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, Walz also served as a U.S. Representative for Minnesota's 1st congressional district from 2007 to 2019. He was the Democratic nominee for Vice President in the 2024 U.S. presidential election.
April 6, 1964: Birth of Tim Walz
On April 6, 1964, Timothy James Walz was born. He would later become a politician, educator, and governor of Minnesota.
1981: Enlisted in National Guard
In 1981, Tim Walz enlisted in the National Guard, beginning his 24-year military career.
1982: Graduated from Butte High School
In 1982, Tim Walz graduated from Butte High School.
1983: Tim Penny became representative
Tim Penny became representative for Tim Walz's district in 1983.
January 1984: Death of Father
In January 1984, Tim Walz's father passed away, leaving his mother and younger brother dependent on Social Security.
1987: Returned to Chadron State College
In 1987, Tim Walz returned to Chadron State College to continue his education.
August 1989: Began Teaching Position in China
In August 1989, Tim Walz began a one-year teaching position with WorldTeach at Foshan No.1 High School in Guangdong, China, following the Tiananmen Square protests.
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.
1993: Outstanding Young Nebraskan
In 1993, Tim Walz was named an Outstanding Young Nebraskan by the Nebraska Junior Chamber of Commerce.
June 4, 1994: Marriage to Gwen Whipple
On June 4, 1994, Tim Walz married Gwen Whipple.
1994: Married Gwen Whipple
In 1994, Tim Walz married Gwen Whipple, a fellow teacher.
1995: Tim Penny left representation
Tim Penny left the representation for Tim Walz's district in 1995.
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: Won State Championship
In 1999, the football team at Mankato West High School, where Tim Walz was a defensive coordinator, won its first state championship.
September 11, 2001: Reenlisted in the Guard
On September 11, 2001, Tim Walz reenlisted in the Guard, citing the attacks as the reason.
August 2002: Eligible to retire from the Guard
As of August 2002, Tim Walz was eligible to retire from the National Guard, according to 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 Kerry's Presidential Campaign
In August 2004, Tim Walz first became active in politics when he volunteered for John Kerry's presidential campaign and was appointed the Kerry campaign's coordinator for his county as well as a district coordinator of Vets for Kerry.
January 2005: Completed Camp Wellstone Course
In January 2005, Tim Walz completed the three-day campaigns and elections crash course at Camp Wellstone.
February 10, 2005: Filed to Run for U.S. House
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 and avoid violating the Hatch Act.
September 2005: National Guard Adjusts Rank
In September 2005, The National Guard processed the adjustment of Tim Walz's rank, but the effective date was made retroactive to the day before his military retirement in May 2005.
March 2006: Took Leave of Absence
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 Gil Gutknecht.
2007: Elected to U.S. House of Representatives
In 2007, Tim Walz became a member of the U.S. House of Representatives.
2007: Opposition to Iraq War
In 2007, Tim Walz opposed the Bush administration's plan to send additional troops to Iraq.
February 2008: Endorsed Barack Obama
In February 2008, Tim Walz endorsed the candidacy of Barack Obama in the 2008 Democratic Party presidential primaries.
December 2008: Voted against auto manufacturer bailout
In December 2008, Tim Walz voted against the bill that offered $14 billion in government loans to bail out the country's large automobile manufacturers.
2008: Urged Assistance for Hog and Dairy Farmers
In 2008, Tim Walz urged assistance for hog and dairy farmers who struggled with lower prices for their commodities.
2008: Re-elected to the House
In 2008, Tim Walz was reelected to the House with 62% of the vote.
February 2009: Speech on importance of education
In a February 2009 speech, Tim Walz emphasized the importance of providing the best education possible for American children to ensure a solid base for the nation's economic future.
June 2009: Introduced resolution on government ownership of GM and Chrysler
In June 2009, Tim Walz introduced a bipartisan resolution calling on the federal government to "relinquish its temporary ownership interests in the General Motors Company and the Chrysler Group, LLC, as soon as possible" and stated that the government must not be involved in those companies' management decisions.
July 2009: Voted for Enhancing Small Business Research and Innovation Act
In July 2009, Tim Walz voted for the Enhancing Small Business Research and Innovation Act, calling it "part of our long-term economic blueprint to spur job creation by encouraging America's entrepreneurs to innovate toward breakthrough technological advancements".
2010: Won Third Term in House
In 2010, Tim Walz won a third term in the House with 49% of the vote.
