History of Tim Walz in Timeline
Tim Walz, the 41st governor of Minnesota since 2019, is a Democrat-Farmer-Labor politician. Before his governorship, he served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2007 to 2019, representing Minnesota's 1st congressional district. His background also includes service as a non-commissioned officer in the U.S. Army and a career in education.
April 6, 1964: Birth of Tim Walz
Tim Walz was born on April 6, 1964, in West Point, Nebraska.
1981: Enlistment in the Army National Guard
Tim Walz enlisted in the Army National Guard in 1981, beginning a 24-year military career.
1983: Tim Penny's Congressional Term Begins
This entry highlights that Tim Penny, a Democrat/DFLer, served in Congress from 1983, relevant to the context of Tim Walz becoming the fourth Democrat/DFLer to represent his district.
1989: Graduation from Chadron State College
Tim Walz earned a Bachelor of Science degree in social science education from Chadron State College in 1989.
1994: Marriage to Gwen Walz
Tim Walz married his wife, Gwen, in 1994.
1995: Tim Penny's Congressional Term Ends
This entry indicates that Tim Penny's term in Congress ended in 1995, marking a point of reference for Tim Walz's later representation of the same district.
1996: Move to Minnesota
Tim Walz moved to Minnesota in 1996.
2001: Master's Degree in Educational Leadership
In 2001, Tim Walz received a Master of Science degree in educational leadership from Minnesota State University, Mankato.
2005: Retirement from the Army National Guard
Tim Walz retired from the Army National Guard as a master sergeant in 2005.
September 12, 2006: DFL Primary Election Victory
Tim Walz won the DFL primary election for Minnesota's 1st congressional district on September 12, 2006, without facing an opponent.
2006: Congressional Candidacy
Tim Walz ran for Congress in 2006, challenging six-term Republican incumbent Gil Gutknecht.
January 3, 2007: Sworn into Congress
Tim Walz was sworn into office as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives on January 3, 2007.
2007: Perfect Rating from NOW
The National Organization for Women (NOW) gave Tim Walz a perfect rating in 2007.
2007: Support from Human Rights Campaign
Tim Walz received a 90% rating from the Human Rights Campaign, the largest LGBTQ+ rights organization in the United States, in 2007, reflecting his support for LGBTQ+ equality.
2007: Election to the U.S. House of Representatives
Tim Walz was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2007, representing Minnesota's 1st congressional district.
2007: Traumatic Brain Injuries Center Act
In 2007, the House unanimously passed Tim Walz's Traumatic Brain Injuries Center Act, establishing five centers nationwide dedicated to researching and improving care for veterans suffering from traumatic brain injuries.
December 2008: Opposition to Auto Industry Bailout
In December 2008, Tim Walz voted against a bill to provide $14 billion in government loans to bail out major American automobile manufacturers, citing concerns about taxpayer burden and government involvement in management decisions.
2008: Advocacy for Farmers During Economic Crisis
During the economic crisis of 2008, Tim Walz actively advocated for assistance to hog and dairy farmers grappling with declining commodity prices, demonstrating his commitment to supporting agricultural interests within his constituency.
2008: Support for Expanded Education Benefits for Veterans
Tim Walz supported the GI Bill of 2008, which expanded education benefits for veterans, including the ability to transfer benefits to family members in certain circumstances.
2008: Re-election to Congress and Opposition to TARP
Tim Walz was re-elected to Congress in 2008, becoming the second non-Republican to win a second full term in the district. He also voted against the TARP bill that year.
February 12, 2009: Emphasis on Education for Economic Future
On February 12, 2009, Tim Walz delivered a speech emphasizing the critical importance of providing quality education to American children as the foundation for a robust economic future.
June 2009: Resolution to Relinquish Government Ownership of Automakers
Tim Walz introduced a bipartisan resolution in June 2009, urging the federal government to relinquish its ownership in General Motors and Chrysler, acquired during the auto industry bailout, emphasizing the need for a swift return to private sector control.
July 2009: Support for Small Business Innovation
In July 2009, Tim Walz voted for the Enhancing Small Business Research and Innovation Act, aiming to stimulate job growth by fostering technological advancements through entrepreneurship.
2009: Call for Seamless Transition Support for Veterans
In a keynote address at the 2009 American Legion National Convention, Tim Walz emphasized the need for improved coordination between the VA and Department of Defense to ensure a smooth transition for returning service members to civilian life.
