Tim Walz was re-elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.
2013: Walz Donates Pay During Government Shutdown
During the 2013 federal government shutdown, Tim Walz chose not to accept his congressional pay, instead donating it to hunger-relief organizations.
2014: Re-elected to U.S. House of Representatives
In 2014, Tim Walz was re-elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.
2015: Walz Endorses Hillary Clinton
In early 2015, Tim Walz endorsed the candidacy of Hillary Clinton in the 2016 Democratic Party presidential primaries.
2016: Walz Endorses Hillary Clinton
In 2015, Tim Walz endorsed the candidacy of Hillary Clinton in the 2016 Democratic Party presidential primaries.
2016: Walz Votes to Condemn UN Resolution on Israeli Settlements
In 2016, Tim Walz voted to condemn UN Security Council Resolution 2334, which called the building of Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories a violation of international law.
2016: Re-elected to U.S. House of Representatives
In 2016, Tim Walz was narrowly re-elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.
March 2017: Walz Announces Run for Governor
In March 2017, after Mark Dayton chose not to seek another term, Tim Walz announced that he would run for governor of Minnesota.
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.
2017: Ranking Member of House Veterans Affairs Committee
From 2017, Tim Walz served as the ranking member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee.
2017: Received the Golden Triangle Award
In 2017, Tim Walz was among 33 U.S. senators and representatives to receive the Golden Triangle Award from the National Farmers Union for his demonstrated leadership and support at the federal policymaking level for family farmers, ranchers, and their rural communities.
2017: Walz Floated as Possible Senate Candidate
In 2017, Tim Walz was considered a possible candidate for the 2018 special election for the U.S. Senate seat held by Al Franken, even though Walz had already announced his campaign for governor.
June 2018: Murphy Wins State Party Endorsement
In June 2018, Erin Murphy won the state party endorsement at the party's convention, becoming Tim Walz's main opponent in the Democratic primary.
November 6, 2018: Walz Elected Governor of Minnesota
On November 6, 2018, Tim Walz was elected governor of Minnesota, defeating the Republican nominee, Hennepin County commissioner Jeff Johnson.
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: Gun Violence Reform Meeting
During a 2018 meeting about reducing gun violence, Tim Walz advocated for some kinds of reform, referencing "weapons of war" he carried.
2018: Walz Denounces NRA After Parkland Shooting
Following the Parkland high school shooting in 2018, Walz denounced the NRA in a Star Tribune opinion piece and announced a donation of $18,000 to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund.
2018: Hope Walz Graduates from High School
Hope graduated from Mankato West High School in 2018 and Montana State University in 2023.
2018: Walz Declines Senate Run, Endorses Tina Smith
In 2018, Tim Walz declined to run for the U.S. Senate seat and endorsed Lieutenant Governor Tina Smith after she launched her campaign for the seat.
2018: Ran for Governor
In 2018, Tim Walz did not seek a seventh term in the House and instead ran for governor of Minnesota.
2018: Elected Governor of Minnesota
In 2018, Tim Walz was elected governor of Minnesota.
2018: Campaign Website Updated
In 2018, Tim Walz's campaign website was updated to reflect that he "once served at the command sergeant major rank".
January 7, 2019: Walz Sworn in as Governor of Minnesota
On January 7, 2019, Tim Walz was sworn in as governor of Minnesota at the Fitzgerald Theater in Saint Paul, alongside Peggy Flanagan, Steve Simon, Julie Blaha, and Keith Ellison. Walz addressed education and healthcare reform in his inauguration speech.
2019: Trump Appoints Walz to Council of Governors
In 2019, President Donald Trump appointed Tim Walz to the bipartisan Council of Governors.
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.
2019: Became Governor of Minnesota
In 2019, Tim Walz began serving as the 41st governor of Minnesota.
2019: End of Term on House Veterans Affairs Committee
In 2019, Tim Walz finished his term as the ranking member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee.
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".
July 23, 2020: Walz Signs Police Reform Legislation into Law
On July 23, 2020, Tim Walz signed police reform legislation into law. The compromise law includes a limited ban on police using chokeholds, bans "warrior training", requires training for peace officers, creates a special independent unit at the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension for investigations of fatal police encounters, and establishes a community relations advisory council.
2020: Walz Cautious About Reopening Schools
In 2020, after schools closed due to COVID-19, Tim Walz was cautious about reopening them, aligning with teachers' concerns about in-person learning and contracting COVID-19.
2021: Biden Appoints Walz as Co-Chairman of Council of Governors
In 2021, President Joe Biden appointed Tim Walz as a co-chairman of the Council of Governors.
November 8, 2022: Walz Defeats Jensen, Wins Reelection
On November 8, 2022, Tim Walz defeated Scott Jensen, securing his reelection as governor with 52.3% of the vote.
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.
2022: Re-elected as Governor of Minnesota
In 2022, Tim Walz was re-elected as governor of Minnesota.
January 2023: Walz Signs Protect Reproductive Options Act
In January 2023, Tim Walz signed the Protect Reproductive Options Act, protecting access to reproductive health care including abortion, contraception, and fertility treatments in Minnesota.
April 2023: Walz Signs Reproductive Freedom Defense Act
In April 2023, Tim Walz signed the Reproductive Freedom Defense Act, banning state agencies from enforcing out-of-state subpoenas related to legal abortions, limiting the release of health records, and cutting funding for crisis pregnancy centers.
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.
October 2023: Walz Joins United Auto Workers' Picket Line
In October 2023, Walz joined the striking United Auto Workers' picket line.