April 2012: Supported STOCK Act
In April 2012, Tim Walz was a significant supporter of the STOCK Act, which bans congressional insider trading, and it was signed into law by President Obama.
2012: Re-elected to the House
In 2012, Tim Walz was reelected to the House by a comfortable margin.
2013: Donated 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 and criticized the Tea Party movement.
2014: Re-elected to the House
In 2014, Tim Walz was reelected to the House by a comfortable margin.
2015: Endorsed Hillary Clinton for president
In early 2015, Tim Walz endorsed the candidacy of Hillary Clinton in the 2016 Democratic Party presidential primaries.
2016: Voted to condemn UN Security Council Resolution 2334
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: Narrowly Re-elected to Sixth Term
In 2016, Tim Walz was narrowly re-elected to a sixth term, defeating Republican Jim Hagedorn.
2016: Ranked as Bipartisan House Member
In 2016, Tim Walz was ranked the 7th-most bipartisan House member during the 114th Congress.
March 2017: Announced run for governor
In March 2017, Tim Walz announced he would run for governor of Minnesota after Mark Dayton chose not to seek another term.
2017: Fourth-graders' test scores
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 was the ranking member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee.
2017: Considered running for U.S. Senate
In 2017, Tim Walz was considered as a possible candidate for the 2018 special election for the U.S. Senate seat, but he declined and endorsed Tina Smith.
June 2018: Won state party endorsement
In June 2018, Erin Murphy won the state party endorsement at the party's convention.
November 6, 2018: Elected governor of Minnesota
On November 6, 2018, Tim Walz was elected governor of Minnesota, defeating Republican nominee Jeff Johnson.
2018: Declined to run for U.S. Senate
In 2018, Tim Walz declined to run for the U.S. Senate and endorsed Lieutenant Governor Tina Smith.
2018: Did Not Seek Seventh Term
In 2018, Tim Walz did not seek a seventh term and instead ran for governor.
2018: Elected Governor of Minnesota
In 2018, Tim Walz was elected governor of Minnesota.
2018: Controversy over Gun Violence Meeting Quote
In 2018, Tim Walz's use of the phrase "in war" at a meeting about reducing gun violence was criticized.
2018: Defense of Command Sergeant Major Title
In 2018, a public affairs officer for the Minnesota National Guard said it was "legitimate for Tim Walz to say he served as a command sergeant major".
2019: Appointed to Council of Governors
In 2019, President Donald Trump appointed Tim Walz to the bipartisan Council of Governors.
2019: Became Governor of Minnesota
In 2019, Tim Walz began his service as the 41st governor of Minnesota.
2019: Left House Veterans Affairs Committee
In 2019, Tim Walz left the House Veterans Affairs Committee
May 26, 2020: Demanded justice for George Floyd
On May 26, 2020, Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan demanded justice and called the video of Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin kneeling on George Floyd's neck "disturbing".
July 23, 2020: Signed police reform legislation into law
On July 23, 2020, Tim Walz signed police reform legislation into law, including a limited ban on police chokeholds and "warrior training".
2020: Schools Closed Due to COVID-19
In 2020, schools closed in Minnesota due to COVID-19, and Governor Walz was cautious about reopening them.
November 2021: Signed Tribal Government Bill
In November 2021, Tim Walz signed the "Government to Government Relationship with Tribal Governments" bill, codifying executive order 19-24 into state law.
2021: Appointed co-chairman of the Council of Governors
In 2021, President Joe Biden appointed Tim Walz as a co-chairman of the Council of Governors.
November 8, 2022: Re-elected as Governor
On November 8, 2022, Tim Walz was re-elected as Governor of Minnesota, defeating Republican nominee Scott Jensen.
2022: Fourth-graders' test scores decreased
Between 2017 and 2022, Minnesota fourth-graders' test scores decreased from 10 points above the national average to 4 points above.
2022: Re-elected Governor of Minnesota
In 2022, Tim Walz was re-elected as governor of Minnesota.
January 2023: Signed the Protect Reproductive Options Act
In January 2023, Tim Walz signed the Protect Reproductive Options Act, protecting access to reproductive health care in Minnesota.
April 2023: Signed the Reproductive Freedom Defense Act
In April 2023, Tim Walz signed the Reproductive Freedom Defense Act, limiting state agencies from enforcing out-of-state actions related to legal abortions in Minnesota.