2009: Support for the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act
In early 2009, Tim Walz voted in favor of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, supporting efforts to address gender pay disparity.
2009: High Ratings from Advocacy Groups
In 2009, Tim Walz received high ratings from the American Immigration Lawyers Association and the Teamsters.
2009: Advocacy for Ending Don't Ask, Don't Tell
In 2009, Tim Walz publicly called for the repeal of the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy, advocating for the open service of LGBTQ+ individuals in the military.
2010: High Ratings from Labor and Advocacy Groups
Tim Walz received high ratings from the AFL-CIO, the Teamsters, and the United States Chamber of Commerce in 2010.
2010: Third Term in Congress
Tim Walz won a third term in Congress in 2010, defeating State Representative Randy Demmer.
2011: Support for the Respect for Marriage Act
In 2011, Tim Walz announced his support for the Respect for Marriage Act, demonstrating his commitment to marriage equality.
2011: Perfect Rating from the ACLU
The ACLU awarded Tim Walz a 100% rating in 2011.
2012: Perfect Rating from Planned Parenthood
Tim Walz received a 100% rating from Planned Parenthood in 2012.
2012: Fourth Term in Congress
Tim Walz was re-elected to Congress for a fourth term in 2012.
2013: Historical Context of DFL-Controlled Legislature
The text provides historical context by mentioning the 88th Minnesota Legislature in 2013-15, the last time the DFL had full control before the 93rd Legislature.
2014: Fifth Term in Congress
Tim Walz secured his fifth term in Congress in 2014.
2016: Sixth Term in Congress
Tim Walz was re-elected to Congress for a sixth term in 2016.
2016: Death of Brother Craig Walz
In 2016, Tim Walz's brother, Craig, tragically died from injuries sustained during a storm.
2017: Advocacy for Cannabis Legalization
During his 2017 gubernatorial campaign, Tim Walz advocated for the legalization of recreational cannabis, emphasizing its potential for tax revenue, job creation, and personal freedom.
November 6, 2018: Election as Governor of Minnesota
On November 6, 2018, Tim Walz was elected governor of Minnesota, defeating Republican nominee Jeff Johnson.
2018: Denouncement of the NRA and Support for Gun Regulation
Following the Parkland school shooting in 2018, Tim Walz publicly denounced the NRA, donated the equivalent of their campaign contributions to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, and expressed support for stricter gun control measures.
2018: Comparison to Previous Gubernatorial Election
The text compares Scott Jensen's performance in the 2022 gubernatorial election to Tim Walz's opponent in 2018.
January 7, 2019: Inauguration as Governor of Minnesota
Tim Walz was sworn in as the governor of Minnesota on January 7, 2019, at the Fitzgerald Theater in Saint Paul.
2019: Congressional Retirement and Governorship
In 2019, Tim Walz retired from the U.S. House of Representatives after being elected as the 41st governor of Minnesota.
May 26, 2020: Response to the Murder of George Floyd
On May 26, 2020, the day after George Floyd's murder, Tim Walz called for justice and described the video of the incident as "disturbing."
November 8, 2022: Victory in the Gubernatorial Election
Tim Walz defeated Scott Jensen in the Minnesota gubernatorial election on November 8, 2022, securing his second term.
2022: Proposal for a Cannabis Management Office
In 2022, Governor Walz proposed the establishment of a Cannabis Management Office to oversee the development and implementation of regulations for adult-use cannabis in Minnesota.
2022: Re-election as Governor of Minnesota
Tim Walz was re-elected as governor of Minnesota in 2022, defeating Republican nominee Scott Jensen.
May 2023: Conclusion of the 93rd Minnesota Legislature and First Veto
The 93rd Minnesota Legislature, overseen by Governor Walz, concluded its session in May 2023. During this session, several significant reforms were passed. Notably, it marked the governor's first veto, rejecting a bill concerning rideshare driver pay.
May 24, 2023: Signing of the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact Bill
Governor Tim Walz signed a bill on May 24, 2023, that added Minnesota to the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact.
May 30, 2023: Legalization of Recreational Cannabis in Minnesota
On May 30, 2023, Governor Tim Walz signed House File 100 into law, legalizing recreational cannabis in Minnesota.
2023: Enactment of Universal Background Checks and Red-Flag Laws
In 2023, Governor Walz signed a public safety bill implementing universal background checks and red-flag laws for firearm purchases in Minnesota.