Timothy James (Tim) Walz recently has waltzed into the era of presidential politics.

He was chosen as the running mate to Democratic presidential candidate and front runner, Kamala Harris, current vice-president of the United States.  The Republican vice-presidential candidate is also an unknown, J. T. Vance.

Walz is the current governor of Minnesota.  The 60-year-old military veteran rose to the forefront with a series of plain-spoken television appearances in the days following President Joe Biden's decision to withdraw from the presidential election.  Prior to his gubernatorial life, Wenz served in the Minnesota U. S. House of Representatives from 2007-2019.

Some things to know about Walz include:

·      He comes from rural America and was born in West Point, Nebraska.  Joining the Army National Guard, he later began teaching in Nebraska.

·      In the 1990’s, he and his wife, Gwen, moved to Minnesota when he began teaching social studies and coached high school football.

·      He served 24 years in the Army National Guard and retired as a command sergeant major, one of the military’s highest enlisted ranks.

·      He has a proven ability to connect with conservative voters.

·      In his first Congressional race in 2006, he defeated a Republican incumbent.

·      During six terms in the U.S. House, Walz championed veteran’s issues.

·      His down-to-earth side is evident with his daughter, Hope, and their together activities.

·      He could help the ticket in key Midwestern states.

·      He’s been a champion of Democratic causes, including Union organization, worker’s rights, and a $15-an-hour minimum wage.

·      He has experience with divided government.

·      He favors the legalization of the recreational use of marijuana.

·      He also favors the protection of transgender youth.

·      His state is located next door to Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania – states which they need to win the presidential election.

·      Walz and lawmakers in Minnesota eliminated nearly all abortion restrictions in the past by Republicans. 

·      He supported free school meals for children; free tuition at public colleges for students in families earning less than $80,000 a year; a family and medical leave program; and health insurance regardless of a person’s immigration status.

·      He referred to Donald Trump and J. D. Vance as “just weird.”

Walz was born on April 6, 1964 in West Point, Nebraska.  In 1994, he married Gwen Whipple and they are the parents of two children.  He received his Masters Degree from Minnesota State University.  He served in the United States Army from 1981-2005.  He is an active member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.  In retrospect, Walz was arrested on a “driving under the influence” charge in 1995 and he has been a teetotaler since that time.

On Tuesday, August 6, 2024, Harris officially selected Walz as her running mate.  Prior to his selection, there were several persons reported to be on the vice-president’s shortlist.

Walz is the first governor to be placed on a Democratic ticket for president or vice president since William Jefferson (Bill) Clinton in 1992.  Clinton’s vice president, Al Gore of Carthage, TN, reflected on Walz’s appointment on Tuesday, “I’ve seen Tim Walz in action and have worked with him.  He is a proven leader on climate and knows the issue inside and out.  As Vice President Harris’ running mate, his climate credentials make him a valuable asset on an issue that demands urgent action if we want to build a better future for our country.”