May 30, 2023: Signed House File 100
On May 30, 2023, Tim Walz signed House File 100 into law, legalizing recreational cannabis in Minnesota.
August 1, 2023: Recreational Cannabis Legalization Effective
On August 1, 2023, the legalization of recreational cannabis in Minnesota, signed into law by Tim Walz, went into effect.
August 2023: Signed Education Bill Including Indigenous Heritage
In August 2023, Tim Walz signed an education bill mandating education of Indigenous cultural heritage for all students.
August 2023: Cat Went Missing
Tim Walz's cat, Afton, went missing in August 2023.
October 2023: Joined UAW Picket Line
In October 2023, Tim Walz joined the striking United Auto Workers' picket line.
October 2023: Supported Biden for Reelection
In October 2023, Tim 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 New Cat
In December 2023, Tim Walz adopted a new cat named Honey.
2023: Approved increased spending on education
In 2023, Tim Walz and the state legislature approved increased spending on K-12 and early education, including additional funding and linking state education funding to inflation. Walz also helped make permanent a funding program to supplement child care worker wages by $316 million and signed a bill that gave all students free school meals regardless of income.
2023: Signed infrastructure spending package
In 2023, Tim Walz signed a bipartisan $2.6 billion infrastructure spending package and HF2887, which provides $9 billion over the long term to transportation projects.
2023: Signed law for carbon-free electricity by 2040
In 2023, Tim Walz signed a law requiring Minnesota to obtain all of its electricity from carbon-free sources by 2040.
2023: Signed LGBTQ+ Supportive Bills
In 2023, Tim Walz signed bills that banned the practice of conversion therapy and protected gender-affirming care in Minnesota.
2023: Signed Public Safety Bill
In 2023, Tim Walz signed into law a public safety bill that establishes universal background checks and red-flag laws in Minnesota.
2023: Signed the Minnesota READ Act
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, and to support multilingual learners and students receiving special education services in achieving their individualized reading goals."
2023: Named Chair of the Democratic Governors Association
In 2023, Tim Walz was named chair of the Democratic Governors Association, then stepped down.
March 2024: CNN Interview on Abortion
In a March 2024 interview with CNN's Kaitlin Collins, Tim Walz discussed abortion rights, emphasizing the need to "trust women to make their own health care decisions".
May 2024: Signed energy permitting reform bill
In May 2024, Tim Walz signed and implemented a bipartisan energy permitting reform bill, leading to criticism regarding the Line 3 pipeline expansion and protest response.
May 2024: End of the 93rd Minnesota Legislature
In May 2024, the 93rd Minnesota Legislature ended its session, having passed major reforms including paid leave, cannabis legalization, and codifying abortion rights, with Tim Walz calling it the "most productive session in Minnesota history".
June 2024: Signed Minnesota Debt Fairness Act
In June 2024, Tim Walz signed the Minnesota Debt Fairness Act, preventing healthcare providers from denying necessary treatment due to outstanding medical debt and protecting credit scores from medical debt impact.
July 2024: Met with Biden After Debate
In July 2024, Tim Walz was among 20 Democratic governors who met with Joe Biden at the White House after the first presidential debate, where Walz called the debate a "bad hit" for Biden's campaign.
July 22, 2024: Endorsed Kamala Harris
On July 22, 2024, Tim Walz endorsed Kamala Harris after 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 in the 2024 election.
August 2024: Addressed AFSCME
Addressing the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees in August 2024, Tim Walz stated, "when unions are strong, America is strong."
August 2024: Education Pipeline grants for workforce
In August 2024, Tim Walz had announced nearly $10 million to support Minnesota's special education workforce with The Education Pipeline grants, awarded by the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE). The program will support and train special education teachers in over 35 districts, charter schools, and cooperatives.
August 21, 2024: Accepted VP Nomination
On August 21, 2024, Tim Walz officially accepted the Democratic nomination for vice president at the 2024 Democratic National Convention.
October 2024: Favorability Rating
As of October 2024, Tim Walz had a +2.8 favorability rating.
2024: Democratic Nominee for Vice President
In 2024, Tim Walz was the Democratic nominee for vice president of the United States.
2040: Minnesota to obtain all electricity from carbon-free sources
By 2040, Minnesota is required to obtain all of its electricity from wind, solar, and other carbon-free sources, according to a law signed by Tim Walz in 2023.