October 2023: Walz Supports Biden Reelection
In October 2023, Walz publicly supported Joe Biden for reelection and dismissed Dean Phillips's announcement of a run for the Democratic nomination for president.
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 Approves Increased Education Spending
In 2023, Tim Walz and the state legislature approved increased spending on K-12 and early education, allocating $2.2 billion in additional funding for K-12 education. The bill also linked state education funding to inflation, addressing a long-standing request by school administrators.
2023: Walz Signs Bipartisan Infrastructure Spending Package
In 2023, Tim Walz signed a bipartisan $2.6 billion infrastructure spending package funding union construction jobs focused on repairing infrastructure. Soon after, he signed HF2887, providing $9 billion long term to transportation projects.
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.
2023: Walz Named Chair of Democratic Governors Association
In 2023, Tim Walz was named chair of the Democratic Governors Association. He stepped down after being selected as Kamala Harris's running mate and was succeeded by Kansas governor Laura Kelly.
2023: Minnesota Law Mandates Free Menstrual Products in Schools
In 2023, Walz signed a Minnesota law that mandates menstrual pads and tampons be provided free of charge in public schools "to all menstruating students in restrooms regularly used by students in grades 4 to 12".
2023: Walz Signs Bills Supporting LGBTQ Community
In 2023, Walz signed bills that banned the practice of conversion therapy and protected gender-affirming care in Minnesota.
2023: Walz Signs Public Safety Bill with Gun Regulations
In 2023, Walz signed into law a public safety bill that establishes universal background checks and red-flag laws in Minnesota.
2023: Walz Signs Law Requiring Carbon-Free Electricity by 2040
In early 2023, Tim Walz signed a law requiring Minnesota to obtain all of its electricity from wind, solar, and other carbon-free sources by 2040, along with other measures to preserve and expand peatlands, forests, pollinator habitats, electric vehicle charger networks and other green initiatives.
March 2024: Walz on Abortion Rights and Women's Healthcare
In a March 2024 interview with CNN's Kaitlin Collins, Walz expressed support for abortion rights and women's healthcare, criticizing policies in neighboring states and advocating for trusting women's healthcare decisions.
May 2024: Walz Signs Bipartisan Energy Permitting Reform Bill
In May 2024, Tim Walz signed and implemented a bipartisan energy permitting reform bill, while facing criticism for fast-tracking the Line 3 pipeline expansion and the response to protests.
May 2024: 93rd Minnesota Legislature Adjourns
In May 2024, the 93rd Minnesota Legislature, fully controlled by the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party, adjourned after passing significant reforms including paid leave, cannabis legalization, and universal free school meals. Walz signed almost all legislation but vetoed a bill related to rideshare driver pay.
June 2024: Walz Signs Minnesota Debt Fairness Act
In June 2024, Walz signed the Minnesota Debt Fairness Act. The act prevents health care providers from denying medically necessary treatment due to outstanding medical debt and also prevents medical debt from negatively affecting credit scores.
July 2024: Walz Attends Meeting at White House
In July 2024, Walz was among 20 Democratic governors who met with Joe Biden at the White House after the first presidential debate. Walz characterized the debate as a "bad hit" for Biden's campaign.
July 22, 2024: Walz Endorses Kamala Harris for President
On July 22, 2024, Walz endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris after incumbent president Joe Biden withdrew from the 2024 presidential race.
August 6, 2024: Announced as Vice Presidential Running Mate
On August 6, 2024, Kamala Harris announced Tim Walz as her running mate for the 2024 election.
August 2024: Walz Addresses American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees
Addressing the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees in August 2024, Walz said, "It's not just a saying, it's a fact: when unions are strong, America is strong."
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.
August 21, 2024: Walz Accepts Democratic Nomination for Vice President
On August 21, 2024, the third day of the 2024 Democratic National Convention (DNC), Walz officially accepted the Democratic nomination for vice president.
October 2024: Walz Favorability Rating and Vice Presidential Debate
As of October 2024, Walz had a +2.8 favorability rating. The vice-presidential debate was held on October 1 at the CBS Broadcast Center in New York City.
2024: Walz on Minnesota Democratic Presidential Primary
After the 2024 Minnesota Democratic presidential primary, in which 19% of voters cast "uncommitted" ballots, Walz took a sympathetic view toward those doing so to protest President Biden's handling of the war in Gaza, calling them "civically engaged".
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".
2024: Democratic Nominee for Vice President
In 2024, Tim Walz was the Democratic nominee for Vice President of the United States.
2024: Walz Appoints Members to Minnesota Racing Commission
In 2024, Walz appointed Melanie Benjamin of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe and Johnny Johnson of the Prairie Island Indian Community to the nine-member Minnesota Racing Commission.
2024: 2024 VP Debate
In 2024, the VP debate was considered a polite and policy-focused event in which Walz and JD Vance agreed with each other on many issues.
March 2025: Walz Reflects on Harris Campaign Strategy
In March 2025, following their election loss, Walz expressed regret that the Harris campaign "played it too safe".
2030: Walz Sets Goal of 20% Electric Vehicles in Minnesota
Tim Walz set a goal of 20% electric vehicles as a share of all cars in Minnesota by 2030.
2040: Target Year for Carbon-Free Electricity in Minnesota
In early 2023, Tim Walz signed a law requiring Minnesota to obtain all of its electricity from wind, solar, and other carbon-free sources by 2040, phasing out climate-warming pollution.
